In the preschool classroom, children will experience nine different content areas identified to build knowledge and develop the skills and attitudes necessary for kindergarten readiness and later school success. These content areas are based on national and state education standards (Illinois Early Learning Standards) as well as the guidelines of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Chicago-based Kehillah Jewish Early Childhood Accreditation Project. Jewish Learning Jewish values and practices, holidays, Hebrew vocabulary, Israel, Shabbat and Torah Social and Emotional Development Making friends, solving problems, sharing, expressing feelings and thoughts, respecting others, following routines Literacy Vocabulary and language, phonological awareness, letters, words, print, comprehension, books, and other texts Mathematics Numbers, patterns and relationships, geometry and spatial awareness, measurement, data collection, organization, and representation Science The physical properties of objects, living things, and the earth and the environment Social Studies How people live, work, get along with others, shape and are shaped by their surroundings The Arts Dance, music, dramatic play, drawing, and painting Technology Computers and their basic operations and uses Fitness and Well-Being Healthy kosher snacks, exercise, and time outdoors
JCC teachers integrate this curriculum content into a combination of meaningful learning activities that address the unique needs of each age group. In addition, our teachers use every learning experience as an opportunity for expressing and imparting Jewish values and traditions.
The preschool day is filled with what we call "teachable moments," opportunities to tease out a fact, practice a skill, encourage appreciation, or introduce a new word. Connecting Jewish words, objects or values with your child's natural curiosity is a simple extension of this process. As a result, children gain a deeper sense of their Jewish identity and an awareness that they belong to a diverse and dynamic Jewish community.
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