Brooklyn, NY
Chickpeas Child Care

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

Time Outs' are never used as punishment. When children make mistakes, we try to talk things out and have them problem solve what could have been done differently, and have children emphasize with each other's feelings, 'how would you fell if Mary grabbed the block out of your hand', for example. We also repeat the rules, i.e. 'we don't hit' or 'you can't say you can't play'. Occasionally if a child is not cooperating or following the rules, they may be asked to step away from the situation in order to calm down or refocus. This is not a Time out, as there is no set time period. If a child regains control immediately, s/he may return to play. A teacher will also be there to help a child who is having trouble self regulating.

Director's Response to a Sample Discipline Scenario

Description of how teachers handle the following scenario: Child A and Child B are good friends and usually play together. One day, Child A decides to play with Child C and tells Child B, 'I don't want to play with you today. I'm playing with Child C instead.'


I would ask Child A what part Child B could play in the game. If Child A is resistant, I would respect their decision to explore new friendships. I would also encourage Child B to find someone else to play with or let them express their feelings to Child C or to me.

Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety

Parent #1
I would often see disputes resolved this way: the head teacher would talk about the situation with a small group and then the kids would vote: should hitting be allowed, or not allowed? Most disputes were well-handled and put to rest.

Parent #2
There is no time out policy. Children are encouraged to resolve disputes through talking to each other with the teacher acting as facilitator. Physical behavior such as kicking, biting, etc. is stopped immediately with the perpetrator given some time before being asked to discuss his/her behavior.

Health

OVERALL RATING (4.7)
Temperature and overall air circulation is comfortable
Healthy and nutritious snacks are provided More >
Toys and furniture are cleaned regularly

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Safety

OVERALL RATING (4.8)
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?

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View an example from the Savvy Source guide to learn more.

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