OUR PHILOSOPHY
At B’nai Simcha, Jewish values and kindergarten readiness move together. Children learn through small-group investigations, purposeful play, lively circle times, and clear, guided instruction. Rooted in social-constructivist ideas from Malaguzzi and Montessori (Edwards, Gandini, & Forman, 2012; Montessori, 1949), we see children as active thinkers who build knowledge through relationships and hands-on exploration.
We appreciate that growth happens in connection with family, culture, and community (Bronfenbrenner, 1979) and our Jewish, inclusive program reflects that truth. Kindness, respect, and belonging shape daily life and resonate with our families. Framing Jewish values as universal human principles strengthens their relevance for all learners (Fox, Scheffler, & Marom, 2003).
At B’nai Simcha, children learn with purpose and curiosity—developing essential academic skills alongside a deep sense of community, diversity, compassion, and integrity..
References:
Bronfenbrenner, U. (1979). The Ecology of Human Development. Harvard University Press.
Edwards, C., Gandini, L., & Forman, G. (2012). The Hundred Languages of Children. Praeger.
Fox, S., Scheffler, I., & Marom, D. (2003). Visions of Jewish Education. Cambridge University Press.
Montessori, M. (1949). The Absorbent Mind. The Theosophical Publishing House.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
One of the earliest values that can be found in Jewish tradition comes from Genesis 1:27. As God created humanity we read, “So God created human beings in His image (in Hebrew, the masculine form is used when the being is unknown), in God’s image God created them.”
This idea of being created in God’s image, b’tzelem Elohim, is a driving principle at B’nai Simcha, where they understand that not only are our diverse families meant to be celebrated and respected, but that our larger community is a wonderful melting pot where our differences are embraced.
B’nai Simcha Jewish Community Preschool strives to teach and honor those differences while also teaching our children to stand up for themselves and others when they see unfair treatment at B’nai Simcha and, eventually, out in the broader community.
They encourage families to teach about what makes their family special and different so that the school may, in turn, teach the children at B’nai Simcha what makes our community so wonderfully diverse.
-Rabbi Aimee Gerace, B’nai parent and supporter
OUTDOOR CLASSROOM
We view the outside areas of our school as additional classroom space. We have areas outdoors to work on motor skills, create art, find quiet space for reflection, become at home with dirt and greenery and just explore.
ENRICHMENTS
Each week, our children work with specialist to experience:
ART
MUSIC AND MOVEMENT
YOGA
SPANISH IMMERSION
HEBREW IMMERSION
JEWISH EDUCATION
GARDENING
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COMMUNITY BUILDING
We have scheduled many opportunities throughout the year for parents to visit our campus, volunteer in classrooms, and attend parenting seminars. We want to provide as many opportunities as possible to meet and work with parents to build a robust community that is responsive to the needs and interests of our children.
