NEWS
Summer 2006
Photo credit: Sonya Shoptaugh
“ The children are given freedom to explore, to believe in themselves.”
— Teacher, Temple Beth El of Great Neck
— Teacher, Temple Beth El of Great Neck
WHAT IS EXCELLENCE?
According to the Oxford American Dictionary, ìexcellenceî is defined as ìpossessing good qualities in high degree.î But, how does this translate into the language of a Jewish Early Childhood Center?
“A teacher's role is to suspend his/her own agenda, to wait, to listen, to follow and to provoke.”
— Teacher, Osher Marin Jewish Community Center
— Teacher, Osher Marin Jewish Community Center
In a Jewish Preschool, excellence should be everywhere:
- in traditional areas of school performance
- in the way the school approaches and interacts with the community
- in the relationship the school (teachers, director, staff) forms with families
- in how the center presents itself to the outside world
- In the relationships built both within the school and with the external community
These basic tenets of excellence will ultimately translate into a Jewish Early Childhood Center that has
- a curriculum that is simultaneously stimulating and enriching for the children
- an environment that radiates a sense of belonging, and empowers the staff, children, and families alike
- a program full of connections and ìrealî relationships built in shared experiences
- an engaging vision statement that is well articulated, consistent, and visible to the general public
- a skilled and certified professional staff and teacher body
- A place that encourages families to continue their own Jewish involvement as well as their childís Jewish education because of the outstanding experience in a Jewish Early Childhood Setting
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WHAT IS EXCELLENCE? : Summer 2006 Newsletter