Mission Statement: 

Our professional staff will foster growth and development through a hands-on experience that encourages play, awareness of the world around us and an appreciation of Judaic culture.

Our Philosophy is Simple

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 to them all.

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 M. 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

Everyone feels comfortable in our spacious gym. This serves as a fully enclosed, safe, indoor play area.  We also provide a wide range of small motor and imaginative play equipment.

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, and The Early Childhood Educators of Reform Judaism.

Moms ‘n Totz/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 Class—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. –11:15 a.m. and gradually becomes a self-contained preschool class.  This class is designed for children who will be 2 yrs. old by separation.    

Munchkidz:  For those who will be 3 yrs. old.

Program meets Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:15a.m.-11:30a.m.

Big Shotz:  For those who will be 4 yrs. Old.

Program meets Monday through Friday, 9:00a.m.-11:30a.m.

Shining Starz: For Pre-Kindergarteners

Program meets Monday through Friday from 9:00a.m.-11:30a.m. 

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.—2:30 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, 2008.

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 will 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, 2009.

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 received to begin school.

Refund Policy for Camp and Nursery School

Refunds of 50% of the fees paid to the Children’s Center will be granted prior to the beginning of camp/school.  Once camp and school begin, NO Refunds will be given.

All deposits are non-refundable.

Take A Peek Into Our

Summer Camp Programs

Summer camp programs are based on our developmental preschool program.   We offer a wide variety of camp experiences with an emphasis on outdoor activities.  We have changing weekly themes: Welcome Week and Fun Food Week, to name just a few.  And as always, campers celebrate Shabbat.

SUMMER 2009

7-week programs

Tot Camp  10:00 a.m. — 11:15 a.m.

Temple Member $155    Non-Member $180

Monday…….June 22—August 3

Tuesday…….June 23—August 4

Wednesday...June 24—August 5

Ages: 16 months and up

Kriketz 10:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m.

Temple Member $715  Non-Member $840

Tues/Wed/Thurs.  June 23—August 6

For 2-3 year olds

A great first camp experience!

We have a Water Day and

Thursday we celebrate Shabbat.

Firefliez 9:30 a.m.—1:00 p.m.

Temple Member $955  Non-Member $1120

Mon/Tues/Wed/Thurs--June 22-August 7

For 3-4 year olds.

Campers bring lunch everyday.

We have Water Days and

Thursdays we celebrate Shabbat.

CLASS SCHEDULES & FEES

                                                                                                     Temple       Non-

                                                                                                    Member      Member

                                                                                                         Fee            Fee

SPRING 2009 Moms ‘n Totz  9:30—10:45 a.m.

Mon.           Feb. 2 - June 1                         $360      $425

Tues.          Feb. 3 - June 2                     $360      $425

Wed.           Feb. 4 - June 3                     $360      $425

Thurs.        Feb. 5 - June 4                      $360      $425

Fri.              Feb. 6 - May 22                     $360      $425

FALL 2009/10 Moms ‘n Totz  9:30-10:45 a.m.

Mon.           Sept. 14—Jan. 25                 $360       $425

Tues.          Sept. 15—Jan. 26                 $360       $425

Wed.           Sept. 16—Jan. 27                 $360       $425

Thurs.        Sept. 17—Jan. 28                  $360       $425

Fri.             Sept. 18—Jan. 30                  $360       $425

Teddy Bearz  9:15—11:15 a.m.

Tues. & Thurs.    Sept. 15—May 28          $1550   $1775

Munchkidz  9:15—11:30 a.m.

Mon. Wed. & Fri.   Sept. 14—May 28       $2700    $3050

Big Shotz  9:00—11:30 a.m.

Mon.—Fri.             Sept. 14—May 28      $3300     $3775

Shining Starz  9:00—11:30 a.m.

Mon.—Fri.             Sept. 14—May 28       $3300    $3775

Lunch Program (bring your own)

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

The fee for each day of Lunch Program is $525, offered Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursdays.

World Travelers, 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

is offered Monday and Wednesday.  The fee is $750 for one day and $1400 for both days.