In AdventureLand we seek to provide an atmosphere of learning for all children that is engaging, loving, and encouraging. We desire that children will experience God’s love through their classroom learning and by the relationships they build with our AdventureLand staff.

In order to provide a conducive learning environment for our children we have set forth the following policies concerning appropriate classroom behavior and discipline. This policy is based on the idea that discipline and correction are necessary for children to grow and mature in their personal relationship with God, as well as other kids and adults. Disruptive behavior that shows defiance for class rules, disrespect for staff and/or other students or physical or emotional aggression toward staff or fellow students will be dealt with in an age appropriate manner.

The Nursery

Discipline in the Nursery Department consists of redirecting children and refocusing their attention away from behaviors that are inappropriate. Toddlers that bite other children and staff or who demonstrate aggressive behavior repeatedly will removed from the classroom.

What is expected of our Preschool age children

We believe that children 3, 4, and 5 years of age should be learning to develop the skills of self control and cooperative play. They should be learning to follow simple directions, respect for authority, and should be mastering their manners.

Preschool Discipline Policy

Should there be a situation when a child becomes uncooperative and noncompliant within the classroom, the following steps will be taken:

1. The child will receive a verbal warning that such behavior is not acceptable and encouraged in how to make a better choice.
2. If the child persists in inappropriate behavior he/she will be separated from the group (within the classroom) and given a “time-out”. Parents/Guardian will be informed if a time out occurs.
3. If a child receives 3 warnings in one classroom period, he/she will be removed from the classroom. Parents/Guardian will be paged to pick up their child and the child will be sent home with a Time Out/ Alternative Action Plan.

What is expected of our Primary children

Our Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd graders are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful manner toward their classmates and teachers. They are expected to be learning to function as a team and developing appropriate social skills and manners.

Primary Discipline Policy

Children exhibiting behavior that is disruptive or uncooperative will be given the following disciplinary actions:

1. The child will receive a verbal warning reminding them that such behavior is not acceptable, and encouraged in how to make a better choice.
2. If the child persists in inappropriate behavior he/she will receive a second warning and the child will be relocated within the classroom (i.e. sat at a different table). Parents/Guardian will be informed if a time out occurs.
3. If a child receives 3 warnings in one classroom period, he/she will be removed from the classroom. Parents/Guardian will be paged to pick up their child and the child will be sent home with a Time Out/Alternative Action Plan.

What is expected of our Middler children

School age children (3rd, 4th, 5th grade) are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful, responsible, and resourceful manner toward both staff and fellow students. Middlers should be learning to modify their behavior when corrected, and should be exercising self-discipline.

Middler Discipline Policy

Children that exhibit behavior that is disruptive or uncooperative will be given the following disciplinary actions:

1. The child will receive a verbal warning reminding them that such behavior is not acceptable, and encourage in how to make a better choice.
2. If the child persist in inappropriate behavior he/she will be given a second warning and the child will be relocated within the classroom (i.e. sat at a different table). Parents/ Guardians will be informed if a time out occurs.
3. If a child receives 3 warnings in one class period, he/she will be removed from the classroom. Parents/Guardians will be paged to pick up their child and the child will be sent home with a Time Out/Alternative Action Plan.

Other Discipline Specifics

• Inappropriate language (from the mouth or inappropriate body language) will not be tolerated in AdventureLand. Language and gestures that are rude, violent, racist, vulgar, or disrespectful toward any staff person or fellow student will result in an automatic and immediate expulsion from AdventureLand. Re-entry into the class will require a completed Time Out/Alternative Action Plan and a meeting with the AdventureLand Coordinator.
• Violent behavior (whether intended or completed) toward any staff member or fellow student will result in and immediate and automatic expulsion from AdventureLand and reentry will require a completed Time Out/Alternative Action Plan and a meeting with the AdventureLand Coordinator.
• Disrespect toward a teacher for their authority in the classroom, or disrespect toward a fellow student (including rudeness, vulgarity, or resulting in a put down or name calling of that student) will result in automatic expulsion from AdventureLand. A completed Time Out/Alternative Action Plan must be completed and a meeting with the AdventureLand Coordinator must be completed before re-entry into AdventureLand.

Repeat Offenders

Any children that find themselves receiving 3 Time Out /Alternative Action Plans will need to have Parents/Guardians set up a meeting with the Department Head and AdventureLand Coordinator. A Plan will be devised to correct the offending behavior and restore the child to the classroom.

Extreme behavior (violent, disrespectful, and vulgar) that becomes a consistent pattern for the child (i.e. 3 offenses in a row) will result in a suspension from AdventureLand for a minimum of 1 week and a maximum of 3 weeks. Each suspension will be dealt with on a case by case basis. If a child receives a suspension and returns to the classroom, but does not adjust his/her behavior, he/she will be subject to further suspensions from AdventureLand.

The Time Out/Alternative Action Plan

This is given to each child that is removed from an AdventureLand classroom as a result of behavior. It is to be completed by the child and Parents/Guardians. The staff will give written reason for removal from class. Parents/Guardians and children are responsible for completing the remainder of the form.

1. Children will be asked to repeat back (in written form) what they did that resulted in removal
2. They will list a better choice of action they could have made
3. They will give an example of how they will correct their behavior and handle the situation differently.

Once completed, the Time Out/Alternative Action Plan should be signed by Parent/Guardians and the AdventureLand Coordinator. Child are also expected to discuss what happened with the staff and to offer an apology for their behavior. If a child loses the Time Out/Alternative Action Plan he/she must obtain another. It must be completed before a child can re-enter the classroom.

The AdventureLand staff cares for and loves each child enrolled in our program. Where discipline in concerned, we have the best interest of all children at heart. Our staff will use respect, age appropriate language, and discretion when talking to children about their behavior. The goal of discipline in AdventureLand is to guide a child into appropriate, growing Christ-like behavior.