At Rabbi Steven Foster Early Learning Center we strive to nurture each child's innate sense of wonder and curiosity by providing them a safe, inviting place to learn and explore. We believe that the foundation for cognitive growth is the development of social and emotional skills, thereby offering children a loving and responsive environment. Small class sizes and a play-based environment provide an opportunity for discovery, creative-thinking and collaboration. Our Emergent Curriculum encourages children to make their own choices, explore their own ideas and follow their own interests through the guidance and expertise of our teachers.
Our approach to early childhood education is informed by progressive educational practices, primarily Judaic values, the Reggio Emilia approach and Social/Emotional Intelligence programs. These methods guide and inspire us to maintain a high level of respect for each child as we honor their uniquely individual experience here at our school.
Vision
At Rabbi Steven Foster ELC we strive to nurture each child’s innate sense of wonder and curiosity, seamlessly connecting through our Jewish practice, tradition, values, culture and education. Our philosophy guides and inspires us to maintain a high level of respect for each individual as we honor their unique journey at our school.
Children
At the Rabbi Steven Foster ELC, children are viewed through the lens of B’tzelem Elohim (created with divine ability), seeing the dignity, potential and uniqueness in all human beings as they participate in our diverse and inclusive community. Children are capable co-constructors of their learning as they discover, explore and create within the safety of a socially and emotionally responsive environment.
Educators:
At the Rabbi Steven Foster ELC, our educators are facilitators of investigation and creators of positive relationships. By creating a safe and responsive environment, educators foster a love of learning and Tikkun Olam (making the world better). Educators partner with families and children to construct and inspire meaningful experiences. Educators engage in ongoing opportunities and lifelong learning to strengthen their practice.
Parents & Families:
At the Rabbi Steven Foster ELC, families are the foundation of our kehillah (community). Through mutual respect and trust, families offer grace and support in advocating for children. Families are essential partners in our learning community. They know their child(ren) best and they trust educators’ knowledge and expertise. Parents commit, invest, and respect the needs of all children and families to create a thriving community.
Environment:
At Rabbi Steven Foster ELC, we strive to create an authentic environment using natural and real-world materials and diverse spaces that inspire the love of learning. Our environment nurtures physical, emotional and spiritual development.
The brit (belonging and commitment) that exists between community members is reflected as we share joyful outbursts, allow vulnerability and foster creativity throughout our children’s journey. Our inclusive, community space extends beyond physical walls to provide a window into each family's life. Our environment is a physical space that provides children the spiritual space to learn and grow into contributors in society.
Mission
The spirit of our Jewish tradition and heritage rests at the heart of the Rabbi Steven Foster Early Learning Center philosophy. Learning Jewish values and concepts are a very important part of our everyday practice within our early childhood center.
JECEI established a set of core Jewish values and ideas to guide our work in constructing Jewish early childhood centers. Understood as "lenses," they help create a framework for teachers and parents for study, discussion and development of a shared vision in the classroom. There is much room for interpretation but below is sample of how the lenses are used in our school:
Masa: Journey (Reflection, Return and Renewal)
B'rit: Covenant (Belonging and Commitment)
Tzelem Elokim: Divine Image (Dignity and Potential)
K'dushah: Holiness (Intentionality and Presence)
Hit'orerut: Awakening (Amazement and Gratitude)
D'rash: Interpretation (Inquiry, Dialogue, and Transmission)
Tikkun Olam: Repair of the World (Responsibility)
During the school year, a number of meaningful tzedakah projects for the children will take place. Tzedakah is social justice, and for our young children, that means helping others. The children will participate in tzedakah projects happening in their classroom and in our school, bringing an authentic “helping others every day” meaning into their lives.