Summary

Contact Info

Congregation Mishkan Tefila Nursery School
300 Hammond Pond Parkway
Newton , MA  02467
www.mishkantefila.org

Tel: (617)-332-7770 ext. 3236

Director: Ellen Agulnick
nurseryschooldirector@mishkantefila.org

General Approach to Learning

Play-based

Play-based with some structure

Predominantly teacher-led instruction

Montessori

Waldorf

Co-op

Reggio-Emilia

Parent Ratings

Parents at this school would recommend this school to other parents.

Quality of teaching

Development of social skills and work habits

Home-school connection

Parent community

Discipline

Facilities

Health

Safety

Handling of separation

Survey Information

Number of parents surveyed:  3

Director survey: Yes

Savvy Source survey: Yes

General Info

Facilities

CONDITION OF FACILITIES RATING (4.7)

Building, bathrooms, hallway

Classroom equipment and furniture

Outside play equipment

Facilities Include:

Classrooms (with bathroom attached)

Classrooms (with kitchenette attached)

Music room

Art room

Library

Gross Motor Room

Playground

School Philosophy & Day in the Life

School Philosophy and Mission

The nursery school at Mishkan Tefila is the gateway into lifelong learning for each child. We create a warm and nurturing environment for children to learn and grow. We recognize that each child is an individual and will develop at his or her own rate. We foster a love of learning and Judaism.

Our nursery school is based on the premise that children must live through, explore and try things to attach meaning to them. We offer a play based curriculum.

We serve a diverse population of children. Our staff is multilingual and is able to speak too children in a wide variety of languages to assist children in their transition to school. We also have experience working with children who have special needs.

Our Curriculum is rich in Judaic content. We teach the children the traditions of the Jewish holidays, as well as Jewish values. We also introduce some Hebrew into the children's lives through song and prayer. We balance secular education with Judaic education to offer a well rounded education.

Typical Day-In-The-Life At This School

9:00-9:15 welcome
9:15-9:30 morning meeting
9:30-10:30 center time
10:30-10:40 cleanup
10:40-11:00 snack
11:00-11:30 circle, story, activity
11:30-12:00 playground

Curriculum & Teaching Approach

General Approach to Learning

Play-based

Play-based with some structure

Predominantly teacher-led instruction

Montessori

Waldorf

Co-op

Reggio-Emilia

Director's Comments

We offer a spiraling curriculum from our toddler class all the way through our transition to kindergarten class. We focus on the goals of each unit and build on throughout the school.

Social Skills & Work Habits

OVERALL RATING (4.5)

This school has increased my child's:

Ability to listen and follow directions

Ability to sit still for longer periods of time

Ability to be a part of a group of children

Self-sufficiency and independence

Awareness of others’ feelings

Cooperation with other children

Curriculum and Teaching Approach

Language					YES
Oral language	-		-	-	n/a
Nursery rhymes, poems, songs	-	-		-	n/a
Storybook reading	-	-		-	n/a
Emerging literacy skills	-		-	-	n/a
Cognitive Development					n/a
Math and number sense	-		-	-	YES
Time & space	-		-	-	YES
Sci. reasoning/physical world	-		-	-	YES
Music	-	-		-	YES
Visual arts	-		-	-	YES
Physical activity	-		-	-	YES
Other subjects taught	We have specialists that come in once a month and teach each of the following: yoga, Israeli Dance, basketball, music and sign language				n/a

Quality of Teaching

Teachers Are:

OVERALL RATING: (4.9)

Full of energy and seemingly happy in job

Patient and affectionate with children

Talks with children and listens carefully when they are talking with him/her

Praises children for accomplishments and good behavior

Provides feedback on what my child does during the day

Shares insights on my child that are helpful and accurate

Identifies my child’s strengths and weaknesses

If necessary, provides additional support to my child during pickup and drop-off

Home School Connection

Home-School Connection

OVERALL RATING (4.1)

Conducts an open house at start of school year

Conducts a parent-teacher meeting at start of school year

Conducts regular parent teacher conferences

Provides summary of child’s learning at end of year

Provides guidance on developmental goals for the following year

Provides guidance on best Kindergarten and elementary schools

Separation

OVERALL RATING (5.0)

Beginning of the year separation is handled through:
- Pre-entry meetings with parents at school
- Small group sessions
- Parents in classroom early on
- Abbreviated schedule at start of school year

Discipline, Health and Safety

Discipline

OVERALL RATING (5.0)
Parents' Opinions
Parents at this school, on average, believe that conflicts between children: are handled extraordinarily well in a way that not only gives me confidence in the safety of my child but also reassures me that my child (and his/her peers) are learning the early skills needed to socialize effectively with one another

Overview

Director's Description of Approach Toward Discipline

At Mishkan Tefila we believe that developing social awareness and the ability to get along with one's peers (the social self) is crucial. We offer guidance for appropriate behavior and empower children by having them be active participants in forming a list of rules for the classroom. We ecourage children to respect themselves, their peers and their environment. We teach the children that there must be limits set in order to maintain peace within the classroom and the playground. We use positive reinforcement to encourage your children to behave appropriately and praise them frequently to develop a positive self esteem.

Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
I love that the classroom opens up to the playground. The current playground is similar to other temple preschools, but we will hopefully have a new one very soon!

Parent #2
Great facility, in the process of fundraising for a state of the art playground.

Health

OVERALL RATING (5.0)

Temperature and overall air circulation is comfortable

Healthy and nutritious snacks are provided

Toys and furniture are cleaned regularly

Food Allergies

- We do not allow certain foods in the classroom

- We keep special snacks for allergic children

Medications

- We keep their medication on hand at all times

- We call parents when the child needs medication

Safety

OVERALL RATING (4.8)

Screen and identify all visitors

Parents may not bring sick children to school where they may infect others

Ages, Schedule & Tuition

Application & Admissions

Kindergarten Placement & Tips