Preschool Program

We all recognize that the social and intellectual growth children make during the years leading up to 1st grade is extremely influential in the success they realize throughout their schooling. At Schechter, an outstanding staff, carefully crafted curriculum, and sensitive approach to child development guide children through these highly formative years.

The classroom for 3-year-olds is a nurturing environment where we foster growth in all areas of a child’s development. As the children move from parallel play to interactive play, we strengthen their social and emotional progress through structured, whole-group activities and many opportunities to experience the various learning centers throughout the room at their own pace – by themselves, with a friend, or in a small group.

Conversation, questions, and new experiences stimulate the children’s intellectual development. As preschoolers learn to make increasing sense of their world, they eagerly engage in problem-solving, language acquisition, and experimentation without fear of failure.

The 3-year-old’s large muscle development is nurtured through gross motor activities like dancing, Dalcroze, a music and movement program, and daily opportunities to ride bikes, jump, climb, and run in the gym or outside on the playground. We refine small motor skills through an abundance of arts and crafts activities, math manipulatives, puzzles, and instruction in proper pencil grip and use of scissors.

Schechter integrates Judaics in all areas of the curriculum. Hebrew songs, beginning Hebrew vocabulary, holiday traditions, and blessings and morning prayers are all part of our preschool day.

The classroom for 4-year-olds continues to strengthen all areas of a child’s development. Cognitive growth is enhanced through developing creative problem-solving skills, beginning letter and sound recognition, and learning to classify, sequence, and hypothesize. Language acquisition continues as the children discover more about the world they live in.

Emotionally, the 4-year-old is more self-assured, secure in the classroom, comfortable with rules and routines, and inclined to test limits. Opportunities for cooperative play, sharing, tolerance, and understanding feelings are an integral part of the day. Most 4-year-olds are very social, and we consistently reinforce the concept of being a friend and a member of a warm, cooperative community.

Physical development continues through Dalcroze, classroom activities, regular gym periods, and daily excursions to the playground. The children have many opportunities to advance their writing skills and master proper pencil grip while engaging in more challenging puzzles, math manipulatives, and art activities.

Judaics constitute significant part of the day. Students participate in a daily tefillah (prayer) service and, learn~~ing~~ the meaning of the prayers. They learn Hebrew words for the days of the week, weather, greetings, and Shabbat, and acquire additional Hebrew vocabulary in context. The 4-year-olds enjoy learning about our holidays – traditionally, culturally, and practically.

Preschool enrichment is available to students enrolled in the morning program. Enrichment includes a special activity, free choice time, nap time, and a snack. The wide range of special activities might include science, cooking, language arts (drama, puppetry, authors & artists), music and movement, arts and crafts, tiny tot tae kwon do, and technology.