Curriculum

Our preschool program is inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy of early childhood education. Started in the Reggio Emilia region of Italy in the late 40s–early 50s, this methodology has been studied and modeled world-wide. In 1991, a Newsweek article identified the Reggio Emilia programs as the best early childhood programs in the world.

• Building from what children already know.

  A Reggio inspired program is one that states that children come to preschool with some knowledge of the world and the desire to learn more. Through a careful inquiry process, the teachers start with what the children know and what they wish to learn more about. The gaps in the children’s knowledge and skills are filled as the children explore and work on projects based on what they are investigating. This process opens the world to the children beyond the classroom walls and the play yard fence.

• Classrooms are designed to stimulate and incorporate natural elements.

  Our classroom spaces are carefully considered by the teachers. They thoughtfully display materials as to be provocative to their students so that the children participate directly with their environment while fulfilling their need to learn. The Reggio inspired environment incorporates natural elements to stimulate the senses. The trickle of a water fountain, the beauty of a green plant, the taste of fresh vegetables and fruit, the scent of a flower and the texture of a shell are just a few of the elements we build in to the children’s day.

• Celebration of Jewish traditions

  Jewish holidays enrich our classroom curriculum as well and Shabbat is joyously celebrated each Friday. The children study and learn about the Jewish holidays at their developmental level. The clergy of Shir Hadash play an active role in the weekly life of the preschool. Shabbat and holiday stories are told by Rabbi Aron, Rabbi Fleekop and Rabbi Levenberg. Cantor Felder-Levy’s music adds beauty to our celebrations.