PS 154 AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM DISCIPLINE CODE

The PS 154 After School is an opt-in, tuition-based program available to all PS 154 families. 

Our goal is to provide all children with an opportunity to learn, make friends, and have fun in a safe and caring environment. That said, not all extended day activities and clubs are right for every child. If a child is struggling with behavior regulation during After School, we are committed to working with families to determine if our program is the right fit. To that end, we have outlined the following discipline code.

Discipline is the ongoing process of helping children develop inner controls while assuming responsibility for their actions. We accomplish this by:

  • Setting clear and understandable rules & limits for all children including:

    • we use our words, not our bodies, to solve problems

    • we do not exclude other children

    • we do not use hurtful language

    • we do not hurt ourselves, others, or damage property

    • we can ask adults for help

  • Encouraging children to resolve their own conflicts using appropriate language

  • Providing support for conflict resolution

  • Consistently enforcing appropriate consequences when necessary

The PS 154 After School follows the Caring Community Code:

  • We treat each other with kindness and respect

  • We treat our physical surroundings with respect

  • We are careful with each others’ bodies and feelings

  • We are careful with the physical surroundings and materials used during After School activities

  • We ask for help when we’re not sure what to do

  • We are honest and fair and always try to do our best

PS 154 After School is an Inclusive Program:

  • We welcome all children in the PS 154 school community regardless of abilities. 

  • PS 154 After School is not a DOE-program, therefore services indicated by individualized education plans (IEPs) are not part of the After School program. 

  • For example, if your child has a para-professional assigned to them during the school day, this service does not carry over into the After School program.

  • In keeping with the guidelines set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act, the After School administration will work directly with families to make reasonable accommodations to meet the emotional, social, and physical needs of all children, including those children with special education and/or protected status. 

All children are expected to:

  • Respect the rules and limits set by the staff

  • Use appropriate language to communicate concerns to peers, staff, and instructors

  • Engage in conflict resolution

Parents are responsible for:

  • Reiterating After School rules and limits

  • Participating in developing behavior plans for children when necessary

  • Bringing any concerns or complaints concerning their child’s care or participation in our program to the attention of the program director

  • Treating all After School staff members with respect, including using appropriate language in verbal and written communication

As a staff we will:

  • Engage children in meaningful activity to prevent problems from occurring in the first place

  • Maintain realistic behavior expectations

  • Clearly communicate rules to children and their families

  • Listen to children who are distressed

  • Encourage children to participate in problem-solving and conflict resolution

  • Remove children from a situation in which they are not able to calmly and safely resolve conflict

  • Provide logical and natural consequences for children's actions

  • Involve parents when necessary

  • Handle parent concerns promptly and confidentially

When a child behaves in a way that merits disciplinary action, the following steps will be taken in the order in which they are listed below:

  • Give a verbal reminder of appropriate behavior.

  • Give the child a chance to regroup outside of the classroom or playground area before returning to the group activity.

  • If the child is unable to rejoin the group successfully, an alternative activity will be provided and the Program Director will provide a report (either verbal or written) to the family within 24 hours of the incident.

  • If a child engages in disruptive behavior including screaming, hitting, biting, physically hurting or intimidating other children or staff members, leaving the room or playground area without permission, or physically harming the space or materials being used, then the child will be provided with an alternative activity for the rest of the day. 

  • Additionally, the staff and Director will use their discretion as to whether a distressed child should be picked up early by a family member or care-giver from After School that day.  

  • Consequences may additionally include writing a 4-Square apology, missing a club session the following week, or being suspended from the program.

  • If disruptions and conflicts occur on a regular basis, the Director will work with the family to determine if participating in a different after school activity (such as a different club or extended day activity) may be a better fit for the child. 

  • If reasonable efforts have been made to curb disruptive, disrespectful, or otherwise inappropriate behavior children may be suspended or expelled from the program without a refund. 

  • In accordance with the ADA, children with disability status who repeatedly hit, bite, or physically harm others or require accommodations that fundamentally change the nature of the PS 154 After School program may be removed from the program.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s behavior while they are in the after school program, please do not hesitate to contact us.

 
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