Our preschool programs service children ages 3 - 5.

Vav (Ages 3-5)

Our Vav classroom is a welcoming space for children beginning their preschool journey. Here, we focus on building social-emotional skills, fostering independence, and encouraging exploration through hands-on learning experiences. With a strong emphasis on routines, communication, and early literacy, Vav provides a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Hey (Ages 4-5)

Hey is designed for our older preschoolers who are preparing for kindergarten. This program balances play and structure, helping children grow in confidence, collaboration, and critical thinking. We introduce more advanced concepts in math, science, and language, while continuing to support social-emotional development and identity through age-appropriate Jewish learning.

Teaching Goals and Developmental Milestones for ages 3 - 5 years

From the ages of 3 to 5 years, your child has become competent in many every day things. Their growth continues in Vav and Hey, with an emphasis on cognitive and social emotional learning. While kindergarten readiness begins at birth, this developmental period contains many of the milestones than many recognize as being "kindergarten ready." This is an abbreviated sample of some of the developmental landmarks your child will meet while in the classroom and at home. For more information about developmental milestones, visit the CDC's homepage for developmental milestones.

At 3 years:

Will take turns in play. Shows affection for friends, and shows concern at the sadness of others. Will show a wide range of emotions. Will separate easily upon dropoff, but may still be upset by major changes in routine. They will be able to name many everyday objects. Language skills will have developed remarkably. They will carry on a conversation for a few sentences, and follow 2 -3 step instructions. They will use friends' names, and their own. Using words like, mine, his, and hers, shows that they understand possesion. Your three year old child should be able to work with buttons and zippers, and will be able to dress and undress themselves, although they may still need some assistance. Your child will be able to run easily, and will be able to walk up and down stairs and climb easily.

At 4 years:

At 4 years of age, your child will become more and more creative in imagination play. They may play "mommy" or "daddy." They will prefer to be with other children, rather than by themselves most of the time. They will be excited and curious about trying new things. Your child will talk about their likes and interests, and may tell stories. They will sing simple songs from memory. They can name many colours, numbers, and body parts. They may attempt writing by copying letters. When listening to a story, your child will be able to remember things from it, and will be able to tell you what they predict will happen next.

At 5 years:

Your child wants to be liked by friends, and to be like friends. They are active, and likes to sing, dance, swing, climb and run. They will understand rules, and will be more likely to follow them, but may also demand things as well. They will certainly be showing more independence than ever before. Your 5 year old will be able to speak very clearly and should be able to tell a short story in simple sentences. Your child will be able to use past and future tense, showing they understand time. They will be able to count 10 or more things. They may draw a person with at least six body parts (eg; arms, legs, hair, mouth, nose, eyes, hands). They will be able to write some letters and numbers, and draw simple geometric shapes. They will demonstrate knowledge of concepts like money and food.