Early Childhood Education

In the early childhood department, we endeavor to create a rich, authentic Jewish environment in which children develop a love for and fluency in Jewish life and values.  The daily environment is one of Jewish values related to relationships (derech eretz), gratitude (tefila), and responsibility (tikkun olam), as well as Hebrew language.  Children experience this environment through singing, dancing, tasting, stories, dramatic play, baking, cooking, clay, sketching, researching, painting, creating, praying, and reading.

Exploring the Jewish calendar with all of their senses, children follow their interests to discover the beauty and joy of our traditions.  Key to experiencing the weekly joy of Shabbat and the annual excitement of various holidays is our commitment to integrating the school and home experience.  Examples of this commitment abound.  Parents are invited for coffee every Friday morning to consider some of the Judaic concepts their children are learning, and they are also invited to participate in Shabbat and holiday celebrations.  Children are encouraged to research and share information about their own Jewish homes, including information about their Hebrew names and Shabbat experiences.  Teachers model components of Jewish family life, including prayers, Shabbat meals, and rituals.  And children create ritual objects and memories to share with their families at home.