nursery@bethemet.org
Our Philosophy

Our Curriculum

Our Learning Environment

Our Directors

Our Accreditation

Our Philosophy
Our program is based on the belief that young children construct knowledge of the world by actively engaging with their surroundings. In each classroom a team of teachers designs an environment that encourages children to experiment, discover and explore.

Fostering a positive Jewish identity in young children is an integral component of our program. Whether it's learning how colors blend while finger-painting, counting the candles for the Chanukah menorah, or negotiating the sharing of toys in the sensory table, teachers help young children become active learners and part of a community.

A successful school experience strengthens children's ability to be part of a group. As the children's social skills develop, they learn to become independent, responsible and cooperative members of a class.

Our Curriculum
Our curriculum includes activities that are hands-on, developmentally appropriate and frequently initiated by children. A significant part of each morning is dedicated to free play. During this time children are encouraged to make choices, explore, create, socialize with their peers, and learn the art of problem-solving and negotiation. This is done with the support and facilitation of our experienced teachers.

Every classroom has age-appropriate materials and equipment, allowing the child to investigate math, Jewish life, science, literacy and social studies at their own pace. Teachers provide structure, watching and listening carefully to determine the interests of each group, and then develop activities that build on these areas of interest.

Judaism is woven into all our activities. Our program introduces Jewish holidays and rituals through songs, literature, play and art. Shabbat is celebrated each Friday. An introduction is to Hebrew, a love for Israel and the teaching of Jewish values continually strengthen the children's Jewish identity.

Our learning environment
Learning takes place everywhere we go!
Whether it's comparing different types of
apples at the science table in a sunny
classroom,learning how to swing on the monkey bares on the playground, or exploring the Torah scrolls in the sanctuary, our school offers many opportunities for children to learn and discover. Each day, children spend time outdoors in our private state-of-the-art playground or in the large well-equipped indoor playroom.
Our directors
Our directors have worked in Beth Emet's Early Childhool Program for many years and both hold graduate degrees in Early Childhood Education. A consultant from the Virginia Frank Child Development Center is a key member of the early childhood team and serves as a valuable and accessible resource for parents.

Our Accreditation
Our program is proud to have earned NAEYC Accrediation - the mark of quality for early childhood education programs. We are also accredited by the Early Childhood Kehillah of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago. We are affiliated with the Community Foundation for Jewish Education of Chicago and licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

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