Pre-school

Our Preschool and Kindergarten resumed in-person learning on September 4, 2020.  We have invested significantly in air purifiers for every classroom, an electrostatic sprayer, environmental/child-friendly disinfectant for the sprayer, PPE's, contactless thermometers, contactless hand sanitizer dispensers, tents, and other equipment and supplies for the safety of our children and staff. 

Our staff has gone through a comprehensive COVID-19 training so that every staff member understands the policies and procedures of the COVID-19 guidelines set by the CDC, during these unprecedented times.  Sanitization, always a high priority at our school, was adapted for COVID-19 prevention.  Everyone is required to wear masks, including all children, parents, and CSS staff, and a daily health screening of all children and staff is conducted in person prior to entry in the school. 

Our Preschool

The seeds of Jewish identity are planted in Early Childhood.  Shaare Shamayim's captivating program is in a nurturing environment.  It offers families with young children, ages 2 years to 6 years old, the chance to connect and form communities that experience the joy and richness of being Jewish.  They also begin to create a family's lifelong relationship with Judaism. 

Our classrooms are filled with age-appropriate toys and materials that the children will enjoy throughout their day.  There are special areas such as our indoor toddler bike room for our 2 and 2 1/2 years olds, a large indoor bike room for children 3 years old and up and beautiful fenced outdoor playgrounds.  We also have an enclosed pavilion area where the children sit outside for their lessons during warm weather.  There are many other areas in our building that our teachers use for special events, lessons, and programs. 

Each class has a teaching team made up of a lead teacher and one or two teaching assistants, depending on the size of the class. 

Our Philosophy

To successfully educate a child, our preschool's philosophy encompasses the entire family.  We encourage close contact between parents and teachers. 

The hallmark of our preschool and kindergarten classes is meeting the individual child at his or her physical, emotional, intellectual, and social stage of development.  Every experience is geared to develop the feeling of confidence and security in an age-appropriate atmosphere where each child feels free to explore, observe, question, listen and learn. 

Our programs are developmentally appropriate, exposing children to new experiences, encouraging socialization as well as independence and sharing the joy of learning while fostering strong universal values such as charity, kindness and taking care of the world. 

Our school will also teach your child tzedakah (charity and giving to those in need) and tikkum olam (caring for the world and our environment both locally and globally.)  Each school year, we participate in a school-wide Mitzvah Project, as well as each class will select a charity that is meaningful to them and do their own classroom Mitzvah Project.  Past classroom Mitzvah Projects donations have been made to Abington Hospital's Pediatric Department, PAWS NE Pet Rescue, WAGS Pet Rescue, and hats and gloves for various shelters.  Some past school wide Mitzvah Projects have been done for Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Sandy, and Feast for Justice to name a few. 

To schedule a tour or learn more, contact Rebecca Tyer, Preschool Director at 215-673-2323 or e-mail us at preschool@shaareshamayim.org.

PA OCDEL Child Care Facility COVID-19 Health & Safety Plan

Phased School Reopening Health and Safety Plan