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Enlightened Discipline Philosophy

At Enlightened Play Preschools, we’ve developed an environment where your child can be safe, learn, play and grow. It seems so simple, right? Our program strikes a balance with teacher planned and children initiated activities. We provide programs so that infants, toddlers and preschoolers may expand their skills, knowledge, and abilities. Our style is a blend of Nature Play, Waldorf and Reggio with a touch of Montessori. We offer learning through doing, creating movement and hands-on learning for children while they are still young. 

We teach children to use their own minds, to make decisions and to learn the laws of the planet. Natural laws such as gravity are recognized and applied to children’s behavior. Natural and logical consequences are the anchor that we live by supported by our teaching “Safe, Kind and Clean”, Enlightened Discipline. These core values teach children the basics in human skills. 


How it Works

We have three simple rules at Enlightened Play Preschools.


We ask all children to be

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Safe

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Kind

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Clean

Our philosophy of discipline is truly behavioral education. That is why it is different and so very successful.


We now call it “Enlightened Discipline” and Owner Julie Jenkins has published a book by the same name to share with ECE professionals and parents. At Caring Connection, we teach children to use their own mind to make decisions and to learn the laws of the planet. Natural laws such as gravity are recognized and applied to children’s behavior. Teachers of course have a huge role in teaching, reminding and helping children respond appropriately.


Natural and logical consequences are the anchor that we live by supported by our teaching “Safe, Kind and Clean”. These very core values teach children the basics in human skills. These values apply to all behavior from childhood through adulthood. Our teachers work with children to remind them to act in Safe, Kind and Clean ways throughout their day.


We do not use words like bad or naughty, mean or nice. We keep it to safe, kind and clean. When children act outside of these core values, our staff will remind them or assist them in correcting their behavior that has not been safe, kind or clean. Their correction is specifically related to what action they caused. If they spilled, they wipe it up. If they break something, they try to mend it or are aware and responsible to throw it away. If they hurt someone, they are taught how they can assist in that person’s care: hugs, Kleenex, an icepack on an injury are some common treatments of children by children.

That’s Enlightened Discipline. That’s all.

The Book

  • What Is Enlightened Discipline?

    Enlightened Discipline© by Julie Jenkins is based on three simple, powerful principles: Safe, Kind, and Clean. Rooted in Jenkins’ work since 1989, this book offers step-by-step techniques and practical methods that shift how we think, speak, and act with children.


    It’s not packed with jargon or abstract theory — it’s clear, actionable, and built for real life. You’ll learn how to move children away from negative labels and reduce harmful dynamics like the victim/bully roles.

  • Who Is It For?

    Enlightened Discipline is designed for teachers, early childhood educators, and parents who want to go beyond just correcting behavior. It teaches adults how to model the change first — guiding kids, from toddlers to teens, to use personal judgment (common sense) and act with empathy and social awareness that lasts a lifetime.


    To change a child’s behavior, you start by changing your own.

Meet Julie

  • Meet Julie Jenkins

    Julie Jenkins has been an Early Childhood Educator and owner/director for over 30 years. She currently serves as the Executive Director of Enlightened Play Preschools, which operates in West Sacramento.

  • Author, Speaker & Educator

    Julie is also an author and motivational speaker, known for her humor, energy, and insightful presentations. She's spoken across California and internationally — even in Europe — inspiring both parents and professionals.


    She has written two non-fiction books:

    • Enlightened Discipline
    • Teens! Change is Your Choice – Solutions from Within

  • Life Outside the Classroom

    Julie lives in Fair Oaks, a suburb of Sacramento, and is a proud mother of four adult children. She enjoys traveling, working with small groups, leading teacher trainings and retreats, and developing new ways to inspire both children and educators. She's also completed several children's books and one novel (not yet published).

OUR EDUCATORS

Each of our educators is a qualified expert with a genuine passion for teaching.

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Lauren Garcia

Director

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Julie Jenkins

Executive Director

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Kyleigh Grijalva

Program Director