Classroom Rules and Behavior System

Our focus is to provide a safe and nurturing environment in order to help the student learn self-control, to deal with frustration and to be a member of his classroom environment. Classroom rules emphasize being polite and friendly; following directions, and being safe and calm. The small, structured classroom offers the student consistency and a predictable routine. Teachers model verbal responses throughout the day and assist students with problem solving.

Toddler/Early Preschool Level
Children at this stage are learning about immediate causes and consequences.  A “first you do this, then you can do that” approach is used to help them start learning to connect their behavior with end results. Predictable routine and consistent consequences are most important at this level. Time out interventions are used to provide consequences for disruptive and aggressive behaviors. Therapeutic holds are used if aggressive behaviors towards themselves or others continue.

Preschool and Kindergarten Level
During circle time and story time group activities, the children have the opportunity to earn chips or tokens when they have been following group rules. Group rules involve:
Hands on lap
Bottom on floor
Quiet mouth
Do your work

Students have the opportunity to trade in their chips once they fill up their chip card with 5 chips. They trade in chips for a small trinket or a small edible.

Throughout the day, students are further encouraged to make positive choices regarding their participation with the classroom group and the classroom environment. We focus on using manners with peers and adults, on following the daily routine safely and respectfully, and on respecting their own and other’s property. When students cannot be redirected verbally to make polite and safe choices, a time out intervention away from the activity is utilized. Therapeutic holds are used when a child attempts to hurt him/herself or others or is demonstrating out of control behavior which may result in someone getting hurt.