FAQs
If you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re happy to assist you!
Infants (6 weeks - 18 months)
We provide a bilingual environment where children are exposed to both Spanish and English from an early age.
Our program includes tummy time, sensory play, and guided activities to encourage movement and coordination.
We work closely with parents to create a smooth transition, offering individualized care to ensure your baby feels safe and nurtured.
Toddlers (18 months - 3 years)
We focus on bilingual communication, motor skill development, and social interaction through hands-on activities.
Yes, we provide a balance of structured learning, free play, and rest to support their growth.
Through group activities, music, and storytelling, we foster communication and collaboration.
Preschoolers (3 years - 5 years)
Our preschool program emphasizes bilingual learning, independence, and preparation for kindergarten.
Yes, children are required to be potty-trained to join our preschool program.
Activities include hands-on projects, storytelling, and early literacy and math games.
School-Agers (5 years - 12 years)
Our program includes academic support, recreational activities, and leadership-building exercises.
Yes, we provide homework assistance to support their academic progress.
We offer team-building games, group projects, and supervised play to encourage social skills.
Bilingual Education
No, children have an amazing capacity to learn multiple languages. Mixing languages is normal at first and will resolve as they develop.
No, research shows that learning a second language enhances overall language skills. Bilingual children develop strong literacy and communication abilities in both languages, and their ability to read and write in English is not hindered. Instead, bilingualism often improves cognitive flexibility and academic performance.
It enhances cognitive development, cultural awareness, and academic performance, while preparing children for dual-language schools.
Montessori-Inspired Education
Montessori emphasizes self-paced, hands-on learning tailored to each child’s needs, promoting independence and creativity.
Traditional Montessori education focuses on five key areas: Practical Life – Developing independence and fine motor skills through everyday tasks, Sensorial – Refining the senses through hands-on exploration, Mathematics – Building a deep understanding of numbers and problem-solving, Language – Strengthening reading, writing, and communication skills, and Cultural Studies – Exploring science, geography, history, and the arts.
We incorporate technology and career education into the traditional Montessori approach to prepare children for the future.
Our Director and Staff
We made the decision to move to Fremont after living in Omaha for many years because we appreciate the safety and friendliness of a smaller town, which is ideal for our family. Additionally, Fremont is close to our extended family, which has been a great blessing. God provided us with the opportunity to open Hatzlaja Early Childhood Academy here, and we’re thrilled to be part of this wonderful community!
My Bachelor’s in Spanish Education is K-12, and my ESL Endorsement is PK-12, which gave me a broad range of teaching experience. I also have a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, which allowed me to write curriculum for Omaha Public Schools (OPS). As Department Head, I coached teachers across a variety of different subject areas. In my time at the Montessori Educational Centers of Omaha and as a substitute teacher across various districts, I’ve worked with children ranging from 6 weeks to 18 years old. Through these experiences, I learned that good teaching transcends age and subject. In early childhood education, I apply my background in bilingual education and my dedication to a faith-based approach to strengthen the foundation for children’s learning.
While I am the primary provider, my husband, Jonathan, also works at Hatzlaja Early Childhood Academy, and my mother-in-law, Etheleng, volunteers. Jonathan serves as our secondary provider, while Etheleng assists as needed. We have all completed the required child care licensing steps through the Nebraska DHHS, including State Patrol fingerprinting, background checks, Safe Sleep training, and certifications in Pediatric and Adult CPR/AED/First Aid. We are dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for the children in our care.
No, we are fortunate to have my mother, Kathy Rahorst, as a substitute. If any of our full-time staff or children are sick, Kathy can step in to help care for the children or substitute in the academy. Kathy has also completed the Nebraska DHHS childcare licensing requirements, including State Patrol fingerprinting and background checks, to ensure she is fully qualified to step in when needed. Our close-knit family connection near Fremont is an added advantage for our academy and families.
Access to Cameras for Parents
Access to the cameras is available only when determined by the center. This may occur at different times throughout any given day. We ask that you respect these times of operation in order to ensure the well-being of all children and the smooth running of center activities. You may receive a notification when the cameras are disconnected or when they are active.
No. The cameras are designed to provide general security and supervision, not for detailed monitoring of every moment of the day. We ask that you limit the use of the cameras to occasional viewing during determined times and avoid being constantly connected to respect the privacy of children and staff.
Restricted access is in place to ensure that center activities run uninterrupted and that the privacy of children and staff is respected. Furthermore, we want to foster an environment of trust and autonomy between the academy, parents, and children.
Yes. The cameras are installed for general security purposes. We understand that as parents, you want to be aware of your child’s well-being, and we provide you with access to the cameras as a complementary tool for your peace of mind. However, we ask that you respect the purpose of the cameras and not use them constantly.
Hatzlaja Early Childhood Academy reserves the right to block access to the cameras at any time and for any reason for either individual accounts or for all users, especially to protect the privacy and well-being of children and staff. If this happens, you will be notified.