Adath Israel Early Childhood Learning Center
Mission Statement and Philosophy
The Early Childhood Learning Center at Adath Israel is a special place for fun, socialization, and skill development for the young child. Children are encouraged to explore, create, share, and learn at their own pace. Integrated into our program is the development of the child’s awareness of our Jewish heritage and values. We believe that each child is unique and capable with infinite potential. Learning is hands-on and our commitment to academic excellence and ethical development will help each child to grow cognitively and spiritually.
The philosophy of our Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) is based on the belief that an unhurried, nurturing environment is fundamental to the growth of a well-rounded, healthy child. We realize that each child enters school with a different schedule for growth and learning. Each child approaches learning with a unique package of strengths, needs, experiences, and interests that will influence growth. We believe that concrete experiences should be provided to guide the child in reaching his/her fullest potential in all facets of development – physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual.
At our school, the curriculum is based on what has been proven to be the best practices for the early years. Daily schedules allow for hands-on exploration to enhance creativity, independence and problem solving. Small group activities strengthen a child’s social skills, self-esteem, self-control, and teamwork abilities. A balance of teacher-directed and child-directed activities serve to reinforce, enrich, and challenge the child in a setting in which his or her individuality is respected.
As a Jewish school, a major part of our curriculum is the development of a positive Jewish awareness through actual experiences with Jewish traditions, brachot (blessings), customs, values, music, and Shabbat and holiday celebrations. Our curriculum is based on monthly and weekly themes, based on age level, and the Jewish values which are mirrored by the themes. Classroom activities also revolve around family life in our multi-cultural community. All these elements come together through the ability and hard work of our teaching and support staff and the very special love that we bring to every child.
