Johanna Perlin, Director

SHALOM! The word of good wishes upon departure. When your children move on to kindergarten, the experiences at the Temple Shalom Nursery School will have instilled a love of learning which will serve them throughout their academic careers, and a love of Judaism which will encourage growth and a positive sense of religious identity.

Our School
The Temple Shalom Nursery School is a Reform Jewish nursery school affiliated with Temple Shalom of Newton. Established in 1979, our nursery school welcomes children of Temple Shalom members and the general community. Our teachers are professionals trained in early childhood or a related educational field, and are certified by the Massachusetts Office of Child Care Services (O.C.C.S.). The nursery school itself is licensed by the O.C.C.S. Our child-to-teacher ratio is kept small, so that our staff can give each child the individual attention and nurturing that he or she needs in order to flourish.

Our Values
Learning about Jewish culture and holidays through smells, tastes, sounds, sight and touch in a synagogue setting provides our children with many opportunities to explore and develop their Jewish identities. Jewish values interwoven into our everyday routine enhance this development. Children learn what it means to be members of a community, to be caring friends, to respect others and to care for the environment. And they learn the importance of tzedakah (the Jewish tradition of charity) through a wide range of activities and promote empathy and commitment.

Our Philosophy
The Temple Shalom Nursery School is committed to creating a warm, caring environment that is welcoming to both the child and his/her parents. We acknowledge the varied backgrounds and orientations of our families. Because we are dedicated to fostering the development of the whole child, we believe that building a partnership with parents is an important component for creating a positive school experience. In addition to daily interactions, weekly newsletters and parent teacher conferences, parents are encouraged to volunteer in the school and be part of what we do in the classroom.

Our Curriculum
In both the Toddler (Dubonim) Class and the 3 and 4 year old (Parparim) Class, children develop a sense of caring and a feeling of family. They benefit from each others’ experiences, learn from one another and develop relationships based on shared interests rather than age or gender. The combination of small group and large group experiences accommodates the different needs and abilities of each child while retaining the benefits of a wider community.

Meeting individual and group needs through a multi-age group structure is a unique component of the 3 and 4 year old Class.

Through the use of a separate space, the Trans-K (Kokhavim) Class provides more in-depth exploration to enhance the emerging skills of the older four to five year old.

Our curriculum provides theme-oriented, developmentally appropriate learning experiences that support the social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth of each child. Through circle time, free play, snack time and time on the playground, children are encouraged to take turns, develop their cognitive skills, express their ideas and experiment.

Program Hours
The Toddler Class has two options:  A September start - Monday, Wednesday & Friday class and September or January start - Tuesday & Thursday class, both from 9:00am - 12noon for ages 1.6-2.8 years.
The Nursery Class is a 5-day-per-week program for children ages 2.9 years to 4.9 years. Class hours are from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.
Our Trans-K, ages 4.9 – 5 years, meets Mon-Fri, class hours are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (including lunch). Several additional program options are offered to support parents’ needs.

Early Drop Off
Early drop of is available from 8:25 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., Mon-Fri (except Toddlers).

Lunch
There is a lunch option from noon to 1 p.m. Children bring a cold lunch and enjoy socializing with their friends. Mon-Thurs (except Toddlers).

Stay Day
There is a Stay Day option from noon through 2:30 p.m. Children bring a cold lunch and, after rest time, enjoy activities that are an extension of the morning program at a slower pace. Mon-Thurs (except Toddlers).

Later Stay Babysitting
We can make an arrangement for a private babysitter on the premises, for those of you who need extended hours after 2:30pm up to 5:00pm. For more information, contact the Director.

Summer Program
There is a two week summer program in June, after Nursery School ends. Registration occurs in February of the present school year.

Application Information
Please plan to observe our program prior to applying. Observers are given a brochure, including our philosophy statement, tuition fees and an application, which is returned to the Nursery School with a non-refundable application fee. Priority for admission is given to returning children, siblings and Temple Shalom members. The director gives confirmation on space shortly after receiving the registration form; contracts are mailed in January.

The Temple Shalom Nursery School does not discriminate on the basis of national origin, race, religion, cultural heritage, political beliefs, marital status, sexual preference, or disability. This policy applies to tuition, admission and employment practices.

We make every effort to accommodate children with special needs. If you child has a disability, please let us know so we can evaluate whether our nursery school can meet your child’s and your family’s needs 

Registration
Registration for the following school year begins after November 1st.

Contact Us
We welcome your interest in our program. Please call us at               617.969.5521        if you have questions, would like additional information or would like to make an appointment to visit.   Click here to email Johanna Perlin.