Temple Isaiah Pre-school Center

Our program was established to meet the needs of families desiring a warm, nurturing Preschool experience for their children in a safe and secure environment. Since its inception several decades ago, our Preschool programs have earned a reputation for excellence and we have seen our Preschool grow from a small group of children to the rich and vibrant community it is today.

The first few years of a child’s life are the most important for growth and development. In recognition of how crucial these early years are to later learning, the early childhood programs of the Temple Isaiah Preschool integrate the best of early childhood theories and ideas, based on the work of Piaget and Vygotsky, current research into best practices in early childhood education, and NAEYC Developmentally Appropriate Practice guidelines. We use active learning to promote cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and creative development. Our children are also provided with a rich Judaic environment, in which they can experience and learn about Jewish rituals, customs, celebrations
and joys.

Curriculum materials are designed to facilitate children’s construction of knowledge by encouraging them to explore, experiment, problem-solve, and share ideas with one another.

The teaching staff is the foundation of our quality program. All of our classes are taught by educated teachers who far exceed minimum licensing requirements and who are trained in pediatric First Aid and CPR. Our teachers continue to participate in ongoing professional development and work in teams to provide quality experiences for children. Our Preschool office is managed by Peggy Engman, quite an efficient and effective Preschool office manager who handles all of the administrative clerical Preschool business.

The most effective Early Childhood programs encourage parent participation and involvement in their children’s program. Communicating with parents is the first step and is a continuing process in our program. Personal contacts through informal, daily interactions permit the sharing of valuable information between parents and teachers. Scheduled conferences, telephone calls, e-mail, and our weekly newsletters are other means of communication with parents. These exchanges often provide greater opportunity for meaningful parent-child interactions and conversations by involving and informing parents of the happenings in their child’s day. Even in their absence, parents can become active participants through conversing with their child specifically about a snack, activity, or a special song that was shared that day.

The Preschool Director, Tamar Andrews, holds an MA degree in Child Development and is on the faculty of several local colleges as an instructor of child development.

Our Preschool is also fortunate to be part of the larger Temple Isaiah community and with this comes the nurturing guidance and support of Rabbi Richard Kellner, Rabbi Zoe Klein, Rabbi Dara Frimmer, Cantor Evan Kent, the Temple administration and the Temple Isaiah Board of Trustees.

Temple Isaiah, a community organization, is a place for the entire family. We welcome you to the Preschool and hope you take advantage of all the special programs the Preschool and Temple has to offer you and your family.

Licenses & Accreditations:

California Department of Social Services: Community Care Licensing Division - NAEYC Accredited

Preschool:

Yes