Child Abuse Prevention
Abuse and neglect of the nation's children is a serious and highly prevalent problem. Cornerstone endeavors to meet its obligation to protect the children in its care from abuse and neglect in the following ways:
As "mandatory reporters," our staff is trained in child abuse detection and reporting requirements on an annual basis.
We check every child each day upon arrival. We seek explanations for injuries and complaints from the children.
Staff are attentive to changes in children's behaviors, moods, attitudes and expressions. Unusual patterns are noted and shared with parents.
We provide an "open care" environment with large rooms, many staff members constantly about, lots of windows, few doors and walls and an "open door policy" with regard to parental visits.
Positive identification is required from any adult entering the premises.
Children may not be removed from the Center except by duly authorized persons who have been positively identified.
We encourage parents to use child safety seats, sunscreens, and appropriate discipline.
We advise parents about nutrition, seasonal dress, typical and atypical child behavior and development.
We encourage families having difficulties with their children to avail themselves of competent counselling. We provide referrals on request.
Cornerstone is required by state law to report any evidence or suspicion that a child or children are being or have been abused or neglected directly to the state Department of Children and Families. We accept our charter as a "mandatory reporter" without
equivocation.
Discipline Policy
At Cornerstone we believe that self discipline is best. Children in an active, child-driven and engaging program rarely require discipline. Such an environment encourages children to develop respect for others, self-control and social adjustment.
We believe children will develop self discipline if we:
act as we expect them to act
set reasonable and positive expectations
respect their feelings and their need to express them
trust them to succeed
offer them good choices
calmly resolve issues
At Cornerstone we:
recognize and reinforce positive behaviors (all ages)
redirect children to choose alternative choices
(especially important for infants and younger toddlers)
initiate problem solving, determine and discuss appropriate behaviors (especially important for older toddlers and preschoolers).
Time Out
Time out is the only disciplinary sanction Cornerstone employs. Time out is appropriate for children 2.9 years in age and older only. Time out is not meant to be punitive as much as an opportunity for a child to regain self control. It is done in a non-specific space, aside from the main stream of activities, within the program space or in the office. Time out may only occur under continuous staff supervision and is limited to one minute for each year the child is in age.
Children who are disruptive, violent, crying inconsolably or those who are in the midst of a temper tantrum or other severe behavioral episode will visit in the office under one-on-one visual supervision for the period necessary to regain self-control physically and emotionally. It’s often easier for children who are experiencing big feelings to assimilate back into their peer group after they have had a change reset.
In the event of recurrent or severe behavioral concerns or issues, the Teacher/Center contacts the parent to discuss the concern(s) and possible solutions. The Center works with families and outside experts to develop a plan to modify the behavior. The Center may refer the family to a behavioral therapist/child psychologist. The Center may require this referral as a condition of continued enrollment.
Prohibited Methods of Discipline
Anything that would cause physical or emotional harm to a child, including but not limited to abusive, neglectful, corporal, humiliating, or frightening punishment, and physical restraint, unless such restraint is necessary to protect the health and safety of the child or other people, is prohibited.