Discipline Policy

The intent of Apple Tree's discipline policy is to provide a positive approach to discipline. The environment of Apple Tree is such that it limits the amount of competition among preschoolers. The learning process involves teaching children to resolve their difficulties in a positive manner and develop self-control.

Occasionally, a child will have trouble controlling his/her behaviour and will interfere with another child's work or disrupt a group's activity. At this time the teacher will attempt to redirect his/her attention in a firm, kind and flexible manner, by offering choices of other activities and/or behaviour. The child will be given three opportunities to improve the behaviour. If the child does not respond positively to any of the choices offered, the teacher will separate the child from the other children to a quiet place somewhere close by in the classroom where he/she can still see the other children. The child will remain there until he/she has settled and he/she feels ready to rejoin the group.

Any form of physical, emotional or verbal abuse and/or punishment will not be permitted. No staff member will deny or threaten to deny any basic necessity to a child and will not be permitted the use of any form of physical restraint, confinement or isolation unless a child’s safety is of concern. Any child disciplinary action taken must be reasonable in the circumstances.

If a child has significant problems co-operating with peers or teachers, his/her parents will be contacted and a mutually satisfactory approach will be agreed upon.