At Arundel Christian School, we believe that guiding young children in love and truth is a vital part of their development. Discipline in our preschool program is rooted in Biblical principles, aiming to shape the heart—not just manage behavior. Our goal is to help children learn how to live with kindness, responsibility, and self-control.

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6

Behavioral Expectations

Preschool is a season of learning and growth. We lovingly guide students to meet the following expectations:

• Speak and act with love and respect toward teachers and classmates

• Use kind words and gentle hands

• Follow directions the first time

• Make safe and respectful choices

• Seek forgiveness when mistakes are made

• Honor God by showing love, patience, and obedience
  
  

Discipline Process

ACS uses age-appropriate strategies that correct behavior while helping children grow in character:

• Verbal Warning – A gentle reminder to help a child make a better choice

• Redirection – Moving the child to another activity or environment

• Cool-Down Time – A brief time away from group activities to reflect

• Loss of Privilege – Temporary removal from a classroom job or activity

• Administrator Talk – Guided discussion to process behavior

• Parent Communication – Partnering with families to support the child

Our goal is to foster understanding, self-control, and growth through loving correction.

Zero-Tolerance Behaviors

For the safety of all students, the following behaviors will result in the child being sent home for the remainder of the day (not considered a suspension):

• Physical harm to another student (hitting, biting, kicking, pushing)

• Dangerous or explosive outbursts that may result in harm to self or others

• Severe or repeated defiance disrupting the classroom environment
  
  

If such behaviors persist, formal suspension or dismissal from the program may be considered.

Discipleship Through Discipline

Discipline at ACS is an opportunity for discipleship. Every correction moment helps us teach:

• Reflection on personal choices

• Offering sincere apologies

• Restoring relationships

• Making a plan for better choices in the future
  
  

“The Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” – Proverbs 3:12

We correct in love, lead with grace, and walk with your child as they grow in heart, behavior, and faith.

Parent Partnership in Discipline

Parents/Guardians are expected to:

• Support our Biblical, heart-focused approach to discipline

• Partner with us when concerns arise

• Trust our staff to act in love and fairness

• Respond promptly to behavior-related communication

• Maintain respectful and constructive communication

Expectations for Families

• Respectful communication is required. The use of profanity, threats, or aggressive language toward ACS staff will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the school community.

• When addressing concerns, we encourage the use of “I” statements to promote clarity, understanding, and productive dialogue.

Spiritual & Practical Responsibilities

I will:

• Pray regularly for the school’s leadership, staff, and students.

• Lay a spiritual foundation through a Christlike example at home.

• Support the school’s character training and leadership development efforts.

• Ensure my child arrives at school on time and is prepared for class.

• Follow school policies regarding pick-up/drop-off, attendance, and communication.

• Participate in parent meetings, school functions, and fundraising as able.

• Promote ACS positively in all settings, including on social media.

• Refrain from posting or sharing critical content about ACS online or in public forums.

Acknowledgment of Shared Responsibility

• I understand that discipline is discipleship at ACS. It is my responsibility, alongside the school, to guide my child in becoming a respectful, courageous, and compassionate leader.

• I acknowledge that attending ACS is a privilege, not a right. Continued enrollment is contingent on my child’s cooperation with the school’s academic and behavioral expectations, as well as my partnership with the school community.

• I affirm that all communication with ACS staff will remain respectful and constructive. A breakdown in peaceful communication may lead to a reevaluation of my child’s enrollment.