Temple Israel Early Childhood Center

The Temple Israel Early Childhood Center offers children and their parents a warm, welcoming, and nurturing environment where sharing and caring are prevalent. We incorporate a multicultural perspective into our curriculum, preparing children to be positive influences in the community. Our belief is that our children should enjoy discovering why and exploring how in a Jewish environment where hands-on learning is an everyday occurrence.

Our Early Childhood Center is a safe and nurturing environment in which we care for the social, emotional, physical and intellectual well being of each child. We develop curiosity, imagination, self-esteem, caring for others, and the ability to play both cooperatively and independently. Our program is multi-sensory, and provides experiences in imaginative play, stories and discussions, cooking, music, small and large motor activities, art, math, and science. In all our activities, our attention is on the process and pleasure of discovery, not the product. Our mission for each individual student is to enhance self-esteem, support social competence, create a passion for learning, and encourage reaching ones potential by creating hands-on learning experiences that are relevant, developmentally appropriate, challenging, and dynamic.

As part of our Jewish cultural tradition and heritage, we celebrate the Jewish holidays with songs, stories, special foods, and customs. On Fridays, each class celebrates Shabbat. In each classroom, Shabbat helpers are selected and challah (braided bread) is eaten with grape juice. We visit the sanctuary for songs, a story, and a visit with the rabbi or cantor. On the Shabbat closest to each childs birthday, the child is called up to the bimah (raised platform in Sanctuary) to hold the Torah scroll (the first of three sections of the Hebrew Bible); we say the Shehecheyanu (prayer for special occasions) and sing Yom Huledet Sameach (Happy Birthday). Parents are always welcome and encouraged to join us in these celebrations.

Child Ages:

1.5 years - 6 years

Licenses & Accreditations:

MinnesotaDepartmentofHumanServices

Preschool:

Yes

Children per Teacher:

Infant: 5/1, Toddler: 6/1, Pre k: 8/1, Afterschool: -/-

Hours of Operation:

Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 3:30pm.