We are fortunate to have experienced and passionate teachers at our preschool.  Teacher turnover is low and our lead teachers have an average tenure of six years. Most of our teachers hold certifications in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Child Psychology or Special Education. All members of our staff have years of experience working with young children and their families. Each class is taught by two teachers in order to maintain an effective teacher-to-student ratio and provide the best level of attention to our students.

We know how hard it can be for children to separate from their parents and families when starting this new adventure.  To ease their transition and start building positive relationships early, our school provides families with a visiting day for children to meet their teachers and explore their new classroom. For those children who need, we have an “ease in” period during the first weeks of school for our toddlers and twos classes, gradually increasing the hours of the school day to help children adjust.

No, they  do not need to be potty trained to attend our preschool.  Our staff will work with you when you and your child are ready to begin the process.

The Thelma K. Reisman Preschool at Beth El is a nut-free school and helps accommodate children with food allergies by making sure all staff are fully aware of the child’s allergy.  Parents are encouraged to supply snacks if we cannot provide what the child needs.

We pride ourselves on the community of families we create, and are thrilled to have a very active Preschool Parents Board that helps run special events, including tzedakah activities (such as working with the Food Pantry of the Oranges) and fundraising events for the preschool.  We also welcome parents and families to help out and participate in classroom activities with the children throughout the school year.

There are a number of discounts available, including a sibling discount, early-bird reduced rates for enrollment and discounts for Beth El members.

While we are located in a synagogue and incorporate Jewish teachings in the classroom, we welcome and encourage diversity within the preschool community.  As such, we welcome children of all denominations and faiths to join us and participate in our preschool program. Additionally, we pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive school, and fully welcome and embrace interfaith families and LGBTQ families.

We are a play-based learning institution, helping children learn through games, stories, songs and interactions.  As a Jewish preschool, we find ways to incorporate Judaism into our curriculum, such as teaching children about the Jewish holidays and our connection to Israel, as well as incorporating Judaic teaching and prayer into some of our activities, such as during snack time or on Shabbat.  We also adhere to the rules of kashrut (Jewish dietary laws) and are a Kosher school.

Each Friday, a different child is selected to be the “Shabbat Child” in their respective class.  It is special to be the Shabbat Child and the children look forward to welcoming their own special guests (i.e., parents, grandparents, caregivers) to the classroom, to participate in the class’s Kabbalat Shabbat program, to read a story to the class and join in a special snack in the classroom.