Preschool

Preschool

2023-2024 Preschool Enrollment is now open

Welcome: A Message from our Director

Let me be the first to welcome you to Congregation Etz Hayim Preschool. Established in 2001, we have been offering a high quality, play-based, Jewish preschool environment for over 20 years. Our dedicated staff fosters learning through action and creativity because we believe that children are inherently strong, bright, skilled and inquisitive. We help children build respect, accountability, knowledge and community through exploration and discovery.

Our school uses a play-based approach, and we learn though a Jewish lens. Lessons are child-centered and allow children to choose activities that interest them while providing opportunities for cognitive, social, emotional and physical growth. We understand that children develop at their own individual pace, and we support each child’s personal developmental needs.

The curriculum is designed to provide a Jewish atmosphere throughout the program. The children are given a sense of Jewish identity through the weekly observance of Shabbat, the celebration of Jewish holidays and the introduction of Hebrew through songs, stories, and conversation. Children learn through hands-on exploration during free-play and during structured learning times. Our most popular explorations include self-identity, holidays, family, the natural world, transportation, our body, dinosaurs and more.

Etz Hayim Preschool offers a half-day and full-day program for children 18 months to 5 years old. Our school year is 10 months – September through June – with summer camp offered in July and August. It is our goal to make learning developmentally appropriate and fun so that children’s love of learning will grow with them through the years. I invite you to contact me to schedule a tour or ask any questions that you may have.

Maggie Heidema
703-979-4466

Preschool Philosophy

Etz Hayim is a private Jewish Preschool for children ranging in age from 18 months through pre-kindergarten. Established in 2001, Etz Hayim’s goal is to address each individual child’s personal developmental needs. Offering an atmosphere of learning that is nurturing and enjoyable, Etz Hayim is dedicated to helping your child grow and flourish.

Curriculum

Etz Hayim Preschool offers a play-based curriculum through a Jewish lens. Play offers the greatest opportunity for learning at this age. Lessons are child-centered and allow children to choose activities of interest to them while providing opportunities for cognitive, social, emotional and physical growth. As they become ready, children develop at their own individual pace and are encouraged to try a variety of activities. The preschool day is designed to give your child free-play time as well as structured, learning experiences. 

 

 

Some examples of themes that are introduced throughout the year are Jewish holidays, self-identity, family concepts, the natural world, health and safety, math concepts, American celebrations, etc. The curriculum has been designed to provide a Jewish atmosphere throughout the program. The children are given a sense of Jewish identity through the weekly observance of Shabbat, the celebration of Jewish holidays and the introduction of Hebrew through songs, stories, and conversation. Through regular exposure, children gain a familiarity with the synagogue environment.

Our Day

Our half- and full-day programs are offered on a school year schedule from September to June.

Half-Day Program

9:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Full-Day Program

up to 8 AM to 5 PM
Monday through Friday

Class Offerings for 2023-2024

Class placement is based on your child’s age as of September 30, 2023

Pre-Kindergarten

(half- and full-day)
for 4-year-olds

3-year-old Class

(half- and full-day)
for 3-year-olds

2-year-old Class

(half- and full-day)
for 18 months to 2-year-olds

3-day 2-year-olds

(half-day) Monday/Wednesday/
Friday
for 18 months to 2 year-olds

2-day Tots

(half-day)
Tuesday/Thursday for 18 months to 2-year-olds

Covid Protocols

The following safety measures have been added to our preschool operations for the 2023-2024 School Year. These protocols will continue under CDC and State guidance. We will continue to re-examine guidelines as needed. All teachers, children and staff:

  • Wash hands upon arrival, before and after eating, after using the restroom and throughout the day as needed.
  • Stay home when sick.
  • Toys, materials, and classrooms are cleaned and disinfected regularly.
  • Staff are vaccinated for Covid-19.

Additional Information

Etz Hayim Preschool is a member of the Department of Jewish Life and Learning through the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. Our teachers are affiliated with the National Association of the Education of Young Children. Etz Hayim Preschool is monitored by the Commonwealth of Virginia and is exempt from regulation at the local level under the auspices of a religious institution pursuant to Section 63.2-1716 of the Code of Virginia. The preschool operates under the auspices of is a program of Congregation Etz Hayim and is insured by the congregation.

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2920 Arlington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22204

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