About Open Arms Buckhead
The mission of Open Arms Lutheran Child Development Center of Buckhead is to serve Atlanta-area families by providing a high-quality early childhood education that is centered on the truth, goodness and beauty of the Christian faith. The Open Arms staff is ever mindful that parents are the primary educators of their children, and so focus on supporting that teaching role of parents while also nurturing the child and encouraging their growth and development.
It is our vision . . .
- To value each child as a unique and special child of God, encouraging individuality and promoting self-esteem
- To provide a balanced program to meet the total needs of the child to grow spiritually, socially, emotionally, intellectually, and physically
- To value a child’s play experience as an avenue of learning
- To provide a developmentally-appropriate program for all children of any race, creed, nationality, or ethnic origin
- To provide a safe, stimulating, hands-on environment in which children can interact with others and increase in ability and knowledge within a small group experience
- Finally, to nurture the spiritual and professional development of our staff, thereby enriching their lives.
Accreditation and Membership
Open Arms Buckhead is licensed and quality rated by Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care & Learning (DECAL). A copy of the laws and rules governing childcare centers and a copy of the State Rules and Regulations are posted on the parent bulletin board in the front entrance lobby. Our licensing record, including compliance report forms from the health, building, and fire departments, are available from the state.
Philosophy of early childhood education
Open Arms Lutheran Child Development Center is a not-for-profit ministry of The Lutheran Church of the Ascension, providing a childcare program of the highest quality designed to meet the needs of working parents. At Open Arms, each child is guided to develop his/her potential in every aspect of life within the shelter and nurturing relationships of Christian love. We operate our Center assuming each child is an individual and must be allowed to grow and learn at his/her own rate and to develop a healthy self-image. Open Arms will help each child grow spiritually, emotionally, physically, and intellectually.
Childcare and preschool frequently represent the child’s first separation from home, a first experience in learning that other adults can be helpful and loving. Children have much social learning to do, and this is best accomplished in an atmosphere of love and concern for the needs of each child. Programs are planned to encourage and develop individual strengths and abilities, while helping the child understand the value of cooperation and interaction with others. These abilities are developed through working, learning, playing, and sharing with other children as well as adults.
Play is the child’s work. By taking advantage of this fact and the many facets of early childhood teaching techniques, a happy and strong foundation can be built. By balancing active time with quiet time, teacher-directed activities with child-selected ones, and structured learning with open-ended playtime, Open Arms will encourage the child’s natural curiosity and eagerness to learn about the Lord’s creation.
History
Lutheran parochial education has more than 125 years of rich heritage in the United States. The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod has over 1,300 early childhood education centers in operation in all 50 states. Open Arms Buckhead was the first Open Arms Child Development Center established. Since then, Open Arms Child Development Centers have spread countrywide and are often used in church planting.