ESCC Parent's Handbook -- Section IV

CLOTHING/ATTIRE

Children should arrive dressed for play (their work). We like to have fun! Having fun involves outdoor play and lots of potentially messy activities, so make sure that your child is dressed appropriately. Clothing should be comfortable and weather appropriate. Make sure to include hats, mittens, boots and coats for cold weather. A pair of slippers that can easily be put on when boots come off is an excellent idea. We also ask parents to provide a complete change of clothes (shirt, pants, socks, and underwear) in case of an accident. These clothes should be put in a plastic bag labeled with your child’s name. You will be asked to update these clothes seasonally.

DIAPERING POLICY

For children who are not yet toilet trained, diapers will be changed regularly when soiled or wet. Children will be washed and dried with single use disposable washcloths during each diaper change. Children and staff member will was hands with liquid soap after each change. You are asked to provide diapers, and wipes for your child. No child shall be punished, verbally abused, or humiliated for soiling, wetting, or not using the toilet.

TOILET TRAINING POLICY

We believe that potty training can be an exciting part of your child’s development. When you feel your child is ready to start, please encourage him/her at home and share your progress with us. We will be happy to follow through here at the center, what you have initiated at home.

Sometimes children express an interest in potty training at the center before they express an interest at home, usually because they see their friends going on the potty. We will encourage their interest and share this information with you.

We believe in only positive reinforcement of potty training efforts. There should be no negative associations. Only your child can control his/her own bowel movements and urination. This is not an area to set up a power struggle. Incentives, such as stickers and special big boy/girl underwear, would be appropriate.

GUIDANCE POLICY

We maintain a positive guidance policy, which focuses on prevention, redirection, love, consistency and firmness. Guidance is used in a positive way to teach children acceptable behavior rather than emphasizing unacceptable behavior. Guidance helps a child develop self control, self-respect, and respect for others and their property. It also helps a child prepare to live in society.

Methods of discipline will be used in this order:

Prevention – Our environment is designed so that restrictions are minimal. We praise acceptable behavior and emphasize what a child should do rather than what they should not do.
Teach – Lessons provide opportunities for children to learn and practice appropriate behaviors.
Model – Staff provide role models of appropriate behaviors.
Deter – Alternate activities are suggested rather than the unacceptable activity.
1-2-3 Magic, Effective Discipline for Children 2-12 years by Thomas Phelan.
At 3, Time Out – The child will be removed from the unacceptable behavior by sitting in a designated chair to calm down and think about the unacceptable behavior, they will be allowed to return when they are ready to join the group with acceptable behavior.

Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES will there be any spanking, physical abuse, verbal abuse, name calling or isolation used. Neither food nor sleep will ever be withheld from children as a means of punishment.

If a discipline problem arises that does not respond to the above-mentioned techniques, we will hold a conference with the parents. Together, we will try to find a solution.

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