From: Julie Subject: [workmom] Compiled Results - Preschools Date: Sat, 27 Nov 2004 21:03:04 -0500 Beth Ahm "My ... go to Temple Beth Ahm in preschool in Springfield. We've been very happy there. For me it worked out well because .. have fall birthdays and miss the Millburn cutoff date while in Springfield it's Dec 1. It wouldn't be the school for you if you want a transition program though because they have Mommy and Me and then when you're ready to start your child in the 2's they go right in. For me that worked better because they adjusted rather quickly since they didn't expect me to be in the classroom with them. A lot of moms want to ease their children in though. The school is very flexible and allows you to choose which days if any you want your child to stay for lunch and (when they're in the 3's) stay another hour by taking "enrichment" classes like cooking, science, sports, etc. once they're in the 3's. I would say half of the school is from Springfield and about 25% is from Millburn/Short Hills." "We are very happy with Temple Beth Ahm -it is in Springfield - but right near the Bed Bath & Beyond on Morris Avenue. The principle is a little wacky but the teachers are phenomenal and the program is terrific - we were very unhappy with the JCC." "my ... have ... had very positive experiences at Temple Beth Ahm in Springfield. I like the jewish culture being a part of ... lives (even the 2's go into the santuary for shabbat on fridays & have a shabbat person of the week). The teachers are very warm & nurturing. I would definitely characterize it as more focused on socialization than academics. For the 3's & 4's they offer some nice optional add-on enrichment programs - for example, my ... did cooking & sports. They have been quite flexible in the past regarding schedules, working with families on their desired schedule (for example, I have a friend who has often done 4 days vs. their usual 3 or 5 option) - however, I know enrollment was up quite a bit this year, so that flexibility could change. There have been some mixed feelings about the director.... Although I didn't do it, they offer a mommy & me program that I know many people did before school. And I have several friends whose children started preschool even before 2. I met many terrific families through preschool - many of our closest friends here are parents we met when [...] entered the 2's. One consideration is that many people live in Springfield (although there is a significant # of Millburn/Short Hills too). [...] knew only 2 boys from ... class that were going to ... same elementary school (....) this year, but she adapted fine, and now ... has a wider array of friends from different places - it just takes some coordination to get together. I'm not sure if you belong or are planning to join a synagogue in the area, but that is a consideration too. It is definitely nice to go to preschool & temple at the same place, that way your child feels very comfortable there. And there are often discounts both ways (preschool families get discount on temple membership, temple members get discount on preschool), which can save a lot of money overall. We have been members at Beth Ahm for the past several years, although we are considering a change when ... is done with preschool. The Rabbi is terrific, we know several families there from preschool, but I haven't felt that the congregation overall is as warm & welcoming as I would like, and they especially have not had enough of a focus on families with young children (although they are starting to refocus on this)." B'nai Abraham B'nai Abraham is very touchy feely, sometimes annoyingly so. If your child is a big extrovert it's fine. When I was looking into preschools Oheb Shalom in South Orange struck me as nice B'nai Israel "I am very happy with our preschool at B'nai Israel. The teachers are wonderful. The director is great. The facility is not the greatest, but that isn't that important to me. I am sure there are other preschools with a lot more bells and whistles. But when it comes to nurturing children, B'nai Israel is the place. It is also very reasonable compared to other schools. It isn't that easy to get into if you are a non-member. The director, Rochelle Baron runs the Mommy & me's and transition classes. If you are interested in next year, you should meet her soon, because you need to apply in January." "I have been extremely pleased at B'Nai Israel. My daughter is now in the 3s program. She attended the 2s program and summer camp for two years running. It is a small intimate and nurturing place." "My daughter adores B'nai Israel as do I as a parent. The environment is extremely caring and nurturing. The teachers so far have been fabulous. I find the other mothers to be wonderfully nice as well! She did the mommy and me with my nanny and loved it." B'Nai Jeshurun "I've been starting to assess the same for my .... Haven't really shopped around yet, but did recently do a mommy & me class at B’Nai Jeshrun. The school is very well run, great teachers and activities. The big turn-off for me was the moms... All they do is talk to one another, distracting the children from what they’re supposed to be learning. It’s swayed me enough that I’m not going to continue in classes or pre-school there. Just not the environment I was looking for." "[_____] went to B’nai Jeshurun for preschool for 3 years and really liked it. The teachers were attentive and caring and ... learned a lot. I’m pretty sure they have a Mommy and Me program. We went to the Connection for the Mommy and Me program which I thought was okay, not great." B'Nai Jeshurun is a fine preschool. My ... is in an amazing class called the 3's plus 4's. It's for older 3's and younger 4's. Each child's birthday is between August and January. It is an unbelievable class. They have yoga, spanish, computers, etc. The teacher is fabulous. 973-379-1555, call for a tour. All things probably equal at most schools, I'd go with TBJ just for this class if your son's bday is Nov. JCC "My children went through the JCC. My youngest is there now and loves it. I think what makes the JCC special is the after school activities. Once your child is in the 3's, they can be extended for activities like dance, sports, multi media arts and crafts, yoga and much more. In the 4's, your child gets swim lessons once a week." "My three children did the JCC in West Orange and it got better and better with every child." "My son went to the JCC and had a great experience. It's especially great for working mom's since they have an afterschool program called Kids Club. They also have enrichment classes as well. I know there is a 2 year old separation class as well." Oheb Shalom My 2 1/2 year old has been at Oheb Shalom in South Orange this year. It's a very nice program. The teachers are very mellow and loving. They do have some time toddler time/mommy and me transition classes. We are actually thinking of switching to B'Nai Israel next year only because of the convenience factor (I have a child in the ... School and driving him to school and then driving to South Orange is a bit of a pain). B'Nai has a lovely program. You also might want to check out Sharay T'Filo. People rave about that program. Sharey Tefilah My son went to Sharey-Tefilah and I only have wonderful things to say about the program. The director is Carol Pastor and she is a lovely woman who can answer all questions. The preschool number is 973.763.4600 other: Strawberry Hill Preschool in Livingston is fabulous and very nurturing. general advice: There are lots of great preschools around. My recommendation would be to choose the best one (that is, the one most to your liking) that has a critical mass of children who will be going to the same elementary school as your son. I have found that the relationships developed and nurtured in preschool, and continued in elementary school, are invaluable to their social development and self-esteem. Just something to keep in mind!