Nursery School Mission Statement
The primary goal of Beth El Nursery School is to establish a foundation for learning in a warm and nurturing environment for children ages 18 months to 4 years old and their families. Our program, which is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education, is an interconnected web of practices anchored by our understanding of children as being eager to explore and learn, competent and resourceful, ready to collaborate, and full of wonder and delight. Our classrooms provide interactive environments that stimulate the different talents, abilities and timetables of each developing child. We encourage children to become independent learners while we promote personal creativity and expression. Learning activities are designed to promote all aspects of a child’s development — social, physical, emotional and cognitive — as we seek to nurture a child’s curiosity and sense of community. Our school embraces families from all backgrounds and cultivates a connection to Jewish values and tradition. Families are partners in the work that we do, joining with children and teachers to celebrate Jewish life and learning. Ideas and practices are explored from different perspectives, creating a richly textured tapestry that gives expression to our unique approach to early childhood education.
Programs
Our school calendar is based on the New Rochelle Public School schedule and the Jewish holidays. All programs are staffed by at least two teachers. 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.
Shoresh Classes ("roots") for Two-Year-Olds: Children must be two years old by December 31, 2023.
3-Day class: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9:00AM-11:45AM
5-Day class: Monday-Friday 9:00AM-11:45AM
Gezah Classes (“trunk”) for Three-Year-Olds: Children must be three years old by December 31, 2023.
5-Day classes only:
Full-Day Threes (9:00 AM – 2:00 PM)*
Half-Day Threes (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Anaf Classes (“branches”) for Four-Year-Olds: Children must be four years old by December 31, 2023.
5-Day classes only:
Full-Day Fours (9:00 AM – 2:30 PM)*
*Full day 4s and Full day 3s will be dismissed at 1:30pm for winter Fridays for Shabbat.
Extended Hours
Depending on registration, we hope to provide Before and Aftercare for students enrolled in the 2023-24 school year. Please contact the nursery school office at nursery@bethelnr.org or 914-235-2700, ext. 250 for additional information.
Enrichment Programs
Debra Steiglitz leads all of our classes in Shirah, our weekly music program.
Coach Steve provides exciting gross motor activities and sports.
Emily Herzfeld offers age-appropriate yoga that delights our children.
Shmulik, known as the Pied Piper of Beth El, engages our 3 and 4-year-olds in Rikud, a Hebrew focused movement and drumming program.
Hillary Marra, affectionately known as "Farmer Hillary," provides an exciting program of planting and harvesting in our nursery school gardens.
Beth El Nursery School offers a State-of-the-Art STEAM Studio!
Professional Specialists
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. Ellen Weisberg, LCSW, is Beth El Nursery School’s Project SEED consultant, and an integral component of our school community. She's a clinical social worker and early childhood development and curriculum consultant. Ellen works together with teachers, parents and directors to understand children developmentally and addresses challenges in the classroom having to do with behavior, curriculum, and group dynamics. She is available to support parents individually and in groups to understand their children and to obtain help if needed to facilitate their child’s optimal development.
Please call Beth El Nursery School at (914) 235-2700, ext. 250, to arrange a tour or to receive further information. You can also email us at nursery@bethelnr.org.
