Mission Statement
The Chai Tots Early Childhood Center is a nurturing place for children to discover their unique personalities and abilities. We are dedicated to providing the children with the best possible secular education as well as a warm introduction to the joyous traditions of Judaism. Our primary focus is on the needs of the individual child and how he or she can be best helped to reach his or her potential. It is our belief that by providing small family-like classes both the children and their parents can be personally cared for and have their needs met in the best possible way. At Chai Tots, we strive to instill within the children a desire to be life-long learners who are proud of their heritage and develop a positive and warm association with Judaism.
Philosophy
Chai Tots is dedicated to providing a secure environment where our children can feel comfortable exploring and learning about the world arond them, their history, and the Jewish holidays and traditions. In this environment they can grow and develop at their own individual rate and be proud of their heritage and who they are. This is achieved through offering a program enriched with hands-on experience in an integrated Montessori program.
All of the Jewish holidays are taught through hands-on experiences that allow each child to relate to the holiday and experience it in a meaningful way. All areas of the curriculum are open for the children to freely explore as their curiosity dictates. They will be involved with the exploring and manipulating of materials, and the testing of new concepts.
The teacher’s role is to facilitate and to encourage the child to explore and discover new ideas. The children’s interaction with each other is also an important opportunity for growth; they learn how to work and interact with each other within a caring social setting while finding constructive solutions to their problems. Teachers at Chai Tots work closely with both parents and students to help each child reach his or her potential.
The programs of The Chai Tots Early Childhood Center arise from a common desire for excellence in meeting the needs of children and their families. Our philosophy is one of nurturing, growth and development, relationships and understanding - all in the goal of establishing a love for learning, a fascination with holidays and life cycles events, and a passion for approaching the world in a Jewish way.
Children are treasured for their uniqueness and individuality, and are encouraged in self-expression.
While The Chai Tots Early Childhood Center operates classrooms which are individualized in their goals & objectives, each classroom forms its specific aims within the context of these principles.
We believe …
- that the home is the most important factor in a child's development. We will always strive to support and complement the family in order to promote healthy development of children and parents.
- that loving, trusting, and respecting each child makes that child capable of loving, trusting and respecting others.
- that each child should be guided and encouraged to have a positive self-image.
- that children need a nurturing, safe and happy environment which promotes their natural curiosity and desire to learn.
- that play is the work of children and through it children explore the world around them by using their senses.
- that children deserve to have teachers whose values enable them to be excellent role models.
At The Chai Tots Early Childhood Center we see each child as a unique and precious gift entrusted into our care. This concept is what governs our school's educational approach. At Chai Tots, emphasis is placed on the individual child and on encouraging each child's innate inquisitiveness and thirst for knowledge. Small classes and high student-teacher ratios ensure each child receives individual and caring attention.
