Founded in 1982, we consider ourselves extremely fortunate to house our preschool in our beautiful state-of-the art Rabbi Gerald & Helen Raiskin Torah Center since September, 2004. This facility provides an enhanced developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor environment where children are encouraged to explore and develop their curiosity through play and challenging experiences.
OUR PHILOSOPHY AND GOALS
Our Preschool focuses on the physical, emotional, social and cognitive needs of each child in a stimulating, creative, warm and loving Jewish environment, where children learn through play to be independent and self-reliant. We help them build self-esteem and inspire their creativity and imagination. Language development and gross and fine motor skills are emphasized. The children learn about and celebrate the Jewish holidays, Jewish values and customs, and Shabbat.
OUR CURRICULUM
Our play-based curriculum supports our philosophy and goals. Daily activity schedules include options for quiet and active play, as well as large and small muscle activities. A variety of small and large group activities are offered, along with a balance of child-staff initiated activities. Our outdoor environment includes a unique play structure, sand and water play areas, a bike path, an outdoor courtyard for each classroom, and a preschool garden.
Activities include art expression, dramatic play, literacy and language development, science exploration, cooking, block building, music, math activities, stories, puzzles and manipulatives, multiple sensory experiences, and gardening.
Each week, the children participate in music and creative movement classes (Mr. Barry and Soccer & Smiles), and special programs are presented during the year.
OUR STAFF
We have a low child/teacher ratio and a staff comprised of dedicated, loving educators who are carefully selected for their Early Childhood Education backgrounds, teaching experience and sensitivity to the needs of young children and their families.
Strong emphasis is placed on continuing education professional development, and in order to continually improve the quality of our program, we keep abreast of the latest research in the field of early childhood education. This involves membership in professional organizations and participation in training seminars, workshops and conferences.
Our Preschool is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and we are actively involved in the Bureau of Jewish Education. Currently, we are one of three Jewish preschools in the San Francisco Bay Area participating in the Focus on Excellence in Early Childhood Jewish Education pilot program.
COMMUNICATION, PARENT INVOLVEMENT AND PARENT/CHILD FUNCTIONS
Parents are informed weekly of classroom and school activities, including classroom curriculums. Our Preschool Director sends a weekly e-mail "Preschool Schmooze" newsletter, and Parent / Teacher Conferences are conducted twice a year.
We encourage parent involvement and provide ample opportunities for participation, such as: Meet My Teacher Day and Welcome Brunch, Mentor Program, New Parent Orientation, Back to School Night, Class Coffees, Parent Education Workshops and Fundraising Events, as well as participation in the Preschool Parents Association and Room Parent Program. Annual Parent/Child functions include Chanukah and Passover Celebrations, Shabbat Family Dinner, Breakfast with “Daddy,” Pizza with “Mommy,” Special Friends Day, and Pre-K and Transitional Kindergarten End of Year Celebration, and End of year Preschool Picnic.