Thursdays in October-May
Gan Katan, meaning little garden, is especially geared for the youngest members of our ECC community aged 12-24 months. Gan Katan is more than a play group; our teachers plan intentional learning experiences for each child using Connecticut’s Early Learning and Development Standards. Teachers introduce new activities and learning props each week to encourage constant development and learning. Each activity is carefully constructed to develop social and emotional, cognitive, physical, language, and creativity skills. Our hope is that your child blossoms at Temple Israel, as they learn life-long Jewish values such as kavod (respect), derech eretz (good manners), and kehilah (community) through developmentally appropriate stories, games, songs, and activities. Download an application or a brochure to learn more.
*A minimum enrollment of 6 children is required for 4 and 5 day Twos to commence
Children enrolling in the Twos must turn two by December 31. Classes are limited to eight children to ensure individual attention for your child through a low child to teacher ratio. During class, children gather in groups, participate in sensory and creative experiences, and develop valuable skill sets through dramatic play. Your child will develop socially, emotionally, cognitively, linguistically and physically as a result of these developmentally appropriate learning experiences. Teachers guide and nurture children as they learn how to separate from parent or caregiver.
Monday-Fridays from 9:00 am-12:30 pm
Our Threes program is for children who turn three by December 31. Children learn independence and a love for coming to school. Learning experiences promote problem-solving, self-regulation, and negotiation skills. Throughout the day, children participate in small group, large group, or independent activities, so they can explore and interact with friends in their classroom. Children learn the concept of letters, particularly the letters in their name, as well as a love and appreciation for reading. Daily activities develop small motor skills to help children draw and write
5-Day Fours: Monday-Fridays from 9:00 am-1:30 pm
Our Fours program is for children who turn four by December 31. Children prepare for kindergarten through our dynamic and developmentally appropriate curriculum that focuses on the whole child. Children receive individualized attention through small group instruction. Curriculum promotes critical thinking and problem solving skills, while also developing independence and self-esteem. Children create and explore cognitive concepts like math and science. Classrooms, which are rich with literature, encourage the understanding of print concepts and letter recognition. Our writing center incorporates a word wall and journaling to promote reading and writing. Daily activities develop small motor skills to strengthen children’s abilities to draw and write.