Proverbs 10:17 tells us “He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.” It is our desire for Westgate students to be salt and light in the world, showing others the way to live and not leading others astray!

Children cannot become self-disciplined unless adults teach them right from wrong. At Westgate, children will be taught the expectations for correct behavior and encouraged to live and act accordingly. When children know something is wrong, and choose to do it anyway, negative consequences will follow to communicate that there is a price to be paid for misbehavior. This is in line with God’s relationship to us. He has given us His Word so that we may know how to live, and He has promised to discipline us if we belong to Him. (Proverbs 3:11-12 – My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.)

Disruptive Behavior which distracts from the full benefit of the preschool program, will result in negative consequences. The following behaviors are considered disruptive:

• Requires constant attention from the staff
• Inflicts physical or emotional harm on other children, adults or self
• Disrespects people and materials provided in the program
• Disobeys the rules established to enable a community of learners
• Verbally threatens other students and/or staff
• Uses verbal or physical activity that diverts attention away from the group of
  children

Discipline Policies and Procedures
A very important part of the preschool experience is helping children learn how to get along in the world and enjoy being with other children as well as following the direction of an adult other than their parent. The teachers will focus on the positive behaviors of the children and reinforce those behaviors as often as possible.

Our discipline policy will consist of the following strategies:

1. Encouraging children to use their words when having a disagreement with another child. Facilitating children in their attempts to settle their own disputes.
2. Redirecting behavior when this seems potentially effective.
3. Separating a child from the group – one minute away for each year of age.
4. Counseling children individually about their behaviors.
5. Making parents aware of disciplinary concerns.
6. Discipline concerns will be addressed in an accident/incident report. This will be completed to document any inappropriate behaviors that directly impact other children, staff members or the group as a whole. This report will be shared with the parent and will explain the behavior and how the behavior has affected others. It will also explain how the situation was resolved. These incident reports will be presented to the parents at the time of pick up, but in extreme or chronic situations, a more formal conference with the parent may be needed. Parents of all children involved in the incident will be notified by note, phone or conference. The incident form should be signed by the parent and returned to the office to be placed in the child’s file.
7. If the behaviors persist to a state considered chronic or are extreme, Mrs. Barratt will be asked to conference with the family to find the best solution for the student. It may be necessary for the child to be sent home for a time to be determined, or removed from the preschool program altogether.
8. Parents should note that information about other children cannot be disclosed in your child’s accident/incident reports. This is in keeping with our confidentiality practice.
9. Corporal punishment is not used at Westgate Christian Academy.

Reasons for Dismissal
Westgate Christian Academy reserves the right to terminate services due to a parent’s failure to adhere to school policies or procedures, or when a child’s repeated negative behavior or extensive special needs prevent staff from providing adequate care. Parents will have at least two weeks notice to plan for termination of services. Tuition will be required during the two week period.