Early Childhood Program
Welcome
Our School
Congregation Kol Ami’s Early Childhood Program is dedicated to nurturing young minds and providing an engaging, Jewish, child-centered, joyful community.
We believe children learn best through play and exploration, and our developmentally appropriate curriculum fosters learning through meaningful experiences and guided activity. Our welcoming classrooms are set up in centers that encourage children to engage in activities of interest, including art, manipulative toys, puzzles, dramatic play, blocks, transportation, animals, musical instruments, and books. We recognize and respect each child’s unique qualities and strive to foster their growth in all areas of development: cognitive, physical, social, and emotional.
We offer families the assurance of a safe, caring, and nurturing environment for their children and a community of support and understanding for themselves.
We view children as eager and capable learners. We respect children for who they are now, as well as for their potential. Learning is incorporated in all aspects of our day through meaningful experiences and hands-on activities that foster curiosity and a sense of self and community.
For more information or to take a tour contact: MeravVeetal@NYKolAmi.org: (914) 949-4717 x107
Our Philosophy
We believe classrooms and other indoor and outdoor learning environments provide powerful and meaningful opportunities for teaching. Our school building includes spacious, bright classrooms and extensive areas for indoor gross motor activity when weather does not permit outdoor play. On most days, we use our expansive outdoor campus. Our children run, ride, climb, and play on two newly-renovated playgrounds. We are committed to outdoor education and offer a full garden and Teva (nature) curriculum. We have a working garden, where children plant, tend, and harvest. Our separate outdoor classroom includes opportunities to dig, plant, build and areas to experiment with art, water, music, and dramatic play. Our nature trails provide opportunities to observe, discover, and appreciate nature, and to tap maple trees for syrup!
Our school’s philosophy is not bound by a single educational theory. We use many of today’s best practices in education including, but not limited to project-based learning, collaborative exploration, and differentiated instruction. We provide a print-rich curriculum which exposes the children to literacy and numeracy in all classes, and we offer enriching experiences for play and cognitive and social emotional development.
Jewish learning and values are embedded in our curriculum, and we joyfully celebrate Jewish holidays and traditions throughout the year.
For more information or to take a tour contact: MeravVeetal@NYKolAmi.org: (914) 949-4717 x107
Our Staff
Our dedicated staff of professional educators are selected for their experience, warmth, and understanding of young children. They provide a perfect blend of structure along with opportunities for creative play, exploration, discovery, and problem solving. They listen and guide the learning process and nurture children as individuals and in their relationships with others. Teachers help build a sense of community in each classroom, among families, and throughout the school.
Our Early Childhood Program is led by Merav Veetal, Director of Early Childhood Education, with the support of Congregation Kol Ami’s dedicated Clergy, Rabbi Jason Fenster, Cantor Daniel Mendelson, Rabbinic Intern Leah Sherin and Executive Director Jess Lorden.
For more information or to take a tour contact: MeravVeetal@NYKolAmi.org: (914) 949-4717 x107
Congregation Kol Ami’s Early Childhood Program is licensed by the New York Office of Children and Family Services. The ECP is affiliated with the Jewish Early Childhood Association, the Jewish Education Project, the Westchester Association for the Education of Young Children, and the Early Childhood Educators of the Union for Reform Judaism
Take A Tour &
Watch Our Video
Feel the warm sense of our community that is the hallmark of the Early Childhood Program of Congregation Kol Ami. See our staff and observe the programs that will nurture your child as they begin their journey into the world of school and community.
If you would like more information on our preschool programs, fill out our online request form or call our Director, Merav Veetal at 914-949-4717 ext 107 or MeravVeetal@NYKolAmi.org to schedule a convenient time to connect with us.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Summer Program
We offer a 6-week summer program perfect for children entering our 2s, and children entering our 3s, 4s and PreK program in September.This program provides a developmentally appropriate social and recreational experience for young children.
We strive to provide a nurturing environment in which children can express themselves creatively, develop ideas, and learn about Jewish traditions. Children are encouraged to explore the natural world in an atmosphere that emphasizes fun, learning and hands-on discovery. Our program includes music, art, sports, yoga, gardening, theme days, Shabbat and plenty of water play. The children enjoy six weeks of fun, in a safe, caring and welcoming atmosphere.
Camp hours vary by age group.
For More Information Contact:
Julie Rabinowitz, CampOffice@NYKolAmi.org.
