Our Philosophy is Simple
Our philosophy is to encourage growth and development through play under the guidance of our experienced professional staff.
Our Goals
Our goal is to provide a nurturing secure environment that promotes healthy, social, emotional, physical, intellectual and Judaic development of the young child. Consistency and structure coupled with open communication creates the best possible environment for your child. We are committed to supporting families and serving as a resource for them.
Our Director and Staff
The Children’s Center is under the direction of Paula Davis. Mrs. Davis has a degree in education and 20 years of teaching and directorship experience. Mrs. Vanessa Ehrlich, RJE, the Director of Education at Lakeside Congregation, works closely with Mrs. Davis to develop the Judaic content of our curriculum. Mrs. Ehrlich has a Master’s Degree in Jewish Education and has been an educator for over 25 years. All teachers at the Children’s Center are degreed and meet all State requirements for Early Childhood educators. The average teaching experience of our professional staff is 14 years.
Facility
Children and parents feel comfortable in our spacious indoor large muscle/motor development gym as well as a fully enclosed safe outdoor play area. Our indoor play areas provide a wide range of small motor and imaginative play equipment such as water tables, blocks and art areas.
Affiliations
The Children’s Center of Lakeside Congregation is licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. We are affiliated with the Community Foundation for Jewish Education and hold membership in the North Shore Nursery School Director’s Council, the National Association for the Education Young Children and the Chicago Association for the Education of Young Children.
Take A Peek Into Our Programs
Our age appropriate Jewish programs encourage the development of a positive self-concept, while fostering your child’s natural curiosity and wonder.
Moms ‘n Tots/Tot Camp
Moms ‘n Totz is a time when children 16 months or older can begin to socialize in a comfortable, secure setting with a parent or caregiver nearby. Toddlers will enjoy time in the gym, art, free play and circle time. Classes meet for 1-1/4 hours, 1 day a week.
Nursery School Programs
These classes are designed to meet a preschooler’s developmental needs and promote independence through social interaction, motor activities, art, stories and song. There is a special emphasis placed on Jewish holidays and heritage, as well as the weekly celebration of Shabbat.
Transitional Classes—Teddy Bearz
These progressive classes promote the many different facets of the growing child. Emphasis is on nurturing a child’s independence and self-esteem; this helps to prepare for a smooth entry into nursery school. Class meets Tuesday and Thursday from 9:15a.m. –11:00 a.m. and gradually becomes a self-contained preschool class. This class is designed for children who will be 2 yrs. old by separation. (November 1).
Kare Bearz: Drop-off for 2 yr. olds
Program meets Wednesday and Friday from 9:15a.m.-11:30a.m.
Munchkidz: Drop-off for 3 yr. olds
Program meets Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 9:15a.m.-11:30a.m.
Big Shotz: Drop-off for 4 yr. olds
Program meets Monday through Friday, 9:00a.m.-11:30a.m.
Shining Starz: Drop-off for Pre-Kindergarteners
Program meets Monday through Friday from 9:00a.m.-11:30a.m. Some academics will be introduced.
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS (BRING YOUR OWN LUNCH)
Lunch Program: 11:30 a.m.—1:00 p.m.
These “brown baggers” meet for lunch and fun in the classroom, gym, and playground, it’s a great opportunity to socialize with friends!
World Travelers: 11:30 a.m.—3:00 p.m.
Come travel the world and experience different cultures, languages, games and songs in this exciting program. Children will “hop” on a plane with a passport and land in many different countries.
REGISTRATION
Accepted in Person, by mail or fax.
Please no phone registrations!
Priority
Lakeside members and students currently enrolled may register for any program immediately. Registration will open to all other “kidz” on December 1, 2007.
Moms ‘n Totz
These classes (spring, summer & fall) must be paid in full at time of registration.
The refund policy is as follows: There will be a 50% refund given to anyone canceling prior to the beginning of class. No refunds shall be granted once class has begun.
Camp
All programs require a $200 non-refundable deposit. The balance will be billed to you and is due on June 1, 2008.
Nursery School
All programs require a $200 non-refundable deposit. The balance is to be paid in 3 equal payments: September, November, and February. First payment must be made to begin school.
Refund Policy for Camp and Nursery School
Refunds of 50% of the fees paid to the Children’s Center shall be granted prior to the beginning of camp/school. Once camp and school begin, NO Refunds will be given.
All deposits are non-refundable.
CLASS SCHEDULES & FEES
FALL 2008/09 Moms ‘n Totz 9:30—a.m.—10:45 a.m.
Mon. Sept. 8—Jan. 26 Temple Member fee $350 Non-member fee $415
Tues. Sept. 9—Jan. 27 Temple Member fee $350 Non-member fee $415
Wed. Sept. 10—Jan. 28 Temple Member fee $350 Non-member fee $415
Thurs. Sept. 11—Jan. 29 Temple Member fee $350 Non-member fee $415
Fri. Sept. 12—Jan. 30 Temple Member fee $350 Non-member fee $415
Teddy Bearz 9:15 a.m.—11:00 a.m.
Tues. & Thurs. Sept. 9—June 4 Temple Member fee $1475 Non-member fee $1725
Kare Bearz 9:15 a.m.—11:30 a.m.
Wed. & Fri. Sept. 10—June 5 Temple Member fee $1595 Non-member fee $1875
Munchkidz 9:15—11:30 a.m.
Mon. Wed. & Fri. Sept. 8—June 5 Temple Member fee $2575 Non-member fee $2975
Big Shotz 9:00 a.m.—11:30 a.m.
Mon.—Fri. Sept. 8—June 5 Temple Member fee $3125 Non-member fee $3675
Shining Starz 9:00 a.m.—11:30 a.m.
Mon.—Fri. Sept. 8—June 5 Temple Member fee $3125 Non-member fee $3675
Lunch Program (bring your own)
The fee for each day of Lunch Program is $500, which is offered Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursdays.
World Travelers is offered Monday and Wednesday. The fee is $1000 for one day and $1850 for both days.
