Mission & Philosophy

Mission

Rooted in our deeply-held belief that a child enters into the human race with unlimited potential, capacity for growth and an unquenchable desire to learn, the Saul Spielberg Early Childhood Center strives to stimulate the development of a creative, questioning, self-directing individual.

It is our goal to help nurture children’s positive feelings towards their Jewish heritage by fostering an atmosphere of belonging and by welcoming them to join in common activities. The Saul Spielberg Early Childhood Center reflects the warm feelings of the congregation toward tradition and the basic assumptions of Reform Judaism as outlined by the clergy and the Board of Trustees.

Philosophy

The individual growth goals are as follows and should enable the child to:

1. Develop and maintain a positive self-image about his/her own abilities to create and to learn, concurrently working so that the child recognizes, in a positive manner, his/her position as a member of a core family and ability to be a part of the Jewish community.
2. Expand awareness of the world around them through sensory experiences, which are prerequisites for developing concepts and solving problems.
3. Develop oral language skills of both English and Hebrew through listening, speaking, and dramatic play. Learn to express feelings in appropriate ways, verbally and non-verbally. Learn Hebrew prayers and words revolving around everyday objects should be considered part of the appropriate language skills.
4. Develop maximum physical growth and health through motor activities and proper nutrition.
5. Develop the ability to relate to peer group and others.
6. See himself/herself as part of a larger community, inspired by Jewish teaching and Jewish tradition, which has specific values that express respect and concern for the rights and property of others.
7. Become self-directing, with the ability to use self-discretion, by providing the child with opportunities to explore, create, and make choices.

Inclusion Statement

The Saul Spielberg Early Childhood Center recognizes the need for and supports early intervention, and strives sincerely to address the concerns of families who have children with special needs (physical, behavioral, cognitive, etc.). The SSECC supports the right of each child to play and learn in inclusive early childhood programs, consistent with the best interests of all involved.

We will work with families and specialists to provide proper care and education for each child with our current staffing. If the current staffing is not sufficient to meet the needs of a child, then the family will be consulted about providing additional support staff that meets the standards of the SSECC.

Any I.E.P. or other behavior plans need to be shared with the director and will in return be shared with the appropriate staff members. A copy of these documents will be placed in your child’s SSECC file. The director and appropriate staff will need to be involved in any ongoing I.E.P. meetings in order to best serve your child.