Beth El Nursery School

Or call us at (914) 235-2700, ext. 250

Opportunities to Experience Beth El Nursery School

Mission Statement

Beth El Nursery School provides a warm, nurturing environment where children ages 1 to 5 and their families build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, we view children as capable, curious, and resourceful learners who explore, collaborate, create, and express themselves in thoughtfully designed environments that honor each child’s individuality and development.

We nurture the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth of every child while fostering a sense of belonging and community. Rooted in Jewish values and traditions, we welcome families from all backgrounds and embrace them as partners in a vibrant community of learning, discovery, and Jewish life.

Programs

Our school calendar is based on the New Rochelle Public School schedule and the Jewish holidays. Class size is limited by age category and/or room size. In an effort to increase the Hebrew language component of our programs, our classes are given Hebrew names according to the parts of a tree to symbolize growth.

Toddler Time is a nurturing, play-based program for one-year-olds accompanied by a parent, caregiver, or grandparent. Led by a Beth El Nursery School teacher, the program offers hands-on experiential learning, sensory play, music, art, snack, and gross-motor activities.

Connect with other families while introducing your toddler to the wonderful world of Beth El Nursery School!

Tuesdays and Fridays | Choose one of two class times:

  • Early Morning: 9:15–10:30 AM

  • Late Morning: 10:45 AM–12:00 PM

Children must be two by December 31st of the entering school year.

  • 3-Day-2s – Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 9:00AM-11:45AM

  • 5-Day-2s – Monday through Friday 9:00AM-11:45AM

Children must be three by December 31st of the entering school year.

  • Full-Day-3s – Monday through Friday (9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, with early dismissal at 1:30 PM on Fridays during the winter months)

  • AM-3s – Monday-Friday (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

Children must be four by December 31st of the entering school year.

  • Full-Day-4s – Monday-Friday (9:00 AM – 2:30 PM, with early dismissal at 1:30PM on Fridays during the winter months)

This program is for children born between 1/1/2022 and 12/31/2022 and is offered Monday-Friday, 9:00am to 3:00 pm (1:30pm dismissal on Fridays during the winter months for Shabbat). Gesher is for children who would benefit from the gift of an additional school year before entering kindergarten. 

Extended Hours

Extended hours are available for children enrolled in the 2027-2028 school year:

  • Early Drop Off—drop off your child between 8:00-9:00am, Monday through Friday

  • After Care—pick up your child as late as 6:00pm Monday through Thursday, and until 3:00pm on Friday

Please contact the Nursery School office at nursery@bethelnr.org or 914-235-2700, ext. 250 for additional information.

Our Gifted Specialists

Woodworking

Our Woodworking Program invites children to design, create, and build using authentic tools, including saws, drills, hammers, and screwdrivers. Through hands-on exploration, children develop creativity, problem-solving skills, coordination, and confidence while learning to use tools safely.

Atelier

A key component of our Reggio Emilia-inspired approach, our art studio, known as the Atelier, is led by an Atelierista, an educator who guides children in exploring, experimenting, and expressing their ideas through art. This thoughtfully designed space encourages curiosity, creativity, and the discovery of new possibilities through a wide range of artistic materials and experiences.

Music

Led by Debra Stieglitz, Shirah is our interactive weekly music program where children explore a rich repertoire of songs, discover musical concepts, and experiment with a variety of instruments while developing a joyful love of music.

Sports 

Coach Steve leads exciting athletic games and gross-motor activities that help children build coordination, develop physical skills, gain confidence, and discover the joy of sports!

Movement & Drumming 

Shmulik, affectionately known as the “Pied Piper of Beth El,” leads Rikud, an energetic, Hebrew-focused program that brings music, rhythm, movement, and drumming together in a joyful celebration of Jewish culture and expression.

Yoga 

Emily Herzfeld introduces children to the joy of yoga through playful, age-appropriate activities that encourage balance, flexibility, focus, and relaxation.

Shabbat & Holiday Music 

Beth El’s Cantor Gaby and Music Director Jack Klebanow bring Jewish music to life each week, introducing children to the songs, melodies, and traditions of Shabbat and Jewish holidays.

STEAM Studio 

Beth El Nursery School offers a state-of-the-art Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math studio!

Resident Shinshin 

Our Resident Shinshin, a recent Israeli high school graduate spending a year abroad before army service, brings Israel to life in our classrooms through Hebrew, culture, geography, food, music, and a contagious enthusiasm for all things Israeli.

Professional Support

Project SEED (Supporting Early Emotional Development) is a collaboration between Westchester Jewish Community Services and the Jewish Education Project, and is designed to help early childhood educators support young children’s emotional development.

Dynamic Outdoor Spaces

Our three state-of-the-art playground areas offer a wide range of sensory, gross, and fine motor activities, and most importantly, a fun space for expansive exploration and imagination.

Highlights of Our Playground

  • Mud Kitchen

  • Climbing Spiderweb

  • Treehouse

  • Water Pump

  • Suspended Log Crossing

  • Tire Tower & Swings

  • Plank Bridge & Play Ship

  • and more!

Grandfriends

Our Grandfriends Program brings children and seniors in our community together to share meaningful experiences and build lasting connections. Through activities such as reading, dancing, building, and baking, children and seniors learn from one another, form special friendships, and create cherished memories across generations.

Want to learn more? Email Nursery School Director Ronnie Becher and Assistant Director Shery Rosenstein at nursery@bethelnr.org or 914-235-2700, ext. 250.

Many of our families also enjoy Beth El Day Camp, our summer program for children in Westchester. Click here for more information.