SayPro Establish and Communicate Expectations

1. Define Clear and Simple Expectations

• Use Positive Language:
  • Frame rules positively, such as “Use kind words” instead of “Don’t be mean.”
  • Focus on what children should do rather than what they shouldn’t.
• Limit to Key Behaviors:
  • Keep expectations simple and easy to remember—around 3–5 core rules. For example:
    1. Be kind to others.
    2. Listen and follow instructions.
    3. Take care of our classroom and toys.
• Provide Specific Examples:
  • Illustrate behaviors with concrete examples: “Kind words are saying ‘thank you’ and ‘please.’”

2. Communicate Expectations to Children

• Visual Aids:
  • Use posters with pictures or icons that represent each rule (e.g., hands shaking for “sharing”).
  • Display these visuals prominently at children’s eye level.
• Model Expected Behavior:
  • Demonstrate behaviors like sharing toys, waiting patiently, and using inside voices.
  • Role-play common scenarios to show children how to follow the rules.
• Reinforce Daily:
  • Review expectations regularly during circle time or before transitions.
  • Use songs or rhymes to make rules fun and memorable.

3. Train Staff to Reinforce Expectations

• Provide a Unified Framework:
  • Share the core behavior expectations and ensure all staff use the same language and strategies.
  • Example: Instead of saying “Stop running!” all staff can say, “Use walking feet, please.”
• Demonstrate Reinforcement Techniques:
  • Positive reinforcement: Teach staff to praise good behavior (e.g., “Great job waiting your turn!”).
  • Redirection: Show how to gently redirect inappropriate behavior toward a positive action (e.g., “Let’s use quiet voices inside.”).
• Scenario-Based Training:
  • Use role-play or case studies during training sessions to practice responding to challenging behaviors.

4. Regular Staff Check-Ins

• Collaborative Feedback:
  • Hold weekly or monthly staff meetings to discuss what’s working and where additional support might be needed.
  • Encourage staff to share success stories or challenges in reinforcing expectations.
• Provide Resources:
  • Supply handouts, visual guides, or reminders that staff can refer to throughout the day.
• Offer Professional Development:
  • Conduct periodic workshops on behavior management techniques to ensure consistency and improve skillsets.

5. Parental Involvement

• Share Expectations with Parents:
  • Communicate the classroom rules and their importance during parent orientation or through newsletters.
  • Provide tips for parents to reinforce similar behaviors at home for consistency.
• Collaborate on Challenges:
  • Work with parents to address individual behavior challenges and create action plans tailored to their child.

6. Monitor and Adjust Expectations

• Assess Effectiveness:
  • Periodically review whether the expectations are helping to create a positive classroom environment.
  • Observe behaviors and adjust rules if necessary to make them more effective or practical.
• Include Staff Feedback:
  • Use staff observations to refine strategies for reinforcing expectations.
• Celebrate Successes:
  • Recognize when children or staff excel at maintaining classroom behavior expectations, reinforcing a culture of positivity.

By defining clear expectations, training staff consistently, and involving parents, you’ll create a cohesive system that supports positive behavior in preschool classrooms.