We are thrilled to have moved into our beautiful new state-of-the art Rabbi Gerald & Helen Raiskin Torah Center in September 2004. This facility provides an enhanced developmentally appropriate environment where children are encouraged to explore and develop their curiosity through play and challenging experiences.
Preschool Director Cindy Common and our clergy play an integral part in meeting our commitment to teach values, morals, customs and traditions with a liberal Jewish approach. While we nurture a Jewish identity, we are open to all faiths.
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 and Shabbat.
OUR CURRICULUM
The 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 and an outdoor courtyard for each classroom.
Activities include art expression, pretend play, literacy and language development, science exploration, block building, music, math activities, stories, puppetry and flannel boards, puzzles and manipulatives, multiple sensory experiences and gardening.
Each week, the children have music and creative movement classes, 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. Our staff also includes enrichment specialists and guest educators.
Strong emphasis is placed on professional development.
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 Academy of Early Childhood Programs and involved in the Bureau of Jewish Education.
COMMUNICATION, PARENT INVOLVEMENT AND PARENT/CHILD FUNCTIONS
Parents are informed of classroom and school activities, including weekly classroom curriculums.
We encourage parent involvement and provide ample opportunities for participation, such as: Back-to-School Picnic, Mentor Program, New Parent Orientation, Meet My Teacher Day, Class Coffees, Parent/Teacher Conferences, Back-to-School Night, 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,” Grandparents’ Luncheon and Pre-Kindergarten graduation activities.
Peninsula Temple Sholom Preschool provides a developmentally appropriate environment where children are encouraged to explore and develop their curiosity through play and challenging experiences.
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.
