Historical Background

Cradle of Joy was founded out of a desire to be able to bring about God's plan to bring the children to Himself. For as it is said in scripture,

"Let the children come to Me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." (Matthew 9:13)

It came in a moment of prayer. In 1988, at the Lord's prodding, Teacher Marion Cruz began to conceptualize a preschool for the children of renewed Catholics of the Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon Community. However, it was not until after 10 years that she later collaborated with three other sisters-in-the-faith and co-educators to labor over the plans for the school. Like a potter treading clay with patience and diligence, their work did come to fruition. With the blessings of Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon Community's leaders and equipped with outpouring donations from home and abroad, Cradle of Joy first opened its doors to 17 students in 2 vertical classes on June 1998. The following years were nothing short of blessings over blessings as the school continued (and continues) to expand. By 2000, the school opened its Grade School department and in 2004, the Preschool department earned its Department of Education Accreditation.

Mission/Vision

COJ strives to be a Catholic Christian educational institution that will be an instrument in molding children in Christian character and virtues, and be a strong support to parents in providing education of high quality and standards.

In keeping with the vision, the mission of COJ is:

To mold children in Christian values and character, bringing them to a deeper personal relationship with Jesus Christ
To help children achieve academic excellence
To harness the children's creative potentials, gifts, and talents for God's glory
To imbibe in the children a love for their Filipino heritage and culture
To closely cooperate with the home in providing meaningful learning experiences for the children

Philosophy

Catholic Progressive Education

COJ espouses the progressive philosophy of education where children's interests come first and foremost, emphasizing and promoting divergent and critical thinking, creativity, and imagination. The school also implements an integrated curriculum, wherein different subject areas are integrated by a Christian core theme.

Opportunities for Optimal Learning

COJ observes a maximum of 15 students per class, thereby giving them optimal learning. Children move on to the next lesson only after understanding has been achieved.

Since research indicates that majority of children are tactual and kinesthetic learners, COJ adopts a wide variety of child-centered teaching methodologies, taking into consideration individual children's learning styles.

Children also experience learning beyond the confines of the classroom. In addition to numerical grades, narratives, a portfolio of works and projects, and anecdotes are given to provide a more holistic presentation of the child's progress.

Strong Home-School Link

COJ views parents as partners in the children's education. Parents and other relatives are often invited into the classrooms as resource speakers and class home visits are frequent, popular, and much anticipated by the children. COJ also boasts of a very strong PTA, which, over the years, has truly helped the school grow and prosper.

Board of Trustees

A body of hard-working and dedicated men and women make up Cradle of Joy's Board of Trustees. All members of the Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon Community and individually successful in their respective business and disciplines, they discern and stir the school towards fulfilling its God-given and God-driven mission.

Eliseo Lademora, Jr.
Chairman

Edward Isaac
President

Bob Tanchavez
Vice President

Daisy Mendoza
Treasurer

Theofredo Sandico
Secretary

Archit Bartolome
Board Member

Beth Melchor
Board Member

Dolly Rodriguez
Board Member

Patrick Caoile
Board Member

Arman Sanarez
Board Member
PTA President