Discipline
At WCPS, we believe the primary goal of discipline is to teach children self-discipline and self-control. This discipline approach recognizes and values children as human beings. We believe children should be treated with respect and balance their freedom with responsibilities. This is accomplished by setting limits, providing choices within those limits and using natural and logical consequences as the basis for discipline. Positive reinforcement and redirection allow our teachers to guide children as they make behavioral choices.
Children who are encouraged to make decisions learn their choices count. They can make mistakes and learn from them. These children have a sense of control and power in their lives and are responsible for their actions. At all times, we strive for the children to develop compassion for other’s feelings. It is our goal to eliminate conflict and replace it with cooperation and mutual respect. We believe this is a worthy and achievable goal. We welcome discussions regarding behavior and have a resource library available for parent’s use.
Teachers focus on each child’s social/emotional development and plan curriculum experiences that assist them to learn the skills needed to regulate their emotions, behaviors and attention. Teachers plan varied opportunities for children to develop a sense of competence and positive attitudes towards entering into social groups, developing friendships, learning to help and other pro-social behaviors. Our teachers never use physical punishment, threats or derogatory remarks, engage in psychological abuse, or withhold or threaten to withhold food as a form of discipline.
