Return to Pre-School
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Lori-An Penchansky
Director, Early Childhood Education
Naomi Godel
School Secretary
Our School Philosophy
Ohev Shalom Early Education Center is more than just a synagogue pre–school program. Our program emphasizes the development of the whole child from birth to school age. Children learn through exploration and we guide them in discover-ing and investigating the world around them. With developmentally appropriate hands-on activities, we cater to the five senses and nurture a child’s expressive, communicative and cognitive growth.
Our curriculum centers on Jewish holidays, ethics and values through the teaching of brachot (blessings), t’fillot (prayers), Judaic customs, music and Shabbat. We have a unique Shabbat unit for every age level that culminates in a Shabbat mishpacha (family) service and dinner. Complementing our curriculum, the Ohev Shalom Synagogue community also provides specific programming geared toward young families and children.
In addition to our Judaic curriculum, each age level focuses on topics of study that are relevant to the lives of our children. Our teaching staff incorporates literacy, science, social studies, mathematics and the arts into the everyday culture of the school. All of our levels teach to the Pennsylvania State Standards in unique and creative ways.
Our staff at Ohev Shalom is extraordinary. With a dedicated and experienced faculty and small class sizes, our teachers and families identify themselves as a commu-nity. Our teachers encourage socialization and emotional development as lifelong friend-ships are formed.
Infant Center
Our state-of-the-art infant center is open to babies from 3 months until 18 months old. Our loving attentive staff (1 adult to 3 babies) will nurture your children in a safe and secure environment. The 2- room facility accommodates individual routines so babies can nap, eat and play on their own schedule.
Young Toddlers (18 months)
Our young toddler class offers a warm nurturing center where your toddlers can begin to develop a sense of independence, creativity and age-appropriate social skills. The be introduced to art, music and movement that will help them as they move through the school years.
Toddlers (2-3 years old)
In the older toddler classes, the children begin to gain more independence through activities and group projects. They focus on self-help skills, including bathroom skills, cleaning up, and caring for their own belongings. The emergence of their social skills in relation to their peers prepares the children for their future school years. The children begin to explore the world around them through the colors of the rainbow.
Pre-School (3-4 years old)
Our pre-school classes follow an egocentric cur-riculum. The children begin to learn ‘All About Me,” families, friends and their local world. The children continue to learn about books, with au-thor studies and books of the week, and learn to develop a love of reading that will sustain them for the future. The emergence of improved so-cial and emotional skills helps the children as they learn cooperation and empathy for their peers and others.
Pre-K (4-5 years old)
In our Pre-K program we prepare children for the transition to kindergarten by providing a language-rich literacy-based classroom experience. With the use of hands-on math experiences, science and social studies, the children engage in an approach to learning that will prepare them for their future school experiences.
Kindergarten
Our kindergarten program is a state-certified alternative to public school for those families looking for improved student/teacher ratios, more creativity and a strong Judaic curriculum. The curriculum meets or exceeds all state standards. Children must be 5 years old prior to September 1. Our program is 5 full days from 9:15-3:15 and transportation is available.
Kindergarten Enrichment
The kindergarten enrichment program is for those students attending a half day public school kindergarten program. This class integrates Jewish studies with hands-on secular activities emphasizing the arts. Our program is available 3, 4 or 5 half days a week, mornings or afternoons.
Machaneh Ohev Shalom Summer Program
Our summer program is open to all children up to age 5. The summer session includes water play, sports, arts & crafts, music and more. Each week will have a unique theme and its own special event. Camp is available full or part time, full or half summer.
What makes us unique?
