Nursery School

Ages 2 to 5
Send an email to the Nursery School

In the GRJC's state-licensed nursery school, certified teachers work to enhance and encourage each child to reach his or her fullest potential. The cozy size of our school enables us to provide individual attention and flexible scheduling to best meet the needs of your family.

Goals

We strive to achieve the following goals for our students:

• to provide children with positive, fun experiences every day
• to increase our children’s familiarity with their Jewish heritage, and to enhance their pride in being Jewish
• to nurture each child’s developmental growth
• to present a developmentally appropriate program that targets the whole child: physically, intellectually, socially, emotionally, creatively and spiritually
• to foster healthy attitudes towards group work and play, sharing and cooperation with others, and recognizing and accepting similarities and differences among each other and those around them
• to provide a safe, caring, secure environment in which each child is valued as an individual
• to encourage independence, confidence and good self-esteem
• to encourage respect and genuine caring for others
• to develop each child's ability to devise and make independent choices, enabling them to think for themselves.

Curriculum

Our curriculum is based on the idea that children learn through play. We help our students develop independence, play well with other children and enjoy sustained relationships with adults outside of their families. We encourage curiosity, exploration, investigation and creativity—while assisting in the adaptation to classroom routines.

Each age group has its own curriculum. Age-appropriate activities in the areas of language arts, math, science, and social studies are all enveloped in creative classroom play environments. These learning opportunities may take the form of songs, crafts, theater, art, games, cooking, or puppetry. The day is always a balance in scheduling so that the children experience group and individual activities, quiet and active time, and indoor and outdoor play. We also provide weekly, professionally taught, programs in yoga and music for all students.

Jewish Heritage

Jewish heritage is integrated into our curriculum through projects, songs, stories, games, and cooking. We also learn and practice basic Shabbat and Jewish holiday rituals and celebrations. We strive to instill a love of Judaism in our students, and a sense of pride and knowledge of who they are. Along with family holiday celebrations throughout the year, we celebrate Shabbat each Friday and encourage parents and other family members to join us.

« Back to the Early Childhood Programs overview