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.