Our Mission
Portland Jewish Academy's Infant/Toddler Development program supports the healthy development of
children six weeks to age three. We promote confidence, curiosity, awareness, exploration and friendship
building for infants and toddlers.
Program Philosophy
Providing child-centered, nurturing care is our top priority. We follow the RIE (Resource for Infant Educators) theory that skilled and thoughtful care-giving both nurtures children and gives them the kind of information they need to organize their world. For infants and toddlers, care and teaching are inseparable.
Built on respect for each individual, RIE fosters independence and interdependence in infants and toddlers by providing an atmosphere that promotes motor and cognitive development while establishing trusting relationships. The children's activities are designed to keep them engaged and provide a balance of active and quiet play, group and independent activities.
Dedicated And Caring Staff
Our staff is carefully selected for their experience, education and genuine love of children.
All staff are certified in:
Infant/Child CPR & First Aid
Child Abuse and Neglect reporting
Food Handling
Emergency Situations
Criminal background checks
Staff participate in at least 15 hours of early childhood education per year
Security
PJA provides for the safety and security of your child. All facility entrances are monitored and
the children's areas have access-controlled interior and exterior doors. PJA's Infant/Toddler
Development program requires pre-authorized approval and I.D. check to pick up a child.
Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum
PJA's Infant/Toddler Development program uses developmentally-appropriate materials and
activities for its curriculum. Children initiate activities upon which teachers build by asking
questions and supplying new and intriguing materials. Conversation, stories and other
literacy-related activities and materials are available throughout the center. Our goals focus
on confidence building, self-help skills, developing relational skills and problem solving.
Children participate in: art, reading, blocks and building, circle time, dramatic play and music
and movement.
Program Highlights
Child to Teacher Ratios:
- Infants 6 weeks-10 months 3:1
- Young toddlers 10 months-15 months 4:1
- Older Toddlers 17—30 months 4:1
- Transitional Twos 30 months—3 years 5:1
Flexible Scheduling
Dedicated playground, with covered area
State-licensed
Enrichment classes for toddlers
Dedicated Infant/Toddler Development program playground
