Programs
Philosophy
At Yal-Day-New we provide young children with loving care in a traditional Jewish environment. Our basic philosophy is that children grow and learn best in secure, stimulating, and loving environments. Children need self-confidence to meet the challenges in their lives. Our staff provides copious amounts of TLC (Tender Loving Care) as a base for that self-confidence. We then present activities that will challenge the children without frustrating them. This enables children to grow and develop in a positive manner.
[Infants] [Toddlers] [Preschoolers]
Infants are cared for in a group of seven by two caregivers. All babies follow their own individual schedules of feeding, naps and playtimes. We offer our babies plenty of warmth and physical affection. We use songs, nursery rhymes, and a lot of talking to foster language acquisition and cognitive development.
Younger Toddlers (15 months to 2 years)
Older Toddlers (2 year olds)
Toddlers are divided into Younger and Older Toddler groups. The toddler schedule leaves many opportunities for exploration and free play, as well as times for focused learning in small groups. Toddlers eat, sleep, play indoors and outdoors, talk, and sing together. Jewish rituals are incorporated into the daily schedule. The teachers help to structure social interactions in such a way that children learn to share, take turns, and resolve conflicts verbally. Art materials, blocks, dolls, books, puzzles, and building toys are used regularly to stimulate cognitive development and curiosity. Self-help skills are introduced throughout the year. When children are ready for toilet training, teachers work with parents to provide each child with consistent toileting support.
The toddler curriculum revolves around the Jewish holidays and weekly Shabbat parties. Yal-Day-New also incorporates full units on national holidays, in addition to developmentally appropriate units on colors, shapes, seasonal changes, the neighborhood, and animal and human habitats.
Learning is accomplished through a combination of craft activities, songs, and games. For the older children, “circle time” is instrumental in the educational process.
Preschoolers (3 & 4 year olds)
The program aims to expand the child’s capacity in areas such as independence, responsibility, logical thinking, socialization with peers and adults, task completion, and creative expression. Daily activities center on the development of Jewish identity and include periods of self-selected activities, games, art projects, and dramatic play opportunities. Group meetings and story time are rich with stimulating, interactive activities.
Children may enter our Preschool at the age of two years and nine months.