PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Our Core Philosophy
At B'nai Simcha Jewish Community Preschool, we believe children construct knowledge through play, relationships, and meaningful experiences. Grounded in the principles of social constructivism and developmentally appropriate practice, we recognize that learning happens through conversation, collaboration, exploration, and reflection. Children are active participants in their own learning, building understanding alongside peers and teachers.
Emergent Curriculum
Our play-based, emergent curriculum follows children's interests and provides rich opportunities to explore:Language & literacy, math, and scienceFine art, music, movement, and sensoryCooking, gardening, and outdoor learning🕊️ Jewish Values & LifeJewish values are woven naturally throughout each day and explicitly explored through stories, songs, traditions, celebrations, and meaningful conversations. Through songs, stories, Shabbat, holidays, Hebrew, and acts of kindness, children experience Judaism as a joyful way of building community.
Our Core Values
Chesed: Kindness to all
Tikkun Olam: Repairing our world
Areyvut: Responsibility for one another
Sakranut: Curiosity and active questioning
Inclusive Community
We believe every child is capable, competent, and deserving of respect. Our classrooms are inclusive communities where children develop:
confidence & independence; empathy & strong belonging; social, emotional, and physical skills. Our goal is to cultivate curious thinkers, confident learners, and caring community members who are well prepared for a lifetime of learning.
Hours:
Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
* Infants through 5 years old, year-round calendar, school-age seasonal camps.
Optional FOOD PROGRAM
Whole foods menu Sample
Breakfast: Oatmeal with apples, milk
Lunch: Black beans, basmati rice, roasted broccoli, fresh bell pepper, steamed tilapia
Afternoon snack: Oranges and whole wheat crackers
Served family-style.
Our Food Program
B’nai Simcha provides freshly prepared breakfasts, lunches, and snacks, cooked on site in our commercial kitchen and served daily as part of the program. Meals follow California Title 22 licensing requirements and CACFP nutrition guidelines, supporting balanced, age-appropriate nourishment.
Menus emphasize whole grains, fruits and vegetables, dairy, and vegetarian sources of protein, with foods selected seasonally and prepared in child-friendly ways.
Infant feeding is individualized in partnership with families, including breast milk, formula, and the gradual introduction of solid foods. Participation in the food program is included in tuition.
Sample Menus
Breakfast
Mixed berry oatmeal
Challah with seasonal fruit
Scrambled eggs and whole-grain toast
Yogurt with fruit and granola
Lunch
Tomato pasta with cheese and vegetables
Carrot or sweet potato soup with tofu
Grilled cheese on whole-grain bread with bean salad
Rice or pasta with seasonal vegetables and beans
Snack
String cheese with fruit
Banana or pumpkin bread with milk
Whole-grain crackers with vegetables
Yogurt with fruit
Milk is offered with meals in accordance with CACFP guidelines. Fruits and vegetables vary based on seasonal availability.