The Solel Preschool
The Solel Preschool provides a structured learning experience based on the goals of Reform Judaism, child development and early childhood education. We encourage children to explore the world while developing small- and large-muscle coordination, eye-hand coordination, language skills, a strong sense of self-esteem, and a positive Jewish identity. We want to help children learn that they are capable of working independently, that there are appropriate times and ways to ask for help, and that they can successfully work in group situations while still having their individual needs met.
Our preschool serves children aged six months through Pre-Kindergarten. Solel
Preschoolers are offered a wide variety of activities to experience, including
art, music, movement, water play, manipulative play, outdoor fun, stories and
quiet time. These activities will foster development of pre-math skills, pre-reading
skills, and social skills, all of which will help to prepare them for their
elementary school years. The curriculum encourages children to be actively involved
in the learning process, to experience a variety of developmentally-appropriate
activities and materials, and to pursue their interests within the context of
life in the Jewish community and the world. We combine teacher-directed activities
with those in which teachers facilitate interactive play and child-directed
activities.
Our Jewish heritage is an essential part of our program, since it provides a source of identity, a framework in which to interpret the world, the basis for a feeling of belonging, and our sense of values. We encourage developmentally-appropriate independence in children, using the positive reinforcement techniques of guidance, including redirection, anticipation and elimination of potential problems, and positive feedback. The Solel Preschool staff strives to achieve the following goals:
- Foster a positive self-concept
- Foster a strong and positive Jewish identity
- Develop social skills
- Encourage appropriate responses to discipline
- Encourage children to think, reason, question, and experiment
- Encourage language development
- Enhance physical development and motor skills
- Encourage creative expression
- Encourage good health practices
These goals allow our teachers to plan age-appropriate activities and set guidelines for meeting the learning and emotional needs of all the children who attend The Solel Preschool.