Early Childhood Education at Temple Beth-El
The ECEC is widely recognized as a model of excellence for Jewish early childhood programs throughout the country. The school strives to stimulate each child's individual sense of curiosity, and foster a love of learning in a seamlessly integrated secular and Jewish environment. In 2005, our school was one of a small number, chosen by the Jewish Early Childhood Education Initiative (JECEI), from schools throughout the country to implement a new synergy of authentic and relevant Jewish values with the best in progressive education. Our teaching methodologies are modeled after and inspired by the world-renowned early childhood educational system of Reggio Emilia, an approach to early childhood education named for the town in Italy in which it was founded. The Reggio approach to learning is based upon the following principles:
The Image of the Child
Children are capable, competent, and creative thinkers, and bring a wealth of knowledge to their educational setting. The many languages that children use, such as drawing, dramatic play, sculpting, painting, music, and others are creative ways through which they express themselves. Our teachers have been trained to recognize and utilize these languages to build upon each child's strengths and existing knowledge. Our approach strongly supports the development of each of these languages in young children, which constitutes what the Reggio approach calls the "hundred languages of children."
Curriculum
The heart of the curriculum originates from the children's ideas and interests. Once their interest is captured, it is pursued. Because children create their knowledge from prior experiences and through current exploration, their interests continually deepen with ongoing investigation. During this constructivist approach to learning, projects and topics of study can be short or long-term, and evolve over time, as children's curiosity, interests and ideas evolve. Inquiry and problem-solving are a major focus of the school. We provide an atmosphere where children, through the media of play, art, music, drama, creative movement and personal expression, can grow and develop as independent, loving people. The ECEC is a safe, nurturing, non-pressured environment where inquiry, exploration, communication and discovery are encouraged and cultivated under the supervision and guidance of highly trained and certified early childhood professionals. Each classroom is designed to encourage and promote personal explorations and to support each child's independent emerging learning process. We foster respect for self and others, autonomy, competence in all areas of development, and a life-long love of learning.
The Role of the Teacher
Our highly trained teachers work collaboratively with each other, both in the classroom and the school. Teachers value and support children's ideas, and create opportunities for small-group discussion with children throughout the day. Teachers observe and listen closely to children, so that they can plan for ways to extend their learning together. Our teachers use photographs and children's dialogue to document the learning, enabling each child to revisit the learning process.
The Role of Parents and Families
Our families are actively involved, and we emphasize collaborative relationships among parents, teachers, and children. Families are highly respected and valued in each classroom, creating a strong bond and community within the school. Family members are encouraged to participate in the classroom and school, and are often invited to share their hobbies, talents, or profession with the children. Many topics for future discussions result from these visits.
Classroom Environment
Our approach understands that the environment is the child's third teacher, and we have intentionally designed each space to be a warm and inviting place for both children and adults. Teachers capitalize on natural light, inviting children to paint, draw, and experience changes in the light. Many plants and natural materials are found everywhere in the school, inspiring children to interact with them. Children's artwork and documentation panels are beautifully displayed on the walls throughout the school. Our Pre-Kindergarten program meets or exceeds all New York State and Great Neck Public School Learning Standards. All of our graduating Pre-K students are well-prepared, academically, emotionally and socially, to excel in the K-12 system. Play is valued as an important and necessary opportunity for children to construct and shape an awareness of and connection to their social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and creative abilities. Our school allows and encourages children joyfully to engage in the process of learning, and truly have fun. A visit to the school will demonstrate how dynamic and exciting early childhood learning can be..
The Image of the Child
Children are capable, competent, and creative thinkers, and bring a wealth of knowledge to their educational setting. The many languages that children use, such as drawing, dramatic play, sculpting, painting, music, and others are creative ways through which they express themselves. Our teachers have been trained to recognize and utilize these languages to build upon each child's strengths and existing knowledge. Our approach strongly supports the development of each of these languages in young children, which constitutes what the Reggio approach calls the "hundred languages of children."
Curriculum
The heart of the curriculum originates from the children's ideas and interests. Once their interest is captured, it is pursued. Because children create their knowledge from prior experiences and through current exploration, their interests continually deepen with ongoing investigation. During this constructivist approach to learning, projects and topics of study can be short or long-term, and evolve over time, as children's curiosity, interests and ideas evolve. Inquiry and problem-solving are a major focus of the school. We provide an atmosphere where children, through the media of play, art, music, drama, creative movement and personal expression, can grow and develop as independent, loving people. The ECEC is a safe, nurturing, non-pressured environment where inquiry, exploration, communication and discovery are encouraged and cultivated under the supervision and guidance of highly trained and certified early childhood professionals. Each classroom is designed to encourage and promote personal explorations and to support each child's independent emerging learning process. We foster respect for self and others, autonomy, competence in all areas of development, and a life-long love of learning.
The Role of the Teacher
Our highly trained teachers work collaboratively with each other, both in the classroom and the school. Teachers value and support children's ideas, and create opportunities for small-group discussion with children throughout the day. Teachers observe and listen closely to children, so that they can plan for ways to extend their learning together. Our teachers use photographs and children's dialogue to document the learning, enabling each child to revisit the learning process.
The Role of Parents and Families
Our families are actively involved, and we emphasize collaborative relationships among parents, teachers, and children. Families are highly respected and valued in each classroom, creating a strong bond and community within the school. Family members are encouraged to participate in the classroom and school, and are often invited to share their hobbies, talents, or profession with the children. Many topics for future discussions result from these visits.
Classroom Environment
Our approach understands that the environment is the child's third teacher, and we have intentionally designed each space to be a warm and inviting place for both children and adults. Teachers capitalize on natural light, inviting children to paint, draw, and experience changes in the light. Many plants and natural materials are found everywhere in the school, inspiring children to interact with them. Children's artwork and documentation panels are beautifully displayed on the walls throughout the school. Our Pre-Kindergarten program meets or exceeds all New York State and Great Neck Public School Learning Standards. All of our graduating Pre-K students are well-prepared, academically, emotionally and socially, to excel in the K-12 system. Play is valued as an important and necessary opportunity for children to construct and shape an awareness of and connection to their social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and creative abilities. Our school allows and encourages children joyfully to engage in the process of learning, and truly have fun. A visit to the school will demonstrate how dynamic and exciting early childhood learning can be..