Seattle, WA
Bertschi School

Discipline

OVERALL RATING (5.0)

Parents at this school, on average, believe that conflicts between children:
...are handled extraordinarily well in a way that not only gives me confidence in the safety of my child but also reassures me that my child (and his/her peers) are learning the early skills needed to socialize effectively with one another

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Director's Description to School's Approach to Discipline

Bertschi School has adopted the Committee for Children (Second Step) curriculum for teaching conflict resolution and positive community social skills. All employees working with children are responsible for learning the Second Step program so everyone uses the same methods and language to be consistent in educating our students.

We encourage children to work out conflicts using appropriate verbal skills. If needed, the teacher will act as mediator. Children are removed from the group if they cannot follow the rules, and are welcomed back when they are ready to cooperate. When a child has broken the rules, an age-appropriate contract will be drawn up between the child and the school.

Bertschi integrates a Manners Program into our everyday work with children:

Use Greetings
~ When greeted by someone, stop and respond with a greeting. (Hello, how are you? I am fine, thank you, how are you?)
Use Polite Words
~ Use polite words in conversation. (I beg your pardon, excuse me, I am sorry, please, thank you.)
Use Polite Action
~ Apologize (I am sorry) when you?ve made a mistake or hurt someone?s feelings.
~ Hold the door open for others.
~ Stop and listen when someone is talking to you.
Be Considerate of Others
~ Treat other people and their bodies with respect.
~ Promote good feelings among those in the Bertschi family by avoiding whispering, gossiping and name-calling.
~ Make an effort to include others.
~ Say yes when asked for help.
~ Take turns by raising your hand or waiting until others are finished talking.
~ Do apologize when you hurt someone?s feelings.
~ Use appropriate words to express your disagreement.
~ Always wait until it is your turn to talk, or jump rope, or walk through the door, or play a game, or ask a question!

Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety

Parent #1
I'm not sure how conflicts are resolved because I have not spent time in the classroom nor heard stories from my daughter. However, my daughter only has nice things to say about every child in her class and I believe that the teachers make all children feel like they have value and praise them for their contributions to class. Her school does not provide snacks on a regular basis. Parents pack lunch and snacks (two per day) that are supposed to be healthful. They do have special occasions (like a a child's birthday or Halloween when they are definitely getting some treats.

Parent #2
Bertschi is a great place!

Parent #3
The school provides no snacks and has brand new playground equipment. My daughter says she misses the sensory table at her old preschool and dislikes the lack of a slide and monkey bars at Bertschi.

Health

OVERALL RATING (4.1)
Temperature and overall air circulation is comfortable
Healthy and nutritious snacks are provided
Toys and furniture are cleaned regularly

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Safety

OVERALL RATING (4.7)
Screen and identify all visitors
Parents may not bring sick children to school where they may infect others

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Montessori? Waldorf? Play-based?

What school type is right for your child? Is one model better than another? What does the research say?

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This is a great memento from the holiday season. Dip your child's hand in white paint and press (read more)

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