Kesher Israel Preschool and Kindergarten – now enrolling for 2013/2014 school year

“Best Preschool of Chester County” Daily Local News, Readers Choice Award Winner!

Can you believe that it’s already time to register the kids for the 2013-2014 school year?! It is. If you aren’t sure where to send your Chester County kid, let me share my experiences with Kesher Israel Preschool and Kindergarten. My family LOVES it.

I will begin by telling you that when my oldest child was 3, we moved to West Chester from Maryland and I began the search for the perfect school for my daughter. We looked around (and around, and around) and narrowed it down to two: Kesher, and the “other” school. We took tours of both schools, and ultimately decided on the “other” school. You may be thinking, “Why are you telling me this?? I thought this was supposed to be an endorsement for Kesher??!” Here’s why… One year later, we switched to Kesher (should have just chosen it in the first place!!) and we sent both of our kids through the program. This is my 4th year as a Kesher parent, and our family couldn’t be happier.

Here’s what I love about it, in no particular order.

1. Amazing teachers: These teachers really do love our kids. The children are greeted at the classroom doors daily with hugs and kisses, and are truly cared about throughout the day. The teachers create lessons which expose our kids to age-appropriate experiences that strengthen socialization skills and self-confidence. They carefully plan daily activities to provide a warm, nurturing environment in which to learn, play and grow.

2. Parental involvement: I am sometimes overwhelmed by the sheer number of opportunities to participate in my child’s classroom experience (and that’s a good thing!) Parents are invited to assist with classroom activities as well as attend parties and festivals.

3. Variety of programs: There are programs for every age group and every interest at Kesher. Here are Kesher Israel’s Preschool/Kindergarten program descriptions.

• FULL-DAY KINDERGARTEN: M-F 8:45am-2:45pm (must be five by 9/30/13). Kesher has a low teacher-child ratio and models PA State Standards. 
• PRE-KINDERGARTEN: M-F 9am-12pm (must be five by 12/31/13).
• FOURS PROGRAM: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 9am-12pm (must be four by 9/30/13).
• THREES PROGRAM: Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9am-12pm (must be three by 9/30/13).
• ENRICHMENT: Children enrolled in the 3’s or 4’s may sign up to attend school on Thursdays 9am-12pm.
• TWOS PROGRAM: Tuesday & Thursday 9am-12pm (must be two by 9/30/13).
• TODDLER GROUP: With an adult on Thursday 9:15-10:45am (must be one by 9/30/13).
• AFTERNOON CONNECTIONS – SPORTS OR ARTS: Once a week enrichment classes for the 4’s and 5’s.
• SOCCER SHOTS: The 3’s, 4’s and 5’s are given the opportunity to participate in an age appropriate soccer class.
• COMPUTER TOTS: An optional computer class that meets one afternoon a week.

4. Flexibility: Kesher allows you to customize your own schedule. While the preschool programs officially end at noon (see above), additional hours are available for all children until 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 or 4:00 every day. Also, you can begin your child’s day at 8:00am!! This has been a fantastic advantage for me. I am a stay at home mom with a small internet business on the side (insert shameless plug here – www.LizOhsiekDesigns.com). If I get stuck with an unexpected order or need a couple extra hours to get things done, I am able to sign my kid up for an extended day at school. Huge sanity saver.

5. Diverse community: I know many of you may be thinking… “This all sounds great, but my family isn’t Jewish. We can’t attend a pre-school at a synagogue.” Not so, my friends! Did you know that less than half of Kesher’s preschool families are Jewish? It’s true. My own family happens to be interfaith (I’m Jewish, my husband isn’t) and my kids have met children of many different religions and races at Kesher Israel.

There are still limited spots available for the Fall. If you are still looking for a preschool program for your child or are considering a move from a different program, feel free to take a look at the website [http://www.kesher-israel.org/preschoolandK]  and then email Gail DeMarco at gaild@kesher-israel.org or call (610) 696-4457 to ask any questions and/or schedule a meeting for your family!

*This is a sponsored post provided to Chester County Moms, written by, Liz Ohsiek, a KI Preschool Mom.

Kindergarten Here We Come!

IS YOUR CHILD HEADING OFF TO KINDERGARTEN? IS HE READY? ARE YOU?

Just two years ago I sent my twins off to kindergarten for the first time. I was not ready for this incredibly emotional experience! Worry, fear, excitement were just a few of the emotions I experienced as I watched my little girls transition from preschool to elementary school. And this is coming from a former Kindergarten classroom teacher!

I use to be on the other side of the classroom. Worried, teary-eyed moms would drop off their 5-year old “babies” and place them in my care for six hours! At that time I did not fully understand the depth of emotions these women were feeling, as I was living my pre-mommy existence. When it was my turn, I got it and I got it hard! Now, as I get ready to send my twins to second grade and my youngest to preschool, I wish I’d had been handed some advice on how to handle such a big transition. That said I would like to share some tips/advice that may help you and your little one as they venture off to the world of kindergarten!

TALK IT OUT!

Transitioning to kindergarten is a BIG milestone for your child. He may feel a variety of emotions. It is important to talk to him about what he is feeling. It is very difficult for young children to express their emotions, so it’s important for parents to guide them. Help him address his concerns. Ask, “What fun activities do you think your teacher will have in your classroom?” Or “How are you feeling?”

KINDERGARTEN SHOPPING DAY!

Celebrate this new transition by making a big deal about the school supplies needed for Kindergarten. Take your child shopping so he can pick out his new book bag, lunch bag, school shoes, etc. Making it a positive and exciting experience for your child will help with this transition.

PRACTICE ROUTINES!

This tip can include the whole family! Practicing your morning school routine gives your child a sense of security and sets him at ease. Let him know where you will have his clothes and shoes in the morning, and where he needs to be to get on his school bus! Give him a tour of the school so he can feel comfortable in his new school environment. If you can, set-up a classroom visit so he can meet his teacher and see his classroom!

THE BIG DAY HAS ARRIVED!

This is the day you have been waiting for and working towards! Make sure to share your joy and excitement with your little one. If they are scared or nervous, reassure them that they will be ok and that it’s normal to feel this way. Try your best not to show any fear or worry on your part. Give them a big hug and get them off to their classroom.

I hope you find this information helpful. I promise you and your child will get through this major transition together!

Yolanda is the mom of 3 young children in the Delaware Valley. She is the Founder of Team Tutor.

Kesher Israel Preschool and Kindergarten: Chesco’s Best Kept Secret

I wrote here last month about my personal experience with Kesher Israel (KI) Preschool and Kindergarten and what an amazing early learning experience it has provided my two daughters over the last 4 years. As I mentioned in that article, I fully endorse their program without reservation. I believe in what they offer THAT strongly. Because of that, whenever someone asks me about local preschools, I always encourage them to check out Kesher Israel.

Inevitably, though, I often get met with responses such as “I haven’t heard of that preschool”, “Is that the building on Route 100”, “I know where that synagogue is, but I didn’t realize they had a preschool program there” or “Yes , but my family is not Jewish”. I am here to uncover a true gem for you, folks. One of the BEST preschools in the county has managed to remain one of it’s best kept secrets. KI is a full service, top-notch preschool program that services families of all faiths.

The Kesher Israel Preschool/Kindergarten, started in 1990, has grown from two small classes to a full-service preschool and full day kindergarten, educating children from ages 12 months to 5 years. The philosophy of the Preschool centers on the development of a positive self-concept for the child. This is achieved through providing age appropriate experiences that strengthen socialization skills and self- confidence. All activities are carefully planned to provide a warm, nurturing environment in which to learn, play and grow.

Classes are taught by qualified teachers and assistants. Enrollment is limited to provide each child with the individualized attention he or she requires. The teachers at Kesher Israel Preschool /Kindergarten attend many Early Childhood workshops, conferences and courses to keep up with the latest developing theories and classroom practices.

A wide variety of indoor and outdoor experiences provide a well balanced curriculum guided by the Pennsylvania State Standards. Gross motor activities are enhanced by their two outdoor playgrounds and a large carpeted indoor area which includes climbing equipment and bikes. The children are exposed to music, language arts, science, art, drama, math, cooking, play, social sciences, and literature through a developmentally appropriate approach.

KI features classes in several age categories and can accommodate various family scheduling needs . I especially enjoy that they offer a Toddler Program one morning a week for One Year Olds to attend with a parent or caregiver as an introduction to preschool, socialization, and educational and play concepts.

Here are Kesher Israel’s (KI) Preschool/Kindergarten program full age categories:

• The Toddler Program with an adult on Thursday from 9:15 – 10:45am (child must be age 1 by 9/30/11).
• The Two’s Program on Tuesday & Thursday from 9 – 12pm with the option to stay until 1, 2 or 3:00pm (child must be age 2 by 9/30/11).
• The Three’s Program on Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 9 – 12pm with the option to stay until 1, 2 or 3:00pm (child must be age 3 by 9/30/11). Additionally the Three’s have the option to sign up for Enrichment on Thursday’s, also from 9-12 with the option to stay until 1, 2 or 3:00pm.
• There are also Four’s and Five’s Programs, themed Afternoon Connections (Sports or Music, Art & Drama) as well as a robust Full-Day Kindergarten program to choose from. Please see Kesher Israel Preschool and Kindergarten’s website for full details. Their new website will be up and running early August!

There are still limited spots available for the Fall. If you are still looking for a preschool program for your child or are considering a different program, feel free to take a look at the website and then email Gail DeMarco at gaild@kesher-israel.org or call (610) 696-4457 to ask any questions or schedule a meeting for your family!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and although I (Shannon) have a very positive personal experience with Kesher Israel Preschool and Kindergarten, we (ChesterCountyMoms.com) have no specific affiliations to any particular academic, religious, or political, etc. views.

Kesher Israel Preschool and Kindergarten: Love, Laughter and Learning

Have you made plans yet for your child(ren) to go to preschool in September? Or, maybe you are on the fence about the decision you’ve made for your child(ren)? Well, it’s not too late to check out Kesher Israel Preschool and Kindergarten, located conveniently on Pottstown Pike in West Chester.

I have a very special and personal connection to Kesher Israel Preschool and Kindergarten since both of my children are students there. My oldest daughter started there in the Two’s program and has progressed through the Three’s and Four’s and this year is attending their outstanding full-day Kindergarten. My youngest daughter is enjoying her first year at the school in the Two’s program and is looking forward to moving onto the Three’s soon (Wow, where does the time go?).

My path to finding Kesher Israel Preschool and Kindergarten is an interesting one. I remember quite clearly being advised by the other knowledgeable mothers in my moms group that I needed to start looking at preschools and scheduling tours as her second birthday approached. I got some recommendations, I searched the internet, I made a list and I scheduled some tours. I think that we looked at a total of 6 preschools in the area, and KI was the last tour that we had scheduled.

You see, Kesher Israel wasn’t on my original list. My family is not Jewish. I had automatically ruled it out (quite mistakenly) because I thought that only Jewish families sent their children to preschool there. One day, I had mentioned that to a friend who was Jewish and was happily sending her kids to KI, and she giggled. That was the day I learned that Kesher Israel Preschool and Kindergarten serves families of all faiths, and that my children would be more than welcomed there. That was also the day that I called Gail DeMarco and Rohna Paskow, the preschool directors, for a tour.

I often tell the following story about what “sold” me on this preschool to people who ask my opinion about it. My husband and I took Madison (age 2) with us to see the preschool and talk to Gail DeMarco about their program. We were immediately impressed with the security, the cleanliness, and the orderliness of the facility. We reached Gail’s office and were greeted warmly. I was ready to launch into my questions as we had done at the other meetings we’d scheduled, however, Gail was already on her knees at Madison’s height talking to her, making her feel welcome, asking her questions and showing her things. It was, after all, all about Madison, not us.

As we started the tour, Gail took Madison by the hand and showed her some of the classrooms, introduced her to some of the teachers, took her to see their large indoor play space, their two outdoor playgrounds, and showed her the school’s mascots … the beloved guinea pigs. All the while my husband and I got our questions answered, but we were essentially along for the ride. Gail wanted to be sure Madison went home feeling good about the tour, just as much as her Mom and Dad did. And, that story sums up my experience of that day, and every day since that I have had at Kesher Israel Preschool and Kindergarten and it sums up why I love it there so much. They are all about the kids.

As I mentioned, we’ve now been there for 4 years and are still thrilled with their staff, their programming, the environment, and the overall experience that it has offered to our daughters. They both have flourished under their use of Emergent Curriculum, guided through the PA State Standards, encouraging creativity through literature, music, art, science and play. Each child is nurtured individually to enhance their social and academic skills. They are able to do that through their low teacher to student ratio. Each classroom has a head teacher as well as two assistant teachers letting each child get the individualized attention they desire as needed.

Kesher Israel’s (KI) top-notch preschool program features classes in the following age categories:

• The Toddler Program with an adult on Thursday from 9:15 – 10:45am (child must be age 1 by 9/30/11).
• The Two’s Program on Tuesday & Thursday from 9 – 12pm with the option to stay until 1, 2 or 3:00pm (child must be age 2 by 9/30/11).
• The Three’s Program on Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 9 – 12pm with the option to stay until 1, 2 or 3:00pm (child must be age 3 by 9/30/11). Additionally the Three’s have the option to sign up for Enrichment on Thursday’s, also from 9-12 with the option to stay until 1, 2 or 3:00pm.
• There are also Four’s and Five’s Programs, themed Afternoon Connections (Sports or Music, Art & Drama) as well as a robust Full-Day Kindergarten program to choose from. Please see Kesher Israel Preschool and Kindergarten’s website for full details.

Don’t just take my word for it. Take a look at the website and then email Gail DeMarco at gaild@kesher-israel.org or call (610) 696-4457 to ask any questions or schedule a meeting for your family!

**Don’t forget about Kesher Israel Preschool and Kindergarten’s Summer Camp offerings too! Contact them for more information!**

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and although I (Shannon) have a very positive personal experience with Kesher Israel Preschool and Kindergarten, we (ChesterCountyMoms.com) have no specific affiliations to any particular academic, religious, or political, etc. views.