Alef-Bet

Alef-Bet Child Care, Inc. (ABCC) was founded in 1987 by a group of parents, educators and members of the local community. Through the guidance of our teachers, who are early childhood development professionals, our children enjoy learning through hands-on exploration and social interaction in safe, warm and vibrant surroundings. The Center is located in historic Temple Beth Shalom, near Central Square Cambridge. Our hours are meant to address the needs of busy families combining both a secular and Jewish curriculum.

Philosophy

At Alef Bet, we are all about child-led learning. Through expanding upon your children’s personal interests and curiosities, we promote active engagement and independence. We 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 timelines for developing these skills and for that reason we are committed to keeping open communication with parents.

Curriculum

As a Jewish school, Alef-Bet incorporates basic Jewish events and values into our curriculum to provide children with a warm and joyful introduction to Yiddishkeit. We celebrate Shabbat and holidays together as a family; articulate a love for the Land of Israel; teach Jewish middot (values, such as compassionate behavior) to the children in each classroom; and build a community together. 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.

Temple Beth Shalom

In 1988, after extensive renovations, Temple Beth Shalom (TBS) invited Alef-Bet Child Care, Inc. to set up operations in its present space. It was agreed that the Center would remain separately incorporated. Temple Beth Shalom hoped to provide the community with Jewish-oriented child care services and to encourage young families to participate in the revitalization of the Synagogue's spiritual life.

Members in good standing of Temple Beth Shalom receive a tuition discount.

For more information about Synagogue membership, please contact the Temple office at (617) 864-6388, or visit their website at http://www.tremontstreetshul.org/