Our daily program is based on the child’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development.  Our objectives include an effort to establish basic values, positive self-image, observation, language, and math and science skills.  We encourage the development of self-control as well as response to limit setting in the external environment.  We expose the children to a variety of carefully chosen materials and experiences in an atmosphere of trust and respect.  We believe that each child must be allowed to function on an individual development level.  It is our responsibility to provide a safe, nurturing environment in which children can develop happily and comfortably. 

One of the most important ways children develop and learn is through play.  Under the supervision and guidance of our teachers, play is really children’s work. Through daily activities such as block building, creative arts, stories, cooking, science activities, dramatic play, and talking together, children learn to ask questions, get answers, and express their feelings. We recognize that there are children at many different levels in our classes and try to plan curriculum with varying developmental needs in mind. While the children have a great deal of choice in our program, we are watching to make sure that each child is trying out activities in all the curriculum areas; we will encourage and gently lead those who may be hesitant to participate in a particular area. There are ample opportunities for working on physical development in both fine motor and gross motor areas. Through playing alone and in groups, children have time to organize their thoughts and learn to share and get along with others.

While there are no fixed or predetermined units, themes may develop, inspired by children’s experiences, developmental concerns and according to the teacher’s strengths and interests. As a synagogue-sponsored program, a portion of our program is exploring Jewish life, values and culture. We celebrate Shabbat and all Jewish holidays. The holidays are integrated into many areas of the curriculum. 

We have a basic schedule for each day. Blocks of time and areas of activity are planned and occur in sequence. Within the framework there is considerable flexibility, however, and children are encouraged to choose activities that interest them. Sometimes part of the usual schedule is set aside so that the children may enjoy special events such as field trips, or enrichment programs that are brought into the classrooms. The children are encouraged to play alone as well as in small or large groups and they have opportunities for experiencing both free and structured activities.

Teachers plan curriculum at meetings, but will amend those plans if something develops spontaneously in the classroom. The program is flexible and fluid to allow teachers to respond to individual needs and interests. Teachers are also aware of the shifting dynamics and interests of the group, the interests and needs of the group drive the curriculum as well as individual needs.  The curriculum emerges and differs from year to year.