Pre-School and Kindergarten | Our Approach

Akiba-Schechter Pre-School and Kindergarten is a NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) accredited program open to all children. We are a community school that creates a safe, stimulating, nurturing environment for children to learn through active exploration and play. Children engage in activities that include dramatic play, movement, art, sensory experiences, music, library, and yoga. Through secure relationships with teachers and friends, children develop a sense of independence and autonomy, as well as an ability to understand the needs and concerns of others.

At Akiba-Schechter, we believe that youth is precious and that growth cannot be rushed. The developmental stages children must go through in order to be happy and successful take time and energy on the part of the teacher and the student. No two children are alike; each has individual strengths and weaknesses. We believe that each child is unique and deserves to be cherished. Children's similarities and differences need to be celebrated. Our teachers work hard to identify each child's needs and help them integrate into the group.

Cheerful music, colorfully displayed artwork, and children busy at play are some of what make our Pre-School and kindergarten look and feel like a great place to be! Teachers prepare the environment for children to learnthrough active exploration and interaction with adults, other children, and materials. Children select many of their own activities which include: blocks, dramatic play, art, sand and water table, card and board games, music and movement, group games, dictating and writing stories, songs, group meeting time, and outdoor play.

We believe children learn best when the curriculum is thematic and child-centered, which, in its best form is child-initiated. While our teachers are always prepared with rich plans for each day of school, they are also ready to putthose plans aside when the children's ideas take the plans in a different direction. While the final product is always nice to have, it is the process of creatingthat we most embrace. Storytelling and celebration of the Jewish holidays bring to all a warm awareness and joy of the Jewish tradition. Regular visual documentation of their activities helps children reflect on the fun and growth they experience.

A child's experience in Pre-School and Kindergarten will remain with them forever. We accept the responsibility to create a positive foundation for children's attitudes about learning and school. Each day children have the opportunity to have a new and exciting experience full of discovery at Akiba-Schechter. When children graduate from our programs, they are confident individuals, launched and prepared to face the challenges and adventuresthat a life of learning has to offer.

Modified: Sunday, 20-Aug-2006 20:06:31 CDT