Temple preschool offers nurturing care

Temple Adat Elohim (TAE) preschool has expanded again. Construction is now complete on the new two-story classroom building. The temple also spent $14,000 renovating their playground equipment.

The preschool "nurtures all aspects of a child’s development: social, emotional, cognitive, physical and spiritual, in a sensitive and caring Jewish environment." The preschool program serves children ages 2 to 6, preschool through transitional kindergarten. They offer a play-based, child-centered curriculum where children learn experientially by interacting with the environment. Children are encouraged to explore, work as a group, solve problems, and handle frustrations in ways that enhance self-esteem. Important tasks such as separation, communication, socialization and language acquisition are dealt with individually and respectfully.

TAE Preschool, accredited by NAEYC and BJE licensed by the State of California Parenting Programs, is offering many new programs this school year. One new class is the nonsectarian Afternoon Special Needs Program. This class is designed for any child needing a little more specialized attention by a trained special education teacher. The goal is to provide a warm and nurturing environment where children are treated with value and respect for their individual differences. There will be major programming with typically developing children in the program, providing a collaborative endeavor.

In addition, TAE Preschool offers many parenting classes, such as Infant Parent & Me, 12- to 24- month Parent & Me, and a 2-year-old Transition Class.

Temple Adat Elohim is at 2420 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. For more information on any of their programs, please call Beryl Strauss at (805) 497-6920 or visit www.adatelohim.com.