Morristown Jewish Center

Shalom Yeladim

The Judie Gerstein Early Learning Center

Jump to: Curriculum | Lunch Bunch | Afternoon Enrichment | Before & After Care | My Grownup & Me |
Summer Fun Program | Come & Play | Bridges | PJ Library

Shalom Yeladim Pre-school - a cartoon showing a teacher with very happy young children.

All Are Welcome

  • We are a state licensed program and have been enriching children’s learning experiences for 30 years.
  • Our preschool offers a nurturing program in which every child develops at their own pace.
  • Our classes are kept small so we can ensure that each child reaches their individual potential in all areas of development.
  • The staff builds a community with all students.
  • Our developmentally appropriate, play-based approach encourages children to create, explore and discover.
  • Their curiosity and different interests enables them to make connections, ask questions, interact with children and adults and create meaningful experiences.
  • A program of MJCBY

About Our Program

Teaching Values

  • We teach children about kindness and helping people in our community.
  • We cherish the strong bonds we create with our families.
  • Our teachers send pictures and communicate with our families on a regular basis which promotes parental involvement.
  • Just like them, we want their little ones to be kind, confident, independent, happy and well rounded young people.

What We offer

  • Full & half-day programs (ages 18 months through Pre-K)
  • Extended day from 7:30 am—6 pm
  • Free synagogue membership with enrollment
  • Open Enrollment throughout the year
  • Enrichment classes (E.g., Art, Reading, Science, Math, Yoga)
  • Parent-child classes — “My Grown-up and Me” on Wednesday mornings
  • Morning specials (Gym, Music, Gardening, Shabbat)
  • Bridges — fills the gap between end of school and our Summer Fun Program and back to school
  • Summer Fun Program (8-weeks)
  • Allergy friendly

For more information, please email our Preschool Director

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Curriculum

  • Our curriculum is developmentally appropriate featuring play-based, hands-on learning.
  • The classrooms are comprised of learning centers that allow the children to engage and explore at their own pace.
  • Each center is designed to help the children’s emotional, cognitive and physical growth.
  • Our teachers use a variety of techniques to teach concepts, respect and reinforce each child’s learning style.
  • Our goal is to make sure that each child reaches their individual potential.

Intellectual: Through play and staff directed activities, we facilitate the development of skills such as self motivation, active investigation, thinking and problem solving needed to thrive in a world of challenge and competition. Pre-reading, writing, and math skills are part of our daily routines and activities.

Social: We encourage each child to work and play with others, to develop language and communication skills, to respect the rights and privacy of their peers and most of all, to develop feelings of kindness, courtesy, helpfulness and acceptance.

Physical: Children are provided constant opportunities to develop their gross and fine motor skills, to develop finger strength, dexterity, and body coordination.

Emotional: We strongly believe that a positive self image is key to navigating through life. We recognize and celebrate children’s differences. We nurture children to believe in themselves so that they are willing to take risks that promote learning.

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Lunch Bunch

  • Students are grouped in age appropriate levels for lunch
  • Days available – Monday through Friday, 12:00 – 1:00 pm
  • This lunch hour offers the opportunity for socialization over lunch along with outdoor and indoor playtime.
  • Lunches must be dairy, peanut/nut free and packaged foods must have a K or OU marking

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Afternoon Enrichment

  • Available to all of our students
  • Students are grouped in age appropriate levels
  • Days available – Monday-Friday, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm (2:00 to 2:30 free play)
  • The goal of our Enrichment Classes is to have an afternoon of learning FUN!
  • Nap time is available for the younger children

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Programs

  • ART — The children will be exposed to different artists and will experiment using different materials and techniques. Their imagination and creativity will be shown through different art mediums including paint, sculpture, carving and paper mache.
  • SOCCER — Kiddie soccer is a perfect way to introduce the game of soccer. This program combines elements of fun games and soccer skills creating a dynamic activity in a physical and fun environment.
  • YOGA, MOVEMENT AND GAMES — This enrichment combines physical activity with self expression routines like singing, acting, and dancing. Through different games we promote turn taking, as well as social and emotional development.
  • STORIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD — Learn stories from different countries. Through books, pictures, scavenger hunts, activities, and artifacts the children will learn about different countries every week. These wonderful learning experiences will make your children want to travel the world!
  • EXPERIMENTATION — Looking for gooey, volcanic and slimy fun? Science comes alive as children explore the fascinating world around them and take part in fun experiments that will awe them and put big smiles on their faces. Through hands-on fun, children explore basic scientific concepts.

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Before & After Care

  • To accommodate working families, Shalom Yeladim – The Judie Gerstein Early Learning Center is pleased to offer before and after care for children enrolled in our preschool.
  • Before Care will begin at 7:30 am and care for the children until classroom instruction begins.
  • After Care begins at 2:30 pm and runs until 6 pm on Mondays – Thursdays and until 4:30 pm on Fridays.

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My Grownup & Me

  • Meets on Wednesday mornings from 9:30-10:30 when school is in session.
  • It is a teacher led, informal program that uses a circle time format with activities including music, puppet play and songs to promote child based interactions.
  • Following our circle activities, there is an opportunity for parents to schmooze while the children move around freely, exploring our age appropriate toys and develop basic social skills.
  • The children experience a very smooth natural progression from this class to our new 2’s or 2’s program.
  • This FREE program open to MJCBY and non-MJCBY members

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Summer Fun Program

  • Designed for children ages 18-months — 5-years
  • Organized theme week
  • We offer water play, sandbox, playground, and lots of outdoor fun.
  • The program aims to socialize the children through a warm, nurturing, creative and playful day.

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Come & Play Days

  • We are pleased to offer Come & Play Days on some secular and Jewish holidays
  • Children enjoy themed activities throughout the day.
  • Hours available are 7:30 am to 6:00 pm.
  • Minimum enrollment of 3 children is required to run this program.

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Bridges

  • Bridges is designed to fill the gap between the end of the school year, the start of our Summer Fun Program, and the beginning of the school year.
  • Led by our experienced staff, Bridges is designed for children 18 months to age 5.
  • Built upon thematic units, Bridges will expose children to ideas in a fun and hands-on way.
  • Through art, play, music, cooking, and more, children will go in-depth on topics of great interest to early learners.
  • The program is available from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm.
  • You may pick and choose your hours and register for as many days as you need.
  • Minimum enrollment is required to run this program.

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PJ Library

FREE Jewish Books and Music mailed to your child every month!

A gift from your local Jewish community. For newborns through age 5 1/2. For any family making Jewish choices.

To sign up, please visit the PJ Library website.

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