Beth Emek Preschool

Philosophy

Beth Emek Preschool provides a warm, secure and stimulating Jewish environment in which children are free to explore and learn. Our program encourages the natural curiosity of children and allows them to grow at their own pace socially, emotionally, intellectually, creatively, and physically. Each child is special and knows that their feelings and ideas are worthwhile. The curriculum is designed to help children achieve success and develop feelings of self-worth, creating a healthy atmosphere for learning. Children are accepted into the program regardless of sex, race, religious affiliation or national origin providing the program meets the needs of the child.

Our Staff

Beth Emek Preschool’s Director, Melinda McDonald, Religious Education Director and Teacher Barbara Krampfner, and Teachers Elyse Maltz and Kathi Estill hold certificates in Early Childhood Education and have substantial experience in the field. All staff are committed to providing a warm atmosphere and experiences that are tailored to the individual needs of each child.

Visitation

We invite you to visit with your child and see what Beth Emek Preschool has to offer. Please call 931.1055 ext 21 to arrange a visit.

General School Information

Ages
The school is licensed for children age 2 yrs. 9mo. to 5 years. Children may attend two, three, four or five days a week.

Hours
School is in session from 9:00 am through 1:00 pm Monday through Friday, September through mid-June. We are closed on Jewish holidays, for winter break in December, and for spring break in April.

Nutrition
The school provides nourishing snacks. Kosher-style (vegetarian or dairy) lunches are brought from home.

Placement & Waiting List
Placement in our school is determined by age of the child and space available, day preference and dynamics of the class. A waiting list will be used as necessary to help determine placement in our program.

Location
Beth Emek Preschool is conveniently located at Congregation Beth Emek in Pleasanton.

Curriculum

A typical day at Beth Emek Preschool includes:

• Circle time with stories, music, dance and discussions
• Hands-on activities, such as art, science and manipulative toys
• Free play, with opportunities for dramatics, construction and building, and games
• Outside activities, including climbing, wheel toys and water play
• At snack and lunchtime, the children have a relaxed, non-structured social experience with adults and peers seated around the table.

Shabbat & Holiday Celebrations

Shabbat and Jewish holidays are marked with stories, songs, and crafts. The preschool staff and Rabbi Richard Winer work together to create meaningful Jewish experiences for the children throughout the school year.

Monthly Tuition:
2008-2009

Congregation Members
$239 2 days per week
$340 3 days per week
$429 4 days per week
$507 5 days per week

Non-members
$277 2 days per week
$395 3 days per week
$499 4 days per week
$589 5 days per week

Annual tuition is divided into ten equal installments with payments due on the first of each month, October through June*.  A late fee of $10 will be charged for tuition paid after the fifth working day of the month.  Returned checks will incur an $18 fee, and future tuition should be paid in cash or by money order.  If unforeseen circumstances arise and you are unable to pay your monthly tuition as scheduled, speak with the Director as soon as possible to make arrangements for payment.

Beth Emek Preschool requires four full weeks written notice to withdraw a child from preschool or to reduce a child’s schedule.  Extra days may be added as available.

* September tuition is due July 1 in order to hold your fall preschool slot.

Deposit
A $75.00 non-refundable deposit and completion of registration materials will hold your child’s place $50.00 of the deposit will be applied to the first month’s tuition. Your registration check will not be cashed until you accept a preschool slot. After registration of families currently in the program and synagogue families, registration is on a first come, first serve basis.