B'nai Tikvah hosts the pre-school programs operated by the Board of Jewish Education (BJE). The various programs geared for children 2-5 years integrate general education and Jewish values and experiences within a warm, supportive environment. The instructors are highly trained and certified in both general and Jewish education. The programs maintain a ratio of 7 children to 1 teacher to provide optimum conditions for each individual child's growth. The BJE curriculums have been recognized nationwide for their content, materials and scope.
Founded as a lab school, the Board of Jewish Education Early Childhood Centers have the ongoing objective to integrate the leading research on children's social, emotional and intellectual development into a Judaically-based curriculum. From a class of 14 in 1975, it has expanded to five schools with an enrollment of 600 children.
The schools are characterized by: a highly trained, enthusiastic, warm and loving staff; emphasis on encouraging siblings, grandparents and die extended family to participate in our family events; extensive communication with parents; and a unique, innovative curriculum carefully planned to reflect the changing developmental needs of each age grouping.
New Steps - Age 2 between Sept. 1 and Feb. 28. Meets one day/week with parent. Especially designed for the toddler and parent/caregiver to discover their world together in a Judaic environment. Includes songs, finger plays, musical activities, explorations of art media and social dramatic play.
My Own Steps - Age 2 by Sept 1. 1st semester meets 1 or 2 days/week T-TH with parent; 2nd semester without, parent 2 days/week T/TH.
This class offers the two-year-old a gradual movement into the world of independence within the preschool setting. Exploration of various art media, and large and small motor activities in a well-equipped preschool classroom is provided. Circle time focuses on songs, finger plays, and activities set to music. Jewish holidays are an integral part of the program.
More Steps - Age 2 1/2 years by Sept. 1. Meets 1st semester 2 hours T/TH mornings; 2nd semester 2 ½ hours T/TH mornings.
A program without parents that is 2 hours in length the first semester, expanding to a 2'/2 hour program for the second semester. The hours increase to reflect the child's growing social comfort within our preschool classroom. Separation is carefully planned so that it can be carried out in an optimum manner for each child. This program emphasizes social development, and an introduction to all of the Jewish holiday celebrations. Circle times will gradually help the young child to enjoy songs, felt-board stories, rhythm and movement, as part of a group.
Kadima (Let's Go Forward) - Age 3 by Sept. 1. Meets three mornings a week, 3 hours, Mon.-Wed.-Fri. 9a.rn.-12 noon.
Separation is carefully planned for each child. This is a balanced program, blending social and cognitive, creative and structured, individual and group activities, all integrated with the full celebration of Shabbat and the Jewish holidays. Social development is highlighted, with an emphasis on problem solving as a means to social competency. Separation continues to be carefully planned for each child. Family highlights are an evening Chanukah party, a Family Pretend Trip to Israel, and a Family Shabbat Dinner celebrated with a complete kit of Shabbat ritual items made by each child.
Bonim (Builders) Age 4 by Sept 1. Meets five days, 3 hours, 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. M-F.
Children continue in their exploration of themselves, their community, and the larger Jewish community of which they are a part. There is an emphasis on more extensive group projects as the means to involving the children in meaningful cognitive and social learning. The Jewish social values of Tzedakah and mitzvot are introduced and integrated into our early literacy and pre-math programs throughout the year. Family highlights are a Hebrew Name Reaffirmation program, a Havdalah Dinner with each family using the ritual object kit made by their child, and a Pesach mini-seder developed just for this age child.
