HOPE KIDZ DISCIPLINE & BEHAVIOR POLICY
Discipline will always be implemented in a positive, patient, and grace-filled way that focuses on helping and discipling the students instead of enforcing punishments. When discipline is necessary to keep a safe and effective environment for everyone, here are three steps Hope Kidz will follow:
1. Redirect-2 years old - 1st grade: Get on the child’s level and look them in the eye. Give a verbal warning, explaining very shortly why the behavior is not acceptable. Give a positive suggestion for the right way to act or behave, and help them do it. e.g., “We keep our feet on the floor so we do not get hurt. Please keep your feet on the floor.”
2nd-5th grade: Give a calm respectful verbal warning including the expected behavior. e.g., “Please raise your hand to speak and allow me to finish speaking first.”
2. Remove-When the student does not obey when you give them a re-direction, it may be necessary to remove them from the situation or activity so they can calm down and prepare to rejoin the service. Place them in an area away from the other students (DO NOT LEAVE THE STUDENT ALONE) for one minute equal to their age. Repeat the desired behavior then bring the student back in. Please ask for help if needed.
3. Refer-When the student repeats the behavior discussed, refer the child to your ministry leader for assistance and support. Never attempt to physically discipline a child, belittle a child, use sarcasm or negative comments directed towards the student or administer any type of corporal punishment. The Children’s Ministry will reinforce the expectated behavior in a respectful conversation.
4. Parent/guardian will be required to IMMEDIATELY pick their student when the following behaviors occur:
-Physically hurting another student or leader at any time is an automatic phone call to parent/guardian for IMMEDIATE pick up from the program.
-Disrespectful comments to other students or leaders, after discipline policy has been followed.
-Refusing to obey the ministry leader's direction, after discipline policy has been followed.
-Leaving the classroom without permission, after discipline policy has been followed.
ADDING THE GOSPEL IN DISCIPLINE (in love): The word “disciple” is in discipline. “At Hope Kidz, discipline is an opportunity to disciple. We do not simply correct behavior; we shepherd hearts. Through love, grace, truth, and restoration, we help children understand that Jesus loves them, forgives them, and empowers them to live in a way that honors God.”
Thank you for partnering with us to disciple your children so that every child has the opportunity to learn and grow in Christ.
Blessings,
Anesheia and the Hope Kidz Ministry Team
Discipline will always be implemented in a positive, patient, and grace-filled way that focuses on helping and discipling the students instead of enforcing punishments. When discipline is necessary to keep a safe and effective environment for everyone, here are three steps Hope Kidz will follow:
1. Redirect-2 years old - 1st grade: Get on the child’s level and look them in the eye. Give a verbal warning, explaining very shortly why the behavior is not acceptable. Give a positive suggestion for the right way to act or behave, and help them do it. e.g., “We keep our feet on the floor so we do not get hurt. Please keep your feet on the floor.”
2nd-5th grade: Give a calm respectful verbal warning including the expected behavior. e.g., “Please raise your hand to speak and allow me to finish speaking first.”
2. Remove-When the student does not obey when you give them a re-direction, it may be necessary to remove them from the situation or activity so they can calm down and prepare to rejoin the service. Place them in an area away from the other students (DO NOT LEAVE THE STUDENT ALONE) for one minute equal to their age. Repeat the desired behavior then bring the student back in. Please ask for help if needed.
3. Refer-When the student repeats the behavior discussed, refer the child to your ministry leader for assistance and support. Never attempt to physically discipline a child, belittle a child, use sarcasm or negative comments directed towards the student or administer any type of corporal punishment. The Children’s Ministry will reinforce the expectated behavior in a respectful conversation.
4. Parent/guardian will be required to IMMEDIATELY pick their student when the following behaviors occur:
-Physically hurting another student or leader at any time is an automatic phone call to parent/guardian for IMMEDIATE pick up from the program.
-Disrespectful comments to other students or leaders, after discipline policy has been followed.
-Refusing to obey the ministry leader's direction, after discipline policy has been followed.
-Leaving the classroom without permission, after discipline policy has been followed.
ADDING THE GOSPEL IN DISCIPLINE (in love): The word “disciple” is in discipline. “At Hope Kidz, discipline is an opportunity to disciple. We do not simply correct behavior; we shepherd hearts. Through love, grace, truth, and restoration, we help children understand that Jesus loves them, forgives them, and empowers them to live in a way that honors God.”
Thank you for partnering with us to disciple your children so that every child has the opportunity to learn and grow in Christ.
Blessings,
Anesheia and the Hope Kidz Ministry Team