Joy. Character development. Respect for all
Our children learn the customs, traditions, and moral values of Judaism. These lessons are woven naturally through all of our disciplines so that they become both a meaningful and treasured part of each child’s personal milieu. The Jewish values of kindness, appreciation for our world and respect for all are thoughtfully woven into every aspect of the classroom throughout the day. Our children eagerly anticipate holidays such as Rosh Hashanah, Chanukah, Purim, and Passover and understand how to meaningfully and joyfully participate in each holiday. We carefully select teachers who model and nurture Jewish values such as kindness, friendship, empathy, and respect for the environment and the rights of others. Our staff strives to instill our children with the joy and pride of Judaism’s rich heritage and meaningful customs. We regularly celebrate holidays with parents and members of the larger community. Our intergenerational Passover program allows children to connect with their loved ones by sharing a meaningful experience through joy and sharing of traditions.
Service Curriculum
At Preschool of the Arts, we incorporate service education as a part of our Judaic curriculum. From the time that they are very young, children learn that they can have a meaningful impact on the world and possess the power to help make the world a better place. Our youngest learners are given the opportunity to collect items for donation to others. Whether it’s collecting toys for children residing in shelters during Hanukkah or preparing gifts of food and games for hospitalized children during Purim, children, teachers and parents at Preschool of the Arts embrace the joys of volunteerism and engagement in the larger community. Our children know that their actions have a positive impact on others.
Character Development
Pennies for charity are collected each morning. This experience sensitizes children to the plight of others and teaches them empathy at an early age. The capacity for empathy forms the very basis of charity. At the end of the year, children decide together on an appropriate cause for their money.
Get Well Phone-Calls
Children are taught to notice and care for one another, helping them build empathy and instilling the purpose of being a responsible member of a community. Throughout the year if a child is home sick, their class with call them at home to wish them well. Children are encouraged to draw and write get well cards and are taught kind language to share with their friends and relatives.
Responsibility
Children are given the opportunity to take ownership over their classroom community. At the beginning of the year they work on classroom agreements where children contribute their thoughts and ideas about how they feel they should treat one another, their materials and their classroom. They are also given the opportunity to take pride in the daily rhythm and care of their classroom by taking on a daily responsibility.
