Our approach: When a child breaks a rule, we respond with calm, consistent consequences — and then we work to understand why it happened so we can prevent it next time. Consequences without understanding doesn't teach. Understanding without consequences doesn't protect.
The 4 Rules
These rules apply to all children, all the time, in all settings. We teach them through stories, role-play, and daily practice.
How We Respond
Not all incidents are the same. A child grabbing a toy is different from a child hurting someone on purpose. Our response matches the severity — clear, predictable, and fair.
Examples
- • Pushing or shoving (no injury)
- • Grabbing toys
- • Mean words or teasing
- • Not sharing or waiting turn
- • Excluding others from play
What Happens
Playtime pauses briefly. The child chooses a calm activity (watering plants, cleaning toys, etc.) until they're ready to rejoin. Then they get a fresh start — no lecture, no lingering consequences.
Parent communication: Verbal update at pickup if notable. Written note if 3+ incidents in one week.
Examples
- • Repeated minor incidents (3+ in a week)
- • Targeting a specific child
- • Breaking materials on purpose
- • Rough play causing minor injury
- • Refusing to follow safety rules
What Happens
Free play is done for the day. The child sits with a teacher doing a quiet activity for the rest of the play period. Before rejoining regular activities, they must make repair with the affected child.
Parent communication: Same-day message or call. If patterns continue, we schedule a meeting.
Examples
- • Physical aggression causing injury
- • Using objects to hurt others
- • Repeated pattern of harm
- • Threatening behavior
- • Behavior endangering others
What Happens
The child is removed from group activities immediately and supervised 1-on-1. Management is notified. Parents are called — same-day pickup may be required.
Parent communication: Immediate phone call. Incident report provided. Meeting required before child returns.
If Serious Incidents Continue
We believe in giving children chances to learn and grow. But we also have a responsibility to protect all children. Here's what happens when serious incidents continue:
Beyond Consequences
Consequences address the moment. But they don't solve the underlying problem. That's why we also work to understand why a child is struggling and help them develop the skills they need.
When patterns emerge, we use a process called ALSUP (Assessment of Lagging Skills and Unsolved Problems) to identify what's getting in the way. Then we work collaboratively — teachers, parents, and sometimes the child — to find solutions.
Learn more: Our Understanding Your Child page explains how we identify what's really going on when a child struggles. Our Our Approach page covers the philosophy behind working with children collaboratively.
What We Ask of Parents
This system works best when school and home are aligned. When we reach out about behavioral concerns, we ask that you:
- ✓Listen with an open mind — we're sharing concerns, not accusations
- ✓Attend meetings when requested
- ✓Try suggested strategies at home
- ✓Share information that might help us understand your child better
- ✓Work with us as partners, not adversaries
For families who engage with us this way, the results are often remarkable. Children develop new skills. Behaviors improve. Everyone feels supported.