Policies

Inclusion

Classroom

The ELC provides equal opportunity for children and staff, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, nationality, creed, sexual orientation, marital status, age or handicap in accordance with Title IX of the Educational Amendments for 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The building is wheelchair accessible. If your child needs special accommodations, please talk with administrative staff.

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 ELC. 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 children 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

Clock and schedule

ELC 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.

Last Updated August 29, 2022