Our Mission
What We Stand For
At Jata’s care, we believe in cultivating positive and authentic self-esteem in children, which enables them to initiate and engage in their growth and learning, helps them self regulate their behavior, and make thoughtful decisions through an awareness of how their actions affect their own well-being and that of those around them.
Our Philosophy
Core Concepts:
Healthy, positive, and authentic self-esteem is the foundation of a child’s well-being, growth, and learning. Each child is born with a distinctive temperament that is essential to identify, understand, accept, and celebrate. It is this recognition and acceptance that creates the right environment for the child to build an authentic sense of self. Children raised with this approach become capable of recognizing and accepting their strengths and limitations, become comfortable with who they are, and become able to strive to be their best.
It is important for children to understand that their decisions, thoughts, and actions affect their own well-being and that of those around them and that they are responsible for the consequences of their decisions. To encourage this, I use numerous opportunities and provide assistance for children to engage in the process of problem-solving and conflict resolution. I am mindful of the language I use and encourage them to express their thoughts, ideas, and reasoning. When children evaluate their choices in the context of the guiding principles: we take care of ourselves, of each other, and of our things, they are able to make appropriate decisions without fear of authority or need of approval. This allows them to regulate their own behavior inappropriate and compassionate ways, helps them trust themselves and helps others trust them, and contributes immeasurably toward building their self-esteem.
I value meaningful partnerships with clients based on trust and respect so that we work as a team towards our shared goal to provide the best and consistent care for the child. These partnerships are built beginning with the intake interview and continuing through daily communication as well as extended meetings. I hold these meetings with clients after daycare hours on a regular basis where we have time to engage intensively with each other, and where I can give them substantive advice. In addition to these modes of communication, I invite all my clients to attend periodic workshops to foster a sense of community and for us to learn from each other.
Since many other adults affect children’s lives, I encourage clients to share our co-developed insights and caregiving philosophy with other relevant adults like grandparents and babysitters for the child to benefit from a consistent approach. When required, with permission from the parents, I work with other providers including babysitters, kindergarten teachers, and therapists to promote the wellbeing of the child. I learn from and work closely with these professionals in order to support each other in our efforts.
Location
Red Hook, NY
Hours of Operation
Monday-Friday, Year-Round
Contact us
845-750-6822
A Word
From Our Director
Hello! I am Sujata, lovingly called “Jata” by the children and families I serve at Jata’s Care. I have been working with young children and their families since 1990 in a variety of settings – NGOs, private schools, and my own daycare – serving families with diverse economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds. I hold a master’s degree in Social Work with specializations in early childhood development and family counseling, and an associate’s degree in Child Development. I focus on healthy partnerships to foster mindful introspection of our ideas and actions to serve each child’s best interests.
– Sujata Sethi