The first few years of schooling are crucially formative of the attitudes, values, character, and personality of a child
Therefore, parents must be discerning with their choice of school, it being an important vehicle through which a child’s total development can be enhanced – covering the spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and social aspects of his/her growth.
One school that espouses this kind of holistic and integral learning is Cradle of Joy Center for Learning (COJ).
Located on 11th Jamboree in Quezon City, COJ was initially founded in 1998.
The vision for COJ is to be "a learning institution where the Christian culture of community life and Christ-like values that parents espouse at home will be supported in a school structure," directress Marion Abiva-Cruz explains.
COJ optimizes learning for both its pre-school and grade school students since class sizes are kept small. Two adults run a pre-school class of 10–15 students (depending upon age), while the maximum number of students for a grade school class is 15.
Learning in COJ is very experiential. "We make use of the progressive method of teaching, an educational approach that scientific research has proven to develop critical thinking, creativity, and imagination. We use tactile-kinesthetic activities and provide a lot of hands-on educational materials. Children also learn beyond classroom walls through frequent field trips and research projects. We likewise invite resource persons to speak before our students."
Another special feature of COJ is Multiple Intelligences that presupposes that a child can be intelligent in 9 different ways, from being Word-Smart (verbal-linguistic), to People-Smart (interpersonal), to Body-Smart (bodily-kinesthetic).
The grade school department employs the Dunn and Dunn Learning Styles Program, which takes into account individual learning styles to address specific learning needs.
A character program is also an integral part of COJ’s curriculum. "Christ-like qualities such as virtue, patience, gratefulness, and contentment are taught through music and verse and lived out each month," Marion shares.
And in the light of the school’s belief and support for UNESCO’s "Education for All" advocacy, children with special needs have room at COJ too. A special education teacher is available to provide an individualized education program for the SPED child.
"Our school has been blessed throughout the years." And the blessings continue to pour. Recently, COJ acquired the land it has been leasing for 10 years; construction of a new building, the school’s permanent home, can now commence.
Now on its 10th year and having grown its roots, Cradle of Joy continues to nurture and shape young hearts and minds for Jesus.
For inquiries, check their website at www.cradleofjoy.net.
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