Who we are
Our center - Alef-Bet Child Care, Inc. (ABCC) was founded in 1987 by a group of parents, educators and members of the local Jewish community. It was designed to provide children in Cambridge, Somerville and neighboring towns with both Jewish and secular programming as well as to address the child care needs of busy families. We offer flexible scheduling from three mornings to five full days per week. ABCC is incorporated as an independent, non-profit institution, governed by a Board of Trustees. The Center is located in historic Temple Beth Shalom where the setting is comfortable and the spirit is warm and vibrant.
Alef-Bet has three classes, one for toddlers (Alef) , one for young preschoolers (Bet) and the third for older 3's or 4's, many of whom will enter kindergarten the following year (Gimmel). Teachers at Alef-Bet Child Care are highly qualified, caring individuals, committed to nurturing children in a safe and accepting setting (see biographies). For them, early childhood education is a profession, not simply a job. Our lead teachers and teachers are certified by the Office for Child Care Services. The teachers meet regularly to discuss the developmental issues which apply to all children as well as to discuss particular concerns in their classroom. This may also include the Director, child psychologist, social worker or any Early Childhood Education specialist. While each group has its own program, there are many opportunities for all the children and teachers to interact.
Our Philosophy - Our basic philosophy is to care for children with warmth and guidance in an environment that allows them to develop and express their own personalities. The teachers take pleasure in helping children acquire the skills to separate from family members, to share and play with other children and to feel confident to perform a myriad of self-help skills. We appreciate that children have their own timetables for developing these skills. We keep in close communication with parents.
By celebrating the Jewish holidays and learning about Jewish values and customs, we hope every child here will come to have a joyful and positive identification with this heritage. The families and staff reflect the broad spectrum of Jewish observance as well as those from other faiths. This diversity is well accepted at Alef-Bet Child Care.
"And these words which I command you this day shall be in your heart. And you shall teach them diligently to your children." Deuteronomy 6: 6-7.
Our Curriculum - Our curriculum arises out of the subjects which have always fascinated young children including: transportation, dinosaurs, animal life and families. A special talent or recent interest of a teacher, or a particular fascination of one or more of the children in class, may result in exploration into that area. Art, music, creative dramatics, science, storytelling and cooking are some of the many ways children learn. At the same time, we expose children to the beauty and excitement of Jewish life - they learn through celebration and instruction as well as by playing in an environment rich in Jewish traditions.
A music/movement instructor visits each class weekly. Throughout the year Alef-Bet Child Care enjoys the rich variety of resources our community offers; i.e. storytellers, musicians, the Audubon Ark and the New England Aquarium.
Materials and games are developmentally appropriate and the daily schedule is designed to balance active play and quiet rest, individual attention and group interaction, free choice and structured activities.
ALEF-BET Child Care, 8 Tremont Street, Cambridge, MA 02139.
Phone: (617) 547-3651, Fax: (617) 576-6250, email: Alef-Bet@msn.com
