Summary
Contact Info
Beth Am Preschool
5050 Del Mar Heights Rd.
San Diego
, CA
92130
www.betham.com/preschool.html
Tel:
(858) 481-2893
Director:
Tammy Fischman and Denise Neifeld
tammy@betham.com , denise@betham.com
General Approach to Learning
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Play-based with some structure |
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| Predominantly teacher-led instruction |
Application Information
| Applications accepted |
Upon birth |
| Deadline for applications |
Rolling |
Key Statistics
| Student/teacher ratio |
6:1 |
| Age cutoff for enrollment |
1 years and 6 months |
| School year |
09/2008 - 06/2009 |
| Summer Program |
06/2008 - 08/2008 |
Parent Ratings
| Parents at this school would recommend this school to other parents. |
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| Quality of teaching |
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| Development of social skills and work habits |
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| Home-school connection |
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| Parent community |
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| Discipline |
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| Facilities |
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| Health |
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| Safety |
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| Handling of separation |
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Survey Information
Number of parents surveyed:
11
Director survey: Yes
Savvy Source survey: Yes
General Info
Basic Stats
| Student/teacher ratio |
6:1
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% of teachers with:
Transportation and Drop-off Policies
Transportation
Dropoff Procedure
Features of the Preschool
| Provide a third year |
Yes
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| • Yes. |
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| Provide a kindergarten and elementary school program |
No
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| Affiliated with a religious institution |
Yes
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| Teach religious concepts |
Yes
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Facilities
| CONDITION OF FACILITIES RATING (4.9) |
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| Building, bathrooms, hallway |
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| Classroom equipment and furniture |
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| Outside play equipment |
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Facilities Include:
| Classrooms (with bathroom attached) |
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| Classrooms (with kitchenette attached) |
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| Library |
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Playground
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Director's Comments
Question to director: Do you have any additional thoughts on what parents should consider when looking at your school? Is there any advice that you would like to provide to prospective parents?
Please call the school for waitlist information and to schedule a private tour.
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
The school is NOT inviting for the parents to come and view their children. I found this to be very disconcerting and lacking in warmth.
Parent #2
The teachers are amazing. Loving, creative, and set clear expecations for the children.
Parent #3
The school is terrific, it's run well and the teachers are wonderful. The only comment I would make is that you need to be proactive if you need something out of the norm for your child or yourself in the way of feedback. The administration and/or teachers are busy and focused on the whole group and need to be convinced the issue is serious to get involved with you personally. But, I believe when you get their attention they will tend to your needs.
Parent #4
Very multi-cultural. Spanish, Hebrew and English is spoken in most classes.
Parent #5
The Pre-K year is truly a preparation for Kindergarten. They are focusing on letter recognition, phonics, math skills, etc. I am amazed at how much they are doing. Although still play-based, the Pre-K year was a transition since there is a more academic focus. However, the teachers are making the material fun and interactive and I have no doubt my son will be prepared for Kindergarten.
Parent #6
The preschool does an excellent job of nurturing the children and helping them to grow and learn the essentials for being good, caring people. The children are aptly prepared for kindergarten on an emotional, social, and academic level. The school does an excellent job of teaching the children about their Jewish heritage: they learn about all the holidays, recite prayers and songs, learn the hebrew alphabet, etc.
School Philosophy & Day in the Life
School Philosophy and Mission
Beth Am Preschool embraces the philosophy that through an environment filled with warmth, respect and imagination we can foster the development of the "whole" child. We focus on the social-emotional, cognitive, physical and spiritual well being of each child. It is our belief that by learning through play, children are empowered to reach the goals of our early childhood education program. Our nurturing environment provides opportunities for exploration, discovery and hands-on experiences at each developmental level.
Beth Am Preschool is committed to helping children become independent learners whose self-esteem and self-confidence will enhance their ability to explore the world around them.
Beth Am Preschool provides an environment in which children come first and each child feels unique and encouraged to reach his/her own potential. We encourage parent involvement and strive to establish a strong link between school and home.
(excerpted from school's website)
Typical Day-In-The-Life At This School
Director has not yet submitted this information to the Savvy Source
Quality of Teaching
Teachers Are:
| OVERALL RATING: (4.7) |
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| Full of energy and seemingly happy in job |
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| Patient and affectionate with children |
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| Talks with children and listens carefully when they are talking with him/her |
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| Praises children for accomplishments and good behavior |
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| Provides feedback on what my child does during the day |
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| Shares insights on my child that are helpful and accurate |
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| Identifies my child’s strengths and weaknesses |
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| If necessary, provides additional support to my child during pickup and drop-off |
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| Resolves disputes quickly, calmly and fairly in a manner that allows children to learn from the dispute |
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| Notices children who are not on task and/or engaging with other children appropriately and quickly reengages them |
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| Manages the energy level of the children so that all children feel safe and able to learn |
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| Provides additional support to a child when s/he is clearly failing in her/his efforts |
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| Strikes the proper balance between active and quiet play for children |
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Director's Comments on Individualized Teaching
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
In the 3 years we've been at Beth Am, our daughter has had excellent teachers. In addition to the regular school day, the kids also have a great P.E. teacher whom the kids all adore. The music teacher is also phenomenal and loved by everyone!
Parent #2
The teacher/ student ratio is often much lower than the state requirements which allows for more individual attention and closer bonding with the teachers. Our school offers wonderful P.E. and music enrichments once a week. My son has come home singing a new song or talking about the new game they played with the P.E. coach. They also provide afterschool enrichments such as ballet, soccer, etc. at an additional cost.
Parent #3
The teachers are all-around excellent:Professional,Excited, Educated, Experienced,Loving and Fun! The school has a well thought-out, organized curriculum that has purpose and is age appropriate. I believe this allows the teachers to be the best that they can be. The school has a lot to offer and is willing to make a change if parents voice a concern!
Parent #4
Our lead teacher in the 2yr. old room is truly gifted. She always brings a huge smile to the children's faces and gives them so much love and encouragement. Just a few months into the year, my 2 yr. old recognizes his name and knows most of the letters in his name.
Home School Connection
Home-School Connection
| OVERALL RATING (4.0) |
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| Conducts an open house at start of school year |
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| Conducts a parent-teacher meeting at start of school year |
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| Conducts regular parent teacher conferences |
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| Provides summary of child’s learning at end of year |
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| Provides guidance on developmental goals for the following year |
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| Provides guidance on best Kindergarten and elementary schools |
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Separation
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Pre-entry meetings with parents at school
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Small group sessions
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Abbreviated schedule at start of school year
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Director's and Parents' Comments
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
The school does a great job of keeping parents informed of the happenings in each classroom: via weekly newsletters from each class as well as a general school newsletter! Although they say that we are welcome to come visit, I do not see many parents doing so. I get the sense that they say it's okay, but they don't really encourage it.
Parent #2
Re: advice on kindergarten - I've not hit the end of the relevant school year yet so can't say what they'll offer. Re: pre-school separation - none of the answers are applicable. The classroom teachers worked with each family as needed depending on what happened with the child. In our case, for the first year only (the question doesn't break this out in terms of what year) the teachers embraced my child until she was comfortable in a warm manner and encouraged me to let them ease her in rather than have me in the room for extended periods of time. Again the separation process question isn't broken into what year so since it's not relevant at all for the last year but very relevant for the first year she was there I didn't know how to answer.
Parent #3
We are a non-Jewish family attending a Judaic program. We chose this school because of the warmth of the teachers and the wonderful program. The parents (particularly the room parents last year) have been amazingly warm in reaching out to us and explaining the traditions and holidays. The teachers also took time to make us feel comfortable.
Parent #4
I am welcome anytime but there are specific times when I am encouraged to come.
Parent #5
My son had bad separation anxiety the first few weeks of school. My son's teacher was AMAZING!! She encouraged me to stay as long as needed and also encouraged slightly shorter days in the beginning. She emphasized that she always wanted him to leave school on a good note, not screaming or exhausted from the day, so we did a few shortened days in the beginning. She also encouraged us to come slightly late for drop-off so the other children would be engaged in the morning activities and she could devote her time completely to him. It only took two weeks and he completely adores his teacher and school now. I was impressed with our teacher's committment to making sure my son got what he needed to have a good 1st experience with school.
Parent Community
| COHESIVENESS RATING (3.7) |
Parents:
Modes of Communication Between School and Home
Discipline, Health and Safety
Discipline
| OVERALL RATING (4.5) |
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| 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
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Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
The teachers always let me know if there was a conflict with my son and encourage a joint effort when there are issues with discipline/ behavior.
Parent #2
They will notify you either verbally or through a written note if your child was injured. The school has a guard and a gate to enter and exit.
Parent #3
The school is gated and a security guard is at the entrance. No cars can enter the grounds without a parking permit or clearance from the office. It's clear the guard knows the families in attendance so anyone unfamiliar will be stopped.
Health
| OVERALL RATING (4.7) |
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| Temperature and overall air circulation is comfortable |
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| Healthy and nutritious snacks are provided
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| Toys and furniture are cleaned regularly |
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Food Allergies
Safety
| OVERALL RATING (4.5) |
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| Screen and identify all visitors
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| Parents may not bring sick children to school where they may infect others |
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Kindergarten Placement & Tips
Parents' Admission Tips
Advice from Parents to Prospective Parents on Admissions
Parent #1
We just submitted our application materials on time.
Parent #2
Put your child on the wait list early. Enroll in the mommy & me classes.
Parent #3
Belonged to the Synagage
Parent #4
I was myself.
Parent #5
Used the waitlist.
Parent #6
I was in regular contact with the directors who are both WONDERFUL!!!
Parent #7
Got on the waitlist early.
