SUSAN
SIMS BODENSTEIN PRESCHOOL
“Where Work is play and learning
is fun.”
Children may attend preschool
three, four or five days per week.
We have two pick up times – 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM.
WELCOME!
The “Preschool by the Sea” welcomes you to
participate in our unique early childhood center. Our Director,
Beverly Zisner, has an impeccable reputation in early Jewish education.
She has been the Director of Jewish Preschools in the Los Angeles
area since 1979.
The
goal of our preschool is to provide a warm, nurturing Jewish environment
in which our children can develop to their fullest potential.
We support, guide and stimulate the growth of each child, individually,
in the following areas: social, emotional, spiritual, cognitive,
creative and physical. This is achieved through developmentally
appropriate activities including: arts & crafts, literature,
dramatic play, music, dance, movement, tumbling, science and cooking.
Through
Shabbat and the celebration of all the Jewish Holidays, our children
internalize our Jewish values and traditions. Songs, Israeli dances,
Hebrew vocabulary, stories and Jewish moral development help to
accomplish this.
Additionally,
our Susan Sims Bodenstein Preschool aims to help our
children become independent learners who are able to solve problems
and cope with our ever-changing world. We encourage our children
to explore and develop their sense of curiosity about the world
around them through hands-on experiences. Our children are given
ample opportunity to play, share, cooperate, and build self-confidence
and esteem.
The
materials we use vary in complexity and diversity, challenging
the children as they develop skills and understanding. Children
need years of play with real objects and events before they are
able to understand the meaning of symbols such as letters and
numbers. Learning takes place as young children interact with
other people. They learn with all of their senses, tactilely and
through experimentation. Concepts and language skills gradually
develop throughout a child’s first few years, enabling children
to understand more abstract and symbolic information. An enriching
and challenging selection of books are on hand and music appreciation
is shared. A variety of paper, water-based paints, markers and
other materials provide avenues for creative expression. Large
muscle equipment, field trips, classroom responsibilities and
problem-solving opportunities with other children and adults round
out some of the learning that is experienced at Susan Sims
Bodenstein Preschool.
Other
basic learning materials and activities in our curriculum include
manipulative games, dramatic play props (such as those used for
the housekeeping and transportation centers,) sand, water play,
play dough (and their accessories), table and unit blocks, puzzles
with varying number of pieces, board games and a variety of science
investigation equipment and items to explore.
Our
staff uses positive techniques of guidance such as redirection,
anticipation and elimination of potential problems, positive reinforcement
and encouragement. Consistent, clear rules are explained to the
children and understood by the adults. Limits are set for the
children, but the environment is arranged so that a minimum number
of no’s are necessary. We nurture the development of self-esteem
by respecting, accepting and comforting children.
The
first few days of preschool are very exciting for parent and child,
but it can also be a difficult time. However eager your child
seems to begin preschool, there will be a moment when s/he realizes
that you are not going to be there. The apprehension that accompanies
that realization is a normal one, for both of you. Most children
have little difficulty adjusting to preschool; nevertheless, a
gradual separation is important to assure a smooth transition.
The staff of Susan Sims Bodenstein Preschool is committed
to giving you support and time to make this adjustment period
as pleasant as possible.
For
more information or to schedule a personal tour,
please call Beverly Zisner at 310.396.7733.