Disciplinary Policy

At South Bend Navigators Inc, we are committed to fostering a positive, respectful, and safe environment where children can thrive both academically and personally. We believe in upholding high standards of behavior and promoting self-discipline through clear expectations and consistent enforcement. Our discipline policy aims to guide children toward responsible behavior, encourage personal growth, and address misbehavior in a fair and constructive manner.

This policy outlines the various steps we take to address misbehavior, focusing on providing children with opportunities to learn from their mistakes while maintaining a positive educational environment.

General Principles:

1. Respect and Responsibility: We believe that respect for others and personal responsibility are the foundation of a successful learning environment. Children are expected to treat teachers, staff, peers, and school property with kindness and consideration.
2. Clear Expectations: All children are made aware of behavioral expectations at the start of each school year, and they are regularly reminded of the importance of appropriate behavior.
3. Fairness and Consistency: Our discipline policy is implemented fairly and consistently to ensure that every child understands the consequences of their actions and is treated equitably.

Disciplinary Options: In the event of misbehavior, South Bend Navigators Inc. utilizes a range of disciplinary options, based on the severity of the behavior and the age of the child. The goal is to help the child reflect on their actions, learn from the experience, and make better choices moving forward.

1. Warnings:

   • First Step in Discipline: For minor infractions or first-time misbehaviors, a verbal warning will be issued by the teacher or staff member involved. This provides the child with an opportunity to correct their behavior and reflect on their actions before further consequences are necessary.
   • Purpose: Warnings are intended to give the child a chance to change their behavior without escalating the situation, allowing them to understand that their actions were not appropriate.

2. Timeout:

   • Second Step in Discipline: If a child continues to misbehave after receiving a warning, or if the behavior is more disruptive, a timeout may be implemented. Timeout is a brief period in which the child is removed from the group or classroom environment to allow them to calm down, reflect, and regain control of their emotions and actions.
   • Purpose: Timeout is not a punishment but a constructive opportunity for the child to separate themselves from the situation, helping them better understand their behavior and the importance of self-regulation.

3. Corporal Punishment:

   • When It Is Used: In extreme cases of misbehavior, where other forms of discipline have not been effective, corporal punishment may be considered. Corporal punishment is administered in a manner that is respectful and intended solely to correct behavior.
   • Guidelines: Any corporal punishment will be performed by a trained staff member, and the process will adhere to the guidelines established by South Bend Navigators Inc. in order to maintain safety.
   • Purpose: The goal of corporal punishment is to provide the child with a strong reminder of the importance of following behavioral expectations and to prevent further disruptions to the learning environment. This approach is only used when deemed necessary and appropriate by school leadership.

General Guidelines for All Disciplinary Measures:

• Reflection and Understanding: After each disciplinary action, children will be encouraged to reflect on their behavior and understand the impact of their actions on others. Discussions with staff, parents, or guardians may occur to ensure that the child understands why their behavior was inappropriate and how to improve in the future.
• Parental Involvement: Parents or guardians will be contacted regarding any significant or recurring behavioral issues. This ensures that the family is informed and can collaborate with the school to help the child develop more positive behavior.
• Repeated Misbehavior: If a child continues to misbehave despite multiple disciplinary interventions, additional measures such as behavioral contracts, meetings with parents, or involvement of external support services may be considered. In extreme cases, suspension or expulsion could be an option, though this is a rare last resort.

Specific Guidelines for Corporal Punishment:

• Implement Used: It will be up to the teacher to determine, based on the child’s age, size, emotional state, and the individual circumstances whether to use their hand, a lighter implement such as a wooden spoon, ruler, or hairbrush, or a paddle supplied by South Bend Navigators Inc.
• State of Dress: Corporal Punishment will nearly always be administered to the seat of the child’s outermost layer of clothing (I.E. Pants); however the teacher reserves the right (if approved by the Executive Director) in cases of severe or repeat misbehavior to administer said punishment to the seat of the child’s underpants, or bare/uncovered bottom. This option is not often used and may ONLY be done by a teacher of the same birth gender as the child.
• Amount of Swats: The amount of swats given will vary greatly depending on the circumstances but shall be no less than one (1) and no more than a total of two (2) swats per year of the child’s age if given by hand/lighter implement or one (1) swat per year of the child’s age if given by paddle.
• Witness Required: Any time that Corporal Punishment is administered, a witness is required. This witness may include a child’s parent or guardian, a volunteer, or an electronic recording of the event.

Conclusion: South Bend Navigators Inc. seeks to provide an environment where children feel safe, respected, and empowered to make positive choices. Our discipline policy is designed to help guide children through the process of understanding the consequences of their actions and to encourage personal growth. We are committed to maintaining a supportive and effective educational experience for all children, where both positive and corrective measures are balanced in the best interests of the child and the school community.

If you have any questions or concerns about our discipline policy, please do not hesitate to contact the school office. We value the partnership between families and school staff and look forward to working together to help all children succeed.

Approved Paddle: Solid Wood, 1/2 an inch thick, No holes