Registration Now Open for Temple Israel Pre-K

Temple Israel Childhood Center is now accepting registrations for its new pre-K program. The Westport pre-K incorporates Jewish education and technology in the curriculum, as well as students working collaboratively.

Classrooms equipped with writing centers encourage children to work in their writing journals while also learning about Hanukkah.

Temple Israel Childhood Center is scheduled to offer its new pre-K program in the fall of 2014, and registration begins Dec. 9. The program, specifically for children ages 4-5, offers an innovative and hands-on learning approach and helps children develop their role in their larger community in the temple. “Children will gain an extra year of learning and instruction before they head into kindergarten at the center,” says Rosalie Witt, the director of early childhood education. “There is a lot of one-on-one instruction that goes on here.”

The class size is kept small—10 students with two teachers—which allows the children to receive individual attention every day. The program is divided into two “short days” (9am-1:30pm) and three “long days” (9am-3pm) a week. On two of the long days, the class is divided in half—only five children attend—so that the two instructors can especially help each child with their specific needs.

The pre-K program uses a “project approach” in the classroom—projects guide children in working collaboratively with one another. The curriculum covers subjects such as math, science, social studies, and research and cognitive skills. Students will also use iPads in the classroom to learn how to utilize technology for their education through research, taking photographs, and recording their progress as learners.