Temple Adat Elohim: Brotherhood

Early Childhood Education Programs
An Enriching Experience for Children and Their Families Early Childhood Education Center Office

Accredited by NAEYC and BJE Licensed by the State of California Parenting Programs

2420 E. Hillcrest Drive
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
Batsheva Spector, Director

(805) 497-6920

bspector@adatelohim.com

Andrea Leonard

Assistant Director

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Philosophy
Temple Adat Elohim Preschool nurtures all aspects of a child's development: social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and spiritual, in a sensitive and caring Jewish environment. Early childhood is the most critical period in human growth and development. The foundation of personality, self-image, and the motivation to learn are all established in the first five years of a child's life. Our role as educators is to inspire, motivate, teach, and guide young children to feel valued and respected as individuals.

The Preschool program serves children 2 to 6 years old, preschool through Transitional Kindergarten. We believe in a play based, child centered curriculum where children learn experientially by interacting with the environment. Children are encouraged to explore, work as a group, solve problems, and handle frustrations in ways that enhance self-esteem. Important tasks such as separation, communication, socialization, and language acquisition are dealt with individually and respectfully.

Lovingly Jewish
The Preschool follows the yearly cycle of the Jewish holidays. A positive Jewish identity is taught and encouraged through the observance of Shabbat, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Hanukkah, Tu B'Shevat, Purim, Passover, Lag B’Omer, and Shavuot. The Rabbis and Cantor participate with the children often, imparting the Jewish values of kindness, compassion, and fairness. Each week is highlighted by the Friday Kabbalat Shabbat celebration.

Learning Environment
Children are taught in small classes with a high ratio of adults to children, allowing for the optimum learning atmosphere. Daily activities include a balance of inside/outside, active/quiet, teacher directed/child-initiated and planned/emergent experiences. Specific curriculum areas are addressed daily: language acquisition, math, science, large and small motor experiences, dramatic play music, dance, cooking, problem solving, social, and emotional expression, and comfort and free play opportunities. Classrooms are filled with an abundance of hands-on materials, encouraging exploration, and creativity. Outside specialists are brought in to enhance developmental learning.

Faculty
The teaching staff is highly experienced and trained in Child Development and Early Jewish Education. Our educators are warm, nurturing, and deeply committed to teaching young children. Teachers participate in regularly scheduled continuing education programs and CPR/First Aid training. Their dynamic approach to teaching offers children a stimulating and rewarding school experience.

Separation
Every new family is made to feel welcome in our community. Children and parents are invited to visit the classroom before school starts. Prospective parents are encouraged to talk directly with the director, staff, and participating families. To help ease separation difficulty, it is important that a parent or other close adult be available to spend the first few days (or weeks) at school with their child. Potty training is not required for our youngest children.

Family-School Interaction
We have found that a strong partnership between the family and our school creates successful and positive relationships for all involved. Through work with our parent association Mishpaha, classroom participation, parent education workshops, and holiday celebrations your lives and the life of your child will be enriched. In addition, the family is an integral part of the larger, Temple community, Temple Adat Elohim.

Offered classes include science, cooking, gymnastics, dance, computers and more, from 12-1:30 pm.

Offering children ages 2-10 an exciting summer camp curriculum. This 8-week program includes a fun and stimulating summer experience.

An exciting parent and child experience, promoting the values of Judaism and developmentally appropriate early childhood education practices. Led by experienced facilitators, participants learn proven child development techniques within a fun and stimulating environment. Infants and toddlers participate in music, art, and gross motor activities. A warm and caring atmosphere promotes group cohesiveness. All classes include an introduction to the Shabbat experience and Jewish holiday celebrations.

A perfect place for parents and children (ages 2-2 1/2) who are not yet ready to separate but want to test the waters. An enhanced Parent & Me format is designed to allow parents to remain in the background while toddlers experience the delights of preschool with the teachers. Separation is gently approached with a sensitive and warm response. Children participate in weekly Friday Kabbalat Shabbat activities.