B'nai Tikvah hosts the pre-school programs operated by the Board of Jewish Education (BJE). The various programs, geared for children 18 months-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 in 1972 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. In our quest to be current with the latest in early childhood educational innovations, we have incorporated the Reggio Emilia system of learning into our progressive concept of Jewish early childhood education. The Reggio Emilia philosophy is based on recognizing that young children express themselves in many ways. Our teachers are specially trained to tap into these ways to actively engage the young child in the learning process. This method of teaching resects each individual child’s ideas and is key to involving the child in the larger group experience. The results produce real growth in the child’s ability to express himself verbally and artistically, as well as solve problems independently and in a group setting. We have found that this in-depth approach to projects has resulted in a stronger sense of Jewish identity and positive self-esteem in children.
The schools are characterized by: a highly trained, enthusiastic, warm and loving staff; emphasis on encouraging siblings, grandparents and 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.
Our own B'nai Tikvah/BJE Early Childhood Center offers:
New Steps - Age 18 months by September 1 . 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. 2 days per week
This class offers the two-year-old a gradual movement into the world of independence within the preschool setting. With the emotional support of parents/caregivers, the two year olds are encouraged to explore this new environment and learn about group living. The children’s increasing comfort level will help prepare them for a healthy, successful separation during the first semester. 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 21/2 hours /2 days per week
More Steps emphasizes social development and an introduction to all of the Jewish holiday celebrations. Separation is carefully planned so that it can be carried out in an optimum manner for each child. Circle times expose the young child to songs, felt-board stories, rhythm and movement as part of a group.
Kadima (Let's Go Forward) - Age 3 by Sept. 1. Meets 3 hours/3 days per week.
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 3 hours/5 days per week
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, an evening Tu B’shvat Seudah, and a Pesach mini-seder developed just for this age child.
For questions or more information on these programs, please contact Selma Brown, On-Site Director, Board of Jewish Education Early Childhood Center/B’nai Tikvah, 847/945-8577, or Nancy Manewith, Director BJE Early Childhood Centers, 847/634-0363.
