Beth Emet The Free Synagogue - Social Action
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Frequently Asked Questions
 

My child has never been in a nursery school program. What happens if he/she has a hard time and cries when I leave?

Our teachers understand that the separation process will be different for each child. The teachers work with families, helping each child deal with separation gradually. Flexibility is the key as we help children adjust to leaving the parent/caregiver and feeling comfortable in the classroom.

Does my child have to be toilet trained to attend Beth Emet’s Early Childhood program?

No. We recognize that children accomplish toilet training at different ages. Teachers work with parents and children wherever they are in the process.

Do children have the opportunity to play outdoors?
Yes. Time for active play is an essential part of the schedule in every class. We have a private, fenced-in playground built in 2003 on the synagogue grounds that we enjoy year-round. On days when we cannot go outside, we use the Herman Crown Room, Beth Emet’s large social hall, for active play. There we have riding toys, slides, climbing equipment, balls, hula hoops, and other toys that encourage large-motor activities.

Will I have a chance to talk with the teachers about my child’s adjustment to school?

Communication between teachers and parents is essential to ensure a child’s positive experience at school. Parent-teacher conferences are held twice a year, in the fall and spring. Parents are also encouraged to keep in close touch with teachers via phone or e-mail if questions or concerns arise at other times.

What if my child has difficulties at school?

Teachers meet with parents on a regular basis during the year to ensure a child’s successful experience at school. The director is available to meet with parents and teachers together if problems arise. We are fortunate to have a consultant from the Virginia Frank Child Development Center working with our staff on a regular basis to discuss issues of child development and ways to meet the needs of all the children in our program. Our consultant is available to observe individual children at parents’ request, and meet with parents to discuss her observations.

Is it o.k. if my family’s caregiver brings my child to school?

Yes. Many families have their caregivers bring their children go school, and caregivers are welcome to participate in our parent-child classes. Some families include their caregivers on the school’s email distribution list, so that the caregivers receive newsletters and other pertinent school information.

My family keeps kosher. What food will my child be served at school?

We are proud of the fact that our early childhood program serves families from a variety of Jewish backgrounds. It is important to us that all families feel comfortable in our school. All foods served for snacks in the classrooms are kosher. In addition, we have a peanut-free policy for food served in our school.

Does everyone in the Madregot and G’dolim classes stay for lunch on the extended days?

While this is an optional program, we encourage everyone to participate. Children stay with their teachers and their class for the extended day.

Are the teachers in your program well trained?

We are very proud of the high level of training and low turnover of our early childhood staff. All teachers are required to attend in-service programs and conferences throughout the year for professional development, and all have CPR and First Aid training.

Do you have a summer program?

Yes, we have a seven-week Camp Kayitz: a parent/tot class for children entering Bonim, K’tonton or Kadima, a three-day camp for children entering Madregot, and a four-day camp for children entering G’dolim or Kindergarten.

What kind of accreditation does Beth Emet’s Early Childhood Program have?

Beth Emet’s Early Childhood Program is licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). NAEYC administers the largest and most widely recognized accreditation system for early childhood schools and child care centers. Our NAEYC accreditation indicates that our program meets NAEYC’s standards for a high quality early childhood program. Beth Emet’s Early Childhood Program is also affiliated with the Community Foundation for Jewish Education of Metropolitan Chicago.

Where can I find out more?

There are lots of people who would love to tell you more!

* Kathy Kaberon, Early Childhood Program Director, can be reached at 847-869-4230 ext. 305 or nursery@bethemet.org

* Let Kathy or Fran know if you’d like to talk with the chairs of our Early Childhood Parent Committee or parents who have children the same age as your child.

* Visiting our school is the best way to learn more. Please call Kathy or Fran to make an appointment.