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Child Development Center – Philosophy

Welcome to our Preschool

Since its inception and licensed in 1994, the Congregation B’nai Israel Child Development Center has created a unique learning environment, rich in Jewish tradition, with a very low teacher-child ratio. 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 preschool has 5 classes: Babies, Toddlers, Young Preschool, Preschool, and PreK.

School hours are:
Full day program: 6:45am to 5:45pm (includes afternoon childcare)
Half day program: 8:45am to 12:30pm
Pilim and Parparim Club (Preschool and PreK children only): 8:45am to 3:00pm
We offer two, three, four, and five day options
Kosher lunches are offered Monday through Wednesday for an additional fee.

Our teachers are trained in Early Childhood Education, as well as Jewish curriculum and the Reggio Emilia, constructivist approach to learning.

Our philosophy is based on the belief that we have the responsibility to nurture each child’s development and learning style, utilizing experiences through interactions that foster a zest for life and a love of learning. We believe that care and learning are inseparable and that each child is a thinking and creative individual. Our program’s foundation incorporates Jewish Values and Morals and is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach to learning. Both embrace a respectful “image of the child”, honoring children’s curiosity and natural inclination to learn through play.

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, 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 off 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 views children as competent, capable, and enthusiastic to learn.