Religious and Celebration Policies
In respect for all families, holiday and birthday celebrations are for families to celebrate privately according to personal beliefs and values. Birthdays and holidays are not celebrated at the Center.

Commitment to Non-violence
Corporal punishment will not be used. We will not hit, spank, or humiliate children. We also want to ensure all children understand they will not be hurt at the ELFCC. For this reason, families will not be permitted to hit or spank children while here. We encourage families to discuss ways positive discipline can be used at home with staff.

We ask families help us provide a nurturing environment by ensuring child do not come to school in clothing that reinforces violent characters or actions. And of course, children may not bring a weapon (toy or real) to school.

Discipline
ELFCC teachers are educated to set-up environments and activities that encourage appropriate behavior. As children experiment with behaviors, staff offers discipline as a learning tool and to help ensure a safe and positive experience for all. A positive discipline approach that includes setting limits, discussion, and logical consequences is used at the Center. There are three principle rules which are communicated to the children: 1) Respect for people; 2) Respect for self; and 3) Respect for property.

Redirection or ignoring behavior enacted to obtain a response are considered appropriate for dealing with minor forms of misbehavior. If a child continues to be disruptive or threaten harm to another child or program equipment, he/she will be removed from the immediate area. Children are held accountable for their behavior and are encouraged to make responsible choices. Children are also encouraged to use their language and express their emotions, ideas, and needs.

Note: Other policies on attendance, late arrivals, appropriate dress and other similar policies are outlined in detail in the Family Handbook. Please review this document for this information.