Child Development Center
Since its inception and license in 1994, Congregation B’nai Israel Child Development Center has created a unique learning environment, rich in Jewish tradition. Our preschool reflects the Jewish values and traditions held by our synagogue, which are integrated into each of our five classrooms. A caring sense of family and community, which is central to the synagogue, is incorporated into daily routines and the philosophy of the preschool.
Our Classes:
Our preschool has 5 classes: Infant, Toddlers, Young Preschool, Preschool, and PreK.
Hours:
We offer three, four, and five day options
- Full day (Infant, Toddler, Young Preschool, Preschool, PreK): 7:30 am to 5:30 pm
- Club Day (Preschool & PreK ): 9:00am to 4:00pm
- Half Day (Young Preschool, Preschool, PreK): 9:00 am to 12:45 pm
Mission Statement
Our mission is to create a community where Jewish traditions and values are learned in a Reggio inspired, constructivist environment through a developmentally appropriate, stimulating, emergent curriculum. We are committed to creating a school where children are exposed to opportunities and experiences that foster development and promote a love of learning.
We are dedicated to creating and providing a nurturing, creative, stimulating and safe environment, rich in Judaic traditions, in which your child will flourish. We strive to create a warm and welcoming community that is a home away from home, and that serves as a place for growth, discovery, and the building of relationships.
Our Philosophy
Our approach to teaching and learning embodies the “image of the child” as competent and capable learners, honoring children’s curiosity and natural inclination to learn though play. We believe that children deserve to be recognized, listened to, and valued at all times.
Our Teachers
Our teachers are educated in Early Childhood Education, as well as Jewish curriculum and the Reggio Emilia, constructivist approach to learning. Our teachers are passionate and professional educators who bring with them the professional commitment to create a learning environment that honors the uniqueness of each child and their family.
Our School Environment
Our school environment is a “third teacher”, encouraging exploration, discovery, creative thinking, as well as interactions with peers. Objects are beautifully and purposefully arranged in both our indoor, as well as outdoor environments. Learning happens in a supportive, enriching atmosphere based on the interests of the children through a self-guided (emergent) curriculum. Our teachers strive to help the children develop interests, passions and academic skills that form the foundational process for growing and learning.
Our “Gan Yeladim”, Hebrew meaning children’s garden, is an integral component of our enriched curriculum. Through gardening and caring for the creatures inhabiting this space, the children learn Tikkun Olam (Repair of the Earth) as they plant and nurture the gardens and Tza’ar Ba’Alay Chayim (Compassion Towards Animals) when they leave an ant or bug on the ground instead of stepping on it. They also learn about Mitzvot (Good Deeds) as well as Ometz Lev (Courage) when they are able to watch a bee gather pollen and not run away in fear.
In a nurturing environment, rich in Judaic tradition and multicultural acceptance, children gain confidence within themselves. As the children learn and experience the traditions of Judaism, they translate this into their everyday lives at school. The connection to and love for Israel is at the core our Jewish identity. A feeling of belonging to Israel is instilled because it gives the children a sense of pride, a connection to history, and a gathering place for all Jews. Our unique program, which focuses on Jewish values, is based on the principles of respect, responsibility and community with a foundation that values children as full of wonder, resilient, and enthusiastic to learn. Children deserve to be in an environment that encourages respectful learning, values their discoveries, and nurtures their ideas.