Core Values
Reggio-Inspired
When we opened our doors in 2016, we chose a Reggio-Emilia inspired approach. Reggio believes that, "The child has a hundred languages, a hundred hands, a hundred thoughts, a hundred ways of thinking, of playing, of speaking."
In our classrooms, every child has full rights. We believe that children are creative, capable individuals who each bring their own personality and ways of learning into our school family.
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Using this pedagogical lens, we cultivate classrooms that invite children to explore the world around them and interact with one another through art, music, dramatic play, story-telling, and movement.
Art by POTA West Toddler 1 Class
Judaism
At POTA, Jewish values permeate our classroom and inspire opportunities to share big ideas with small people. For example, we sing a special song before every meal to teach gratitude for even the small things in life, like our goldfish crackers.
We celebrate and experience Shabbat, Jewish holidays, sing songs, and model values. We emphasize gratitude, kindness, and giving, and care for one another and our planet.​
We are a meat-free and nut free facility to accommodate kosher dietary needs and allergies.
Art by POTA Inman Pre-K Class
Community
POTA: one family with five homes​.
With community as a core value, POTA connects families with young children. Countless bonds have been formed through our school. In addition to in-school programs and connections, we host petting zoos, playground meetups, and holiday happenings.
We are a proud partner of the City of Cambridge and its Cambridge Preschool Program (CPP) which offers a POTA education as part of the city’s preschool lottery and Universal Pre-K option for Cambridge residents, thus making the excellence of the POTA education accessible to all.
Art by POTA Harvard Preschool Class
Conscious Discipline
We support children and families through some of the most formative times of their lives. Fostering healthy relationships and emotional regulation skills is a critical component of what we do.
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Conscious Discipline is a neuro-science based lens to understanding emotions - both our own feelings as adults, and those of our children. We believe that all behavior is a form of communication, and we work with our students to develop the skills and habits to navigate their day and connect with others.
