Some Thoughts about Philosophy and Objectives for Children and Parents
Infants and toddlers learn best, we believe, by doing, rather than by being shown or told. We do not so much “teach” them as we help them to learn. Children of this age thrive in an environment in which they can explore and experience a wide variety of activities, real materials, and people that are challenging and stimulating at their level of development. We focus on experiences and activities that are age-appropriate. Whether it is painting, climbing up a ramp, working with play dough, or playing rhythm instruments, a child in the first three years is involved with the process of the activity – the doing of it, the experiencing of it.
We try to provide an environment that is inviting, safe, and child-oriented. It allows the child to learn, through a variety of experiences, about themselves and their world, to make decisions and to gain competence backed by a maximum of support and a minimum of interference from adults. We try to provide challenges, materials, and guidance that are appropriate to the child’s level of development in all areas. One of the most basic, yet important lessons a child will have in the group is that they can be cared for and cared about in a new setting outside their previous experience. We hope that this sense of comfort and security will support all other learning.
Adults learn best, we believe, when they are provided with information, resource materials, a supportive setting, and encouragement to develop their own confidence in finding answers that are right for them. As leaders, we consider ourselves not so much teachers as facilitators for all of our learning. We do not believe that we are the “experts” with the right answers, or, even that there are right answers. As we share our knowledge and experience, we hope to become part of the process that you are experiencing while developing your own parenting skills and resources. You know the most about your child and will continue to learn more. You are also the expert about yourself. Therefore, you will be the one who knows, and continues to discover, what is best for you, you child, and your family.
We feel that flexibility, openness, and responsibility are the keys to the success of this program. We welcome your ideas, comments, suggestions, and participation on all levels so that the program is responsive to you and can meet your needs. Please feel free to talk with us and let us know what is on your mind.
The mission of the Ohr HaTorah Nursery School
(crawlers - 5 years) is to provide children and parents with a warm and enriching social and educational environment.
Our mission is balanced between age appropriate educational goals and a strong focus on emotional intelligence, social
skills and self confidence, so that the children will be well prepared for their subsequent educational experiences. In
addition, our mission is to teach parenting skills that match our curriculum. We are guided by the best research in
child development and the teachings of Jewish ethics and spirituality. While we do teach from the Jewish tradition, our
school is open to all, and we are committed to an inclusive learning and social environment.
