The Behavior Policy for the Religious Education program at UUFR is based on the Positive Behavior Support system. For more information on this system, how it is used in school systems and how it can be used at home, please visit the web site: http://www.pbis.org
Purpose
- To provide an environment that is physically and emotionally safe for all participants.
- To establish clear definitions of acceptable and unacceptable behavior and to promote a congregational-wide understanding of those definitions.
- To create a positive atmosphere that is conducive to learning.
- To provide program volunteers with guidelines to ensure that the response to inappropriate behavior is consistent throughout the program.
Behavioral Expectations
In order for the participants in the program to behave appropriately, they must know what is expected of them. These expectations are most useful when they are small in number and defined as positive, simple rules. The rules for our program are:
- Respect others, equipment, facilities, and self.
- Cooperate with others
- Follow the teacher's directions.
- Stay in program areas - adult supervision is required at all times.
- Maintain a positive attitude.
- Use appropriate language at all times.
Behavioral Expectations will be Taught
Our rules will be taught to all participants in the program at the beginning of the program year. The goal is to take the broad expectations and provide specific behavioral examples so that people clearly understand what is expected of them. To teach appropriate behaviors, the teachers will:
- Present the general rules.
- Discuss the rationale for each rule.
- Describe and rehearse positive examples.
- Describe negative examples.
Ongoing Behavior Support
Once the expected behaviors are taught, ongoing support will be needed to reinforce and encourage participants to behave in appropriate ways. The focus in our program is on supporting and encouraging appropriate behavior rather than on punishing inappropriate behavior. Teachers will:
- Use verbal praise, such as, "I like how Sue is showing me..."
- Give more attention to participants who are behaving appropriately.
- Continuously re-teach the desired behaviors.
- Redirect the participant's energy into a positive outlet.
- Engage child's interest in classroom activities.
Most of the time, inappropriate behaviors do not threaten the physical or emotional safety of the participants. There are some inappropriate behaviors that cannot be tolerated:
- Physical violence (hitting, kicking, biting...)
- Bullying
- Verbal attacks
- Behavior that is so disruptive that it prevents the teacher from teaching
If such behavior occurs, one of the teachers will remove the participant from the situation. The teacher and/or the DRE will work to help the participant understand why the behavior was unacceptable and figure out ways to prevent it from happening again. Parents will be informed of what happened and asked to help the program volunteers work with their child to ensure that all involved have a positive experience
We respect and honor each parent’s unique steps along the path of child-raising, and will work with you in finding the best ways to guide children within the class.
