Beth Emek Preschool

Our son is at Beth Emek Preschool, and we look forward to having our daughter there, too, as soon as she's old enough. The teachers are warm and professional, the facilities and resources are good, the families are friendly, and there's a regular stream of communication.

This is our third year at Beth Emek Preschool (our oldest son graduated in June and our middle child is now in his first year). I am a stay-at-home mom, so our kids have been with me almost all the time until starting preschool. We were nervous about how the transition into preschool would be for them, but it was nearly effortless because of the fabulous teachers who make preschool a secure and supportive environment in which to grow from a toddler into a kid. Our oldest was more than prepared to begin kindergarten this year, both academically and socially.

The day mostly consists of structured free play, with some time every day devoted to circle time, a healthy snack, lunch with friends, and time outside. The kids learn about Jewish values and holidays which has really shaped who they are as Jewish children and as young citizens. The teachers encourage the children to have new experiences as well as cultivate true interests. We are so proud to be a part of the Beth Emek Preschool community.

My daughter loves Beth Emek Preschool and so do we! She started in the fall of 2015 just before turning three and I was nervous about the transition to preschool but it went incredibly smoothly, in large part due to the warm, loving environment and caring teachers who were very supportive and understanding of her needs. We were so worried when we dropped her off in the morning that she would be upset and not want us to leave but once she got there and saw all of the toys and activities and was in that environment, she didn't even want to take the time to say goodbye to us! Pick-up is a similar situation. She asks almost every time we pick her up why she has to go home and if she can stay for longer! She is going 3 days/week now and asked if she can go 5 days/week next year. I think that says a lot about Beth Emek.

The thing that I appreciate the most about Beth Emek Preschool as a parent is the communication with the preschool teachers and director. Because the preschool director, Mel, has such excellent organizational and communication skills, I always know what is going on at school and what my daughter did that day - which is important when you have a little one who can't tell you exactly what they did! Mel is extremely approachable and is quick to respond to emails and calls. She has sent me emails just letting me know what my daughter is up to that day or if there is anything going on I need to know about. Mel also sends a weekly email update that is really helpful for keeping us all in the loop.

Other things we love about Beth Emek Preschool are the creative activities, great outdoor play space, that they celebrate Jewish values and holidays and encourage parents' involvement in those, the clean classrooms, caring teachers who have been there for years, and understanding of child development and focus on learning through play at this age. We were so, so fortunate to get a spot at Beth Emek and are so grateful to be a part of the Beth Emek Preschool community.

We are now in our second year at Beth Emek Preschool and it has been amazing to see our son's growth in this program. He came from a local daycare, where often at pick-up they would describe him as quiet and a kid that didn't really talk much. This was in sharp contrast to the kid we love and saw at home. We realized that he needed a more dynamic program and warm environment to help him as he grows, develops, and eventually prepares for elementary school. More than anything, we wanted to see him be the happy, comfortable kid we enjoy at home, in another environment with his peers and other adults. And we are thrilled to see that this has been accomplished at Beth Emek!

The teachers at Beth Emek are phenomenal! The program is overseen by the Director, Mel McDonald, who manages to establish a program where most children want to stay when the school day ends and where you will find that families have been in attendance for many years, seeing all their children through this school. It is truly a testament to Mel and the teachers that the parents are happily involved and the children are so happy. Not to mention, many of the teachers have seen their own children through this program!

I remember our tour and initial meeting at the school and how I was wondering how our son would respond to a new place. It blew us away when he asked us when he could go back. He's since completed two summer fun programs and is in his second year of school. I value the teacher's insight, experience, and devotion. Mel provides a supportive, balanced communication with parents. She made sure to reassure us of our son's adjustment, which was invaluable considering a change like this was truly a change for the whole family. I look at my son now and I'm so grateful that we made this choice. We have no doubt that our son is being wonderfully shaped, encouraged, and supported by the program and staff at Beth Emek.