Preschool - Temple Beth Sholom

At the TBS Early Childhood Center, we approach discovery and learning using the concepts of Reggio Emilia. Learning takes place when ideas, concepts and theories are shared with others within the context of the environment.

Exploring relationships (child to child; child to adult; child to community; child to nature; child to materials and each of these things to the other) coupled with the knowledge that the child already has, provides the foundation for understanding the world and constructing additional knowledge.

Jewish values, holidays and traditions are introduced in a natural manner based on the calendar cycle and in the context of daily life. Children are exposed to ideas of social justice and are given opportunities to view experiences though many different lenses.

Our goal is to be co-collaborators with parents in helping children develop into happy, kind and respectful leaders. We aim to develop attributes of compassion, strong self-esteem, internal motivation, independence and social adeptness. Each child will learn to be empathetic to others, understand and be sensitive to diversity, and collaborate with others.

For questions or a tour, please contact Tamara Levin, TBS Early Childhood Center Director at tlevin@tbsoc.com or call the ECC Office at (714) 628-4640.

Our Philosophy & Basic Information

At Temple Beth Sholom Early Childhood Center we recognize that:

All children have the right to be respected and treated with compassion.
Children are strong, competent and social human beings.
Each child is a unique individual.
Children bring to school their own experiences and perspectives.
Children actively participate in their learning.
Children are curious researchers who investigate in their own unique way.
Children express themselves through “a hundred different languages”.
Our program, inspired by the Reggio Emilia Municipal schools, views the environment as the third teacher allowing children the opportunity to explore, question and seek answers. Working together,children, teachers and parents are co-learners in the classroom and school environment. Children’s thoughts and ideas are respected and regarded with value. Through observation, documentation, and further research children’s interests are recognized and explored. Children develop confidence and independence through this process. Literacy, math, science, and communication are a natural outcome of this approach.

The TBS ECC is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Monday – Friday on regularly scheduled school days. The school closes for various Jewish and secular holidays and may close early on some Jewish holidays and staff in-service days. All holiday closures have been considered in the tuition fee. Please check the school calendar below for scheduled closings.

Within our regular operating hours we offer the following programs:

Half-Day Program 9:00 – 1:00
Extended Day 8:00 – 4:00
Full Day Program 7:30 – 5:45

We offer childcare for children ages 3-months to TK (6 years old, prior to starting Kindergarten).

Infant Rooms: Children ages 3-months to approximately 12 months (walking)
Toddler Rooms: Children ages 12-23 months
Preschool: Children ages 2, 3, and 4 years old
TK/Pre-K: Children ages 4-6 years old preparing to enter Kindergarten the following fall.

Children are placed in the developmentally appropriate classroom in conjunction with their birth date.

Our Curriculum

The curriculum has been developed by the staff and administration to provide opportunities for the social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth for all children attending our center. We use developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) guidelines from the National Association for the Education of Young Children, well known theorists and many other scholarly sources to create a developmentally appropriate curriculum.We provide activities and opportunities which are appropriate for children as they grow and pass through their various stages of development.

Our curriculum is child driven and emergent. Although initial plans may be set to stimulate interest, emergent curriculum unfolds as it is being facilitated. For example, the discovery of a spider in the play yard may develop into weeks or months of learning.

The classroom set up is comprised of learning centers that include blocks, art, dramatic play, books, manipulatives and scientific discovery. These centers allow children to make choices and actively explore. Children learn by interacting with their peers & teachers and through materials in the classroom environment.Inquiry and research is encouraged. Centers are planned with specific goals in mind. With the teacher's guidance each center assists in the emotional, cognitive and physical growth of the child.

Planning for the classroom involves consideration of age appropriateness for the group and individual aptness of each child. Cognizant that every child learns differently, we use a multimedia approach to learning. Inquiry and research are encouraged.

An introduction to Jewish holidays, traditions and rituals are explored in the Preschool. A focus on Jewish culture is an ongoing part of the educational program. We integrate meaningful, age-appropriate Jewish experiences into the general curriculum. Exploration of the richness of our Jewish heritage is experienced through the senses via creative art, books, tapes, foods, songs, and drama.

Jewish Holidays your child will learn about:

Shabbat
Rosh Hashanah
Sukkot
Shmini Atzeret
Simchat Torah
Chanukah
Tu B'Shevat
Purim
Passover
Yom Ha'Atzmaut
Lag B'Omer
Shavuot

Students will also study and participate in secular and cultural holidays (not religious in origin)