Cambridgeport Children's Center - Tot Lot

The Cambridgeport Children’s Center is an extraordinary family/staff cooperative where the value of learning extends throughout all avenues of our program. As young children work to make sense of their world, we strive to make that world as rich and textured as possible. Children develop their social, emotional, cognitive and physical skills through a rich child-centered curriculum that stresses group learning with an emphasis on individuality, exploration and problem solving. This lays the foundation for a lifetime of learning. Through our inclusive, multi-cultural and anti-bias curriculum, children gain an awareness of the exciting and unique differences of each member in our community. With the support of teachers and families children begin to problem solve and discuss issues that arise around stereotypes and other biases still prevalent in our society.

Tot Lot is committed to advocating for young children and their families as well as educating other professionals and students working with children and families. Student teachers and other visiting educators learn from our skilled staff a wealth of curriculum ideas and observe teachers and families challenging the “isms” of race, gender, ability, family structure and class.

Our enduring legacy is embodied in our graduates – young people with a commitment to social justice, and families and staff who advocate for excellence in their children’s school and for schools in the community. Tot Lot believes in supporting all learning and this includes the development of our teachers. Teachers are encouraged to lead and attend a variety of professional development workshops, classes, and discussion groups. It is important that our staff is always challenged to continue in their own learning and that they are an inspiration to the larger community as “life-long learners”.

Tot Lot is now a community comprised of ethnically, racially, culturally and socio-economically diverse children, families, and staff. The founding mission of the center is to provide a safe place to counter the many forms of persistent discrimination in our society. Through careful recruitment, the school maintains a staff and family body of varying races, cultures, sexual orientations, and economic backgrounds. This family/staff cooperative works closely together on matters of policy, curriculum and everyday Tot Lot life to effect a fluid organization.