At Parkdale Early Childhood Centre, discipline includes the interactions between staff and children. Our aim is to assist children in developing self-control, self-confidence, and, ultimately, self-discipline and sensitivity in their relationships. In discipline, we recognize the following levels:

1. Encouragement - every effort is made by the staff to understand and appreciate the uniqueness of each child. The centre's environment encourages positive behaviors within easy-to-follow routines and children are encouraged to use appropriate language in solving their problems with each other.
2. Prevention - clear and simple limits are set in a positive way. In matters of routines, limits, and expected behaviors, the children are given time to respond. The staff move around within the children's play areas, so they are readily able to step in and assist should they anticipate potential difficulties. In addition, while the children are encouraged to try to solve their own problems, staff are readily available as a resource for the children. Children's positive behavior is awarded with plenty of positive reinforcement.
3. Intervention - when behavior exceeds limits, a staff member will remind the child of the limit. If the reminder is ignored then the staff will remind the child of the natural and logical consequences of their behavior. Should the behavior continue, the child would be redirected to another activity.
4. On occasion, when the inappropriate behavior continues with all other measures proving ineffective, the child may need to be removed from play for a short 'time out'.