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Sandbox School Of Early Care of Education, Palos Hills, Dirtector, Administrator, Dorothy Garofalo opened an independent Sandbox 23 yeas ago after being employed at Sandbox for 10 years. Dorothy has a Degree in Early Childhood
The Sandbox Schools and their programs were successfully created and developed in 1968 by Beverly Avery and Sue Moustakas, two local teachers with Master's Degrees in Early Childhood Education, who wanted the best possible early childhood program for their own children. Today there are six Sandbox locations four of which are owned and operation by the same two partners, each of whom have over 30 years experience working with young children. The additional two Sandbox schools are owned and operated by Dorothy Garofalo, a long-time Sandbox teacher, with 20 years in early childhood development and degree in Early Childhood Education. Directors and staff are carefully chosen and well qualified for the job at Sandbox. Staff turnover is low at Sandbox Schools. Ten years is an average tenure for Sandbox staff and directors. While many have worked at the centers for 15, 20, and 25 years.
Sandbox Schools proudly boasts: "The Great Return Rate."
The children of the original students have returned to the preschool and childcare centers. Each Sandbox school also has at least one staff member who was originally a Sandbox student.
Mission Statement
Enjoy Your Formative Years at the Sandbox. Sandbox provides high quality childcare that supports children and parents through superior developmentally appropriate curriculums that correspond with each stage of development, nurturing children ages 6 weeks through 12 years. A variety of programs are offered, providing choices that assist each child in the cognitive, the social, the emotional and the physical development during the formative years.
Philosophy
The sandbox believes that each child possesses great dignity, and deserves to be treated with respect, and that, in the proper environment, children will develop a love of learning and a learning to love...self, friends, and the world around us.
Sandbox Goals
To develop in all children a positive self-image and a sense of adventure in the search for knowledge. To provide developmental opportunities and experiences meeting the cognitive, the social, the emotional and physical needs of each child.
To help each child adjust and become secure and happy, and self-confident in this new environment. To prepare the child for future schooling by allowing development at his/her individual pace. To provide quality care in a homelike atmosphere that is comfortable, safe and enjoyable for those children requiring part or all day care.
Goals for Parents
To ensure parent satisfaction through the provision of quality care and quality early childhood education for each child and to provide a working partnership with parents in the development of the child.
