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.

"Giving Your Child the Gift of Time"

Our Transitional Kindergarten program is a wonderful and unique opportunity for children who have completed a Pre-K program and who need another year to grow emotionally, socially, or academically before entering kindergarten. With this gift of time, children will be able to develop a strong sense of self confidence, inner motivation, problem solving, and self direction to further their desire to learn. In this non-competitive environment children can be challenged at their own levels to achieve success in the skills needed as they go on in school. With a low teacher:student ratio, 1:8, small class size, and a loving, nurturing environment your child will be given the inividual attention they need and the room to grow with another year of maturity in every way; socially, physically, emotionally, and cognitively. Call us for more info and to schedule a tour at 650-697-2279.

See our special Preschool Parents Page!

MORNING PRESCHOOL

9:00 AM — Noon

• 2-Year-Olds — 2, 3 or 5 days per week. Children are required to be 2 years of age by Sept. 2 and need not be toilet trained.
• 3-Year-Olds — 3 or 5 days per week.
• Pre-Kindergarten — 5 days per week.
• Transitional Kindergarten — 5 days per week.

EXTENDED HOURS

• Mornings: 8:00 AM — 9:00 AM
• Afternoons: Noon — 1:30 PM and Noon — 3:30 PM.
• Available 5 days a week (any combination of days may be selected).

Children must be enrolled in the Morning Preschool Program.

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS OFFERED

• Parent/Toddler Program
• Afternoon Enrichment Programs

CONGRATULATIONS, PARENTS!

You have chosen an early childhood program for your child that is accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs. The Academy administers the only national, voluntary, professionally sponsored accreditation system for all types of schools and child care centers. The Academy is a division of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the nation's largest organization of early childhood education.

WHAT IS ACCREDITATION?
Early childhood programs accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs have voluntarily undergone a comprehensive process of internal self-study, invited external professional review to verify compliance with the Academy's Criteria for High Quality Early Childhood Programs, and been found to be in substantial compliance with the Criteria. A copy of the Criteria can be obtained from the Academy.

WHAT IS A HIGH QUALITY EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM?
A high quality early childhood program provides a safe and nurturing environment while promoting the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of young children.