Our Policies

Guidance Takes Several Forms 

As young children explore their environment, they often test limits. They are just beginning to learn about consequences for behavior and when and how to be assertive. At Sunrise Preschools, we provide a positive and supportive environment for children as they gain independence and learn self-control. With a relaxed classroom atmosphere where the individual needs of each child are respected, children can feel supported and understood. They need this guidance and support from caregivers as they learn how the world works.

Here are some of the ways our staff provides this support and guidance:

• Expectations are limited to what children can understand at their developmental level.  We ensure that children understand what is expected with simple rules about keeping ourselves and others safe.
• Our classrooms are designed for children with hands-on, stimulating activities in our eight learning centers. Keeping children busy and engaged is the one of the best ways to prevent behavior issues.
• We model appropriate behavior and encourage children throughout the day to cooperate, problem solve and make positive choices. This includes positive reminders where we tell the children what we want them to do rather than using “no” or “don’t.”
• Distraction and Redirection– Often, stimulating a child’s interest in another activity can prevent or eliminate further difficulties. We might offer a duplicate toy or ask them to try an activity in a different area.
• Natural and Logical Consequences are used that children can understand. For example, throwing blocks might result in losing privileges in the block area for a short time.
• Renewal Time —Occasionally, a child needs to be removed from a situation due to an unsafe behavior. When this happens, children are moved to a quiet area for a brief time and provided a quiet activity to do while they consider their behavior. The teacher will talk with the child about what happened to guide them toward a more constructive choice next time.

Chronic Disruptive or Unsafe Behavior

As children explore and develop relationships with peers, it is not uncommon for them to occasionally act in non-constructive ways. At certain stages of child development, it is not unusual for children to express themselves by hitting, pushing or even biting. Learning to communicate their feelings and developing self-control takes time for children. When we have behavior incidents that result in one child harming another, we will notify the parents of each child in writing and family confidentiality will always be respected.

Most children react well to redirection, however, there may be instances where a situation becomes too disruptive or excessive.  We are here to serve and protect all of the children and we will make every effort to work with the parents of children having difficulties in our schools. Parent conferences, action plans or other options may be required for children displaying behavior that places the well-being of others at risk of injury.