Children will be treated with Christ-like respect at all times. When a child is having a difficult time following directions or treating others or equipment with respect, developmentally appropriate guidance techniques are used. These techniques are as follows: (Use of corporal punishment is illegal in Virginia)
Positive Reinforcement: The child will be encouraged when he/she is demonstrating acceptable behavior.
Redirection: The child is redirected to another activity and given an opportunity to try again at another time.
“When… Then” Statements: A statement in which the child is encouraged to accomplish something before going on to something else. Sample: “When you finish picking up the blocks, then you can go outside.”
“If… Then” Statements: A statement is which the child is encouraged to make a positive choice. Sample: “If you pick up the blocks, then you can go to the Dramatic Play area.”

Discipline

Behavioral problems will first be handled by an age appropriate seating in a quiet seat. If the child does not respond, he/she may be required to spend a short period in the director's office. Older children may loose a portion of their recess time. Corporal punishment will not be a means of discipline. More severe incidents will be referred to the parent at the end of the day by phone if need be. Continuous misbehavior that has not been corrected and causes harm to staff or other children (i.e., biting, hitting, cursing, consistent disrespect, etc.) may result in the temporary expulsion of the child until the parents can correct the problem.
Take A Break: The child is separated from the group for a child-regulated period of time. This technique is used only when a child is exhibiting temper tantrum type behavior or hurting self, others, or equipment. When the child shows that he/she is ready to demonstrate acceptable behavior, the child is encouraged to join the rest of the group and try again.

(Use of corporal punishment is illegal in Virginia)

TOILET TRAINING: Although we require children to be potty trained, we may consider final pull-up stages. We will work with parents/guardians to initiate potty training when the individual child shows interest. In order to be successful in this training, it is important that both parent/guardian and staff are consistent in their techniques. Cleanliness and hand washing will also be strictly enforced during the training process.

EVALUATIONS may be performed and recorded four times a year by your child’s teacher. Conferences will be scheduled three times during the academic school year: October, February & May. Additional parent conferences are available upon request.

ADJUSTMENT

WHAT IS NORMAL:
It is normal for your child to have some fears and misgivings about being away from you. Children, like adults, need time to adjust to new situations. Try to prepare your child for the changes as far in advanced as possible.
Discuss any concerns. Talk about some of the new people your child will meet and the new things your child will be able to learn and do. If you are enthusiastic, soon your child will be too.
FIRST EXPERIENCE:
If this is the first time your child has been separated from you, it is natural for he/she to be hesitant. A cheerful good-bye kiss, a smile, and a reassuring word that you will be back after work is all you need to do. Our caring staff will take it from there. Please do not sneak out when your child is not looking. Usually the child will settle down shortly after you leave. We will call you should they become so upset as to cause concern or suspicion that something more serious could be wrong.
COMMON BEHAVIORS:
Depending on their age, some children will “act out” their feelings by:

1. Clinging to you and refusing to let go
2. Having tantrums
3. Forgetting their toilet training (Please provide an extra clothes/underwear through adjustment periods)
4. Not eating
5. Waking up at night or having bad dreams
6. Thumb sucking
7. Bed-wetting
8. Expressing desire to stay home

WHAT TO DO:
Usually these problems are temporary. If your child is treated lovingly but firmly, this behavior should go away. Please feel free to call the Harbour TugBoats Daycare when you arrive at work. Chances are that your child will be busy playing and you can relax and concentrate on work. Remember, we pray over you and your child daily, and will certainly be as comforting and nurturing as possible. We are a childcare ministry, not a business.