Preschool/Bridge
Preschool
The preschool fosters the growth of each child in a nurturing environment that supports all areas of their development (including cognitive, social and emotional) and encourages emerging independence. We believe in flexibility within structure allowing children a great deal of opportunity for exploration and discovery as they seek meaning in the world, while feeling the security of appropriate boundaries. We work hand in hand with parents to form partnerships of trust and to set appropriate goals for children. We believe in the joy of learning and the independence of a secure environment that encourages exploration. We respect the uniqueness of each child as well as the importance of community.
The Preschool provides children and their families the opportunity to explore their Jewish culture and offers the seeds for establishing Jewish identity which is defined differently for each of us. The program emphasizes a sensory approach to cultural Judaism and the Jewish holidays, as this is a wonderful way for children to appreciate their heritage and their community.
In addition to our outstanding teaching staff, we benefit from a unique and diverse team of specialists who spend regular time in the classrooms, meet with teachers routinely and are often available to parents as well.
The Preschool typically serves children until they attend Kindergarten. Our graduates attend ongoing Public, Independent and Jewish schools.
I invite you to learn more about the Preschool, the Early Childhood Center and JCP. Please contact the Early Childhood Center at 212-334-3533. I look forward to meeting you.
Preschool Admissions:
Children must be at least two years and four months in September to enter the preschool. For younger children see the Bridge Program and My Grownup and Me Classes. Please call Marcia Marks Thaler, at the JCP Early Childhood Center (212-334-3533) to schedule an Information Session and Tour, the first step in the admissions process. Information Sessions are held throughout the fall for the following September. Applications are available at Information Sessions. Financial Aid is available.
Sharon Shorofsky Mack
Director, JCP Early Childhood Center and Associate Director, JCP
Sharon@jcpdowntown.org
212-334-3533
BRIDGE CLASSES
The JCP Bridge Program is specifically designed to create a bridge into a full preschool environment, providing a nurturing environment for productive play in a consistent group setting. During the class children engage in a variety of activities including music, art, free play, group activities and snack as well as integrated Jewish cultural, holiday and Shabbat experiences throughout the year.
Children attend the Bridge Program with a parent or caregiver and the children move toward separation mid year. The class is supplemented with ongoing parent discussions which include an opportunity to reflect on developmental questions that emerge out of interactions within the class as well as general parenting topics of interest. These sessions take place outside of classroom time.
The Bridge Program fosters the growth of the child in a nurturing environment that supports all areas of their development and encourages emerging independence. We believe in flexibility within structure allowing children a great deal of opportunity for exploration and discovery as they seek meaning in the world, while feeling the security of appropriate boundaries. We work hand in hand with parents to form partnerships of trust and to set appropriate goals for children. We believe in the joy of learning and the independence of a secure environment that encourages exploration. We respect the uniqueness of each child as well as the importance of community. The program emphasizes a sensory and interactive approach to Judaism and the Jewish holidays as this is a wonderful way for children to appreciate their heritage ad their community.
The Bridge Program serves children who are between 22 months and two years four months in September of the year they begin the program.
Bridge Enrollment:
For information on Bridge Program enrollment please call Marcia Thaler, Assistant Director of the Early Childhood Center, at 212-334-3533 or email Marcia@jcpdowntown.org.