Temple Emanu-El Early Childhood Education Program

At Temple Emanu-El, we believe that children are individual learners; each one gaining skills at their own pace and responding to different styles and methods of teaching. We strive to create a rich curriculum that meets the needs of all children: visual, auditory, and perceptual learners. Our philosophy centers itself on the whole child. We aim to nurture and strengthen each child's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical abilities through our program. We believe that children learn through active play and exploration in a multi-sensory environment.

Temple Emanu-El's Early Childhood Education Program strives to provide a variety of services to children and their families that reflect the Temple's Mission Statement and the school's philosophy. These services include:

To provide a safe and enriching environment for children from 13 months through six years old.
To foster a positive self-image through a warm, play-centered environment that is healthy, safe, and secure.
To offer creative play and constructive, developmentally appropriate instruction as part of the daily routine.
To provide every opportunity for growth and learning for each child. Children learn through interaction with other children and adults. They also learn through individual exploration, a variety of activities and materials, and consistent nurturing and guidance.
To encourage the development of a strong, positive Jewish identity and an appreciation for Judaism.
To develop a reinforcing relationship between teachers and children where teachers strive to understand and accept each child's feelings and thoughts.
To develop a positive partnership between families and teachers.
To help families understand the methods and goals of our school experience and work together to enhance the development of their children.
To establish and maintain community relations that support the growth of our children, their families, the program, and the community.

Temple Emanu-El's Early Childhood Education Program has been accredited by the National Association of the Education of the Young Child (NAEYC) since 2000. "We're proud to have earned the mark of quality from NAEYC, and to be recognized for our commitment to reaching the highest professional standards," Jill Cimafonte, Director of Early Childhood Education.