Bi-Monthly Meeting: Conscious Discipline

We are excited to announce that our April meeting program features Conscious Discipline, presented by Debbie Arena, Director of Christ Church Preschool in Chapel Hill.

Conscious Discipline is an evidence-based, self-regulation program that integrates social-emotional learning and discipline. The program, developed by Dr. Becky A. Bailey, empowers adults to consciously respond to daily conflict, transforming it into an opportunity to teach critical life skills to children. Each member of the family (and school family), both adult and child, learns the skills needed to successfully manage life tasks such as learning, forming relationships, communicating effectively, being sensitive to others’ needs, and gett…ing along with others. The skills include composure, empathy, integrity, assertiveness, responsibility, the ability to make good choices, and the ability to see the best in others.

Mrs. Arena and all of the staff at Christ Church Preschool have undergone extensive education in Conscious Discipline and utilize the program within their daily curriculum. The complete training is lengthy and can be geared toward parents, teachers, administrators, and mental health professionals. Therefore, Mrs. Arena will present some key features and take-home techniques of Conscious Discipline that are geared toward parents during this hour-long program.

Debbie Arena has been the Christ Church Preschool Director since the school opened its doors in 1999. Having worked with preschool and elementary aged children since 1981, Debbie is, and has been, active in the local school community. She holds a current North Carolina teaching certificate; is a member of the Durham – Orange Preschool Association and the National Association of Education for Young Children (NAEYC); has served on the school board of University United Methodist Preschool; and has taught Sunday school and directed vacation bible school at University United Methodist Church, where she is a member. Debbie and her husband, Scott, have two children and a grandchild.

Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Arena, learning with fellow parents, and enjoying some refreshments!