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.

West Chester Schools Host Preschool Literacy Fun Night

Most children learn to read and write in kindergarten or first grade, but the foundation for those literacy skills is laid years before children enter school. Literacy skills actually begin at birth, as children interact and have experiences with language and literacy with the adults and even other children around them.

The West Chester Area School District’s Preschool Parents Group is hosting a Preschool Literacy Fun Night on Thursday, Nov. 8 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Westtown-Thornbury Elementary School. The event is free and open to the public. It’s designed to be an interactive learning experience for both preschoolers and parents. RSVP at http://home.wcasd.net/pages/West_Chester_Area_SD/ForParents/Preschool_Parents__Club or email beth.trapani@verizon.net.

The event is designed and produced by West Chester University literacy students and faculty. The students have planned numerous engaging, hands-on activities centered around an autumn theme, all designed to promote early literacy development. Preschoolers will have a chance to participate in read-aloud puppet and costume shows, and to use candy corn to form letters as they work on their fine motor skills. Preschoolers will focus on listening skills as they work with university students using iPads, and they’ll get a chance to tell stories of their own.

The event benefits everyone involved: Children will have fun and a great learning experience; Parents will get some ideas for activities to use at home; University students will get a chance to work directly with preschoolers.

This project intersects with the E.L.I.A.N. (Early Literacy is a Necessity) project that the WCU literacy minors initiated. E.L.I.A.N. provides high-quality early literacy experiences and materials for English Language Learner and low-income students living in the West Chester borough. The students have the goal of providing high quality early literacy experiences to all students – the literacy fair/fun night allows them to expand that effort beyond the E.L.I.A.N.

The West Chester Area School District Preschool Parents Group is a free group that provides free programming for preschool paged children and their parents. The group offers a combination of fun, educational activities for kids and parent education sessions. All are designed to help parents better prepare their children for kindergarten – through enriching play and literacy-based activities.

To RSVP for the Literacy Fun Night or any of the group’s other events, visit http://home.wcasd.net/pages/West_Chester_Area_SD/ForParents/Preschool_Parents__Club or email beth.trapani@verizon.net. You can find the group’s page by visiting http://www.wcasd.net and clicking on Preschool Parents Group under Quick Links.

TootSweet Birthday Party {Review}

We’ve been kind of bad parents.



Our daughter, Lucy, turned 4 at the beginning of August.  And up until recently, we’ve never really had a party.



I know! Horrors!



Now, yes. We’ve had family parties, to which a few of her “friends” were invited. Last year we couldn’t coordinate enough of her friends (being Summer, many were on vacation), so we did a small playdate in September.  But we’ve never had an all-out big hoopla, and to that end I was feeling bad.



This year, she turned 4. And my husband and I thought it was about time Lucy had a real birthday party. We started scouting our options, somewhat taken aback at the pricing options (who knew that for a simple birthday party, it would cost upwards of $300-$600, depending on where and what was involved)? I started to feel bad, as we didn’t have the budget to afford some of the options, and I wasn’t sure if some of the party options out there would be of interest to the birthday girl.  



We were about to settle on a fun Slip n’ Slide party at home when I stumbled upon the Facebook page of a local bakery at the recommendation of a friend. The name of the bakery, TootSweet!,was super cute, and I found their Facebook page to be delightfully engaging. The pictures of cupcakes were so tempting!  While I was browsing their page, they posted an advertisment that they were starting to host children’s birthday parties. 



Could the timing have been any more perfect?

!

I corresponded with Diane, who immediately sent me pricing and information. This was perfect for my budding epicurian, and the price for what I was getting was the best I’d found yet.  or $200, Lucy could have a 2.5 hour decorating party with 12 of her closest friends!  Each child would get an apron, chef’s hat, 4 cupcakes or cookies to decorate (and boxes to take them home in) and the birthday child gets a gift! TootSweet! would also bake a custom ¼ sheet cake for the party, provide juice boxes and invitations.  



Diane was so easy to work with.  I asked if it was possible to bring in food for the guests, and we worked it out to add on an extra half an hour for dinner. I went in a few weeks before the party, when I let Lucy pick out an assortment of Diane’s mini-cupcakes so we could sample and decide what flavor she wanted her birthday cake. The flavor offerings would blow your mind!  The customary vanilla and chocolate, or course. But flavors like pink lemonade, chocolate peanut butter, cookies and cream, banana toffee, rocky road and cotton candy immediately caught my eye (and that is the short list)!  Lucy landed on Cotton Candy, and with that we were ready for our party!







We arrived for the party, and the store was set up with a long table for the kids to work at.  I set up a small table in the corner for appetizers and drinks. We later brought in pizza from Mario’s Pizza, which is in the same shopping center (it was delicious, by the way).  

Anxiously awaiting the arrival of the guests!

These bakers are ready to go!

Frosting and toppings galore!

Bring on those cupcakes! We are ready to decorate!

As guests arrived, they were given their chef hats and aprons.  When all the kids were situated at the table, the cupcakes were delivered to each station.  

Every kid decorated their cupcakes for the next hour. Yummy frosting in every color imaginable were set in cups, and the kids used large popsicle sticks to create their masterpieces.  There were sprinkle decorations to utilize as well. 

Lots of small hands working furiously.

A little pink frosting here, a little purple frosting there…

So focused on his masterpiece!

One by one, each cupcake was decorated.  The adults helped when needed (and chatted while the kids were busy).  I’ve never seen kids so transfixed and focused for such a long period of time!



Once every cupcake was frosted, they were placed in cute take-home packages for easy transportation.  The kids worked up quite an appetite, so we went straight to eating pizza and waiting for the grand finale: birthday cake!  Lucy’s cake was beautiful, and stole the show. Even better, it tasted scrumptious!



The beautiful birthday cake – so yummy!

We give TootSweet! 2 thumbs up!

Our first “real” birthday was a success, and I would absolutely recommend TootSweet! birthday parties to anyone!  Everyone has fun, and Diane is a peach to work with. Thank you to Diane and TootSweet! for such a memorable birthday. The kids are STILL talking about it!

For more information, check out the TootSweet! website or contact Diane via email!

Have you had a TootSweet! Bakery experience? We’d love to hear all about it – so be sure to leave a comment or share with us on Facebook!

Steph is a Chester County Mom of 2 young girls and wife to a handsome English teacher. Join her as she adventures through blogging, life, marriage, cooking, parenting and bringing sexy back, but not necessarily in that order. You can find her at Confessions of a Stay-at-Home Mom.

Disclosure: We were given a discount for our honest review. As always, we like to keep it real. Opinions are our own (and we can’t lie – those cupcakes were delectable!

Makin’ Music Rockin’ Rhythms

6 Weekly Music and Movement Classes for Ages Newborn to 5

Only $60, that’s a 52% savings!

Preschool is soon to end, what fun organized activities do you have planned for your wee ones?  

This music and movement class is sure to make them happy!

Buy NOW, there are only about 70 deals remaining!  I’m pretty confident they’ll be snagged FAST!

Offer is good at the Springfield (Delco), King of Prussia, and Media locations only.

Plum District: Camp deal AND Magazine steal!

There are two great deals they came through in the past day or two on Plum District:

1)  $20 for $45 Toward Preschool Camp Plus Open Play Passes at Romparoo in Glen Mills

2)  $8 for a One Year Subscription to Rachael Ray Magazine – a $15 Value!

If you aren’t already receiving daily deals from them, 

sign up so you can grab exclusive deals like those two!!!!  It’s free!

Groupon Kid-Friendly Deals: Preschool Prep, Zoobooks, and Video Monitor!

                                               

There are 3 GREAT deals on the new Kid-Friendly section of Groupon that we really want to ensure you all check out!

1)  Preschool Prep Educational DVDs-  Cartoon characters introduce pre-preschoolers to words, letter combinations, colors, shapes & numbers during video lessons.  Already over 1,000 have been bought and there IS a limited quantity!  63% discount!  Check it out.

2)  Animal Anatomy Set from “Zoobooks”- All-things-animal book set teaches kids 12 & younger about anatomy, habitat & socialization in easy-to-understand photos, articles & games.  67% discount!

3)  Motorola Digital Video Baby Monitor- Wireless camera streams video up to 200 meters away to 7-inch LCD screen that plays video with audio & doubles as digital photo frame.  Already over 750 have been purchased and there is a limited quantity available!  With a 58% discount, you will want to grab this while it’s available!

West Chester Area School District Preschool Parents Club

For parents of preschool-aged children in the West Chester Area School District, there is a newly formed Club just for YOU! The WCASD created the Preschool Parents Club to:

• Help parents learn more about ways to help their child learn and grow in preparation for elementary school
• Help parents learn more about the West Chester Area School District (WCASD)
• Provide social and educational opportunities for preschool aged children and their parents

The best part? It’s free! There is a full calendar of events, with many upcoming activities and workshops. Not only is this a great way to learn about the WCASD and prepare you (and your kids) for elementary school, but it gives moms and dads an opportunity to meet more WCASD parents!

You can find out more at The Preschool Parents Club Homepage.

The Goddard Schools “Get Active" Initiative Keeps Youngsters Moving

Michelle Obama developed “Let’s Move,” a national campaign to combat childhood obesity through fitness and nutrition programs. Placing children on the right path to living and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential, and that is why Goddard initiated its “Get Active” campaign. Every day inside and outside the classroom, The Goddard School takes great strides to get preschoolers, toddlers and infants up and moving.

The Goddard School’s located in Marshallton and Exton, Pennsylvania, have incorporated the enrichment programs below to help support these efforts.

• Healthy Kids – This program that helps teach young children about nutrition and making good food choices.
• B.A.S.E. Fitness – A program specifically designed and equipped for preschool children with four curricular goals that address their physical fitness: B=Balance, A=Agility, S=Strength, and E=Endurance.
• Yogaroo – Yoga enhances cross-curricular learning for children of all ages. Using nature, animals and imagination, young learners begin to show improvements in focus, balance, creativity, flexibility, body awareness and control.
• Lil Sports – Children develop cooperation, sharing and teamwork skills as they engage in age-appropriate organized sports and learn the most important reason to play sports is to have fun!
• The Music Experience – This music and movement program offers additional interactive movement through music appreciation and dancing.

To encourage children to “Get Active,” here are some simple and helpful ideas that you can try at home:

• Take It Outside – Limit “screen time” and encourage your child to go outside and PLAY. Have a relay race, set up an obstacle course or bring back one of your favorite childhood pastimes like hopscotch or jump rope.
• It’s In Your Nature – Take your child on a nature walk. Use this great opportunity to talk to your child about plants and animals you see while getting fresh air and exercise.
• Get Dramatic – When you’re transitioning a child from one activity to another – like play time to dinner time – ask them to move like their favorite animal. Hop like a kangaroo, slither like a snake or waddle like a duck.
• Be a Good Sport – Preschool age children love to learn the basic rules of popular sports and games. Take this opportunity to talk about sportsmanship.
• Be Free – Remember free play? Let go of some structure, and encourage your children to use their imaginations in their indoor and outdoor play.
• Stretch It Out – Preschoolers love basic yoga moves. Take a few minutes each day to stretch with your little one.
• Put Some Movement In Your Music – When you sing songs or listen to music with young children, encourage them to dance with scarves, make up movements to go with the lyrics or just DANCE and move their bodies to the music.

To learn more about The Goddard School’s philosophy on fitness and nutrition, or our contextual learning curriculum, please visit our Exton or Marshallton locations on the web or call to speak directly with our on-site owners:

Click here for The Goddard School located in Exton, or call on-site owners Melissa Capodanno or Wendy Cohen – 610-363-6698

Click here for The Goddard School located in Marshallton, or call on-site owners Wendy and Richie Cohen – 610-431-1330

*Disclosure: This post sponsored by The Goddard School.

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.

Education: Tutoring for 2 to 3 year olds…. REALLY?

I am an advocate for early childhood education and I certainly believe that nursery school programs are beneficial for children. Nursery school is where children first learn how to socialize with kids their own age-it’s there where they learn to follow rules, play cooperatively, and develop their primary academic skills. A good nursery school program promotes learning in a safe, loving and non-threatening environment.

I also think preschool programs that are taught in a fun, loving and nurturing manner are suitable for young learners. In fact, there are a host of multi-sensory activities, from language classes to gym and sports programs, that teach young learners in a manner appropriate for their age level and skill set.

What I don’t find to be age appropriate in any form, are programs that teach two and three year olds the skill and drill fact method! I recently read this article in the New York Times about a new program that provides tutoring in this very manner to toddlers and young children. It honestly saddens me to know that this style of instruction is being practiced on our little learners. Read the article and let me know your thoughts on the skill and drill method!

Yolanda is a busy mom of twins in the Delaware Valley and is the owner of Your Team Tutor.

Information was obtained from the New York Times.