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LICENSING
Our preschool has been licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families since 1997, and is inspected by the agency twice annually as well as by the local fire department annually. We follow all the guidelines set up for providing safe childcare.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Chabad’s Kaplan Preschool is a state licensed preschool serving the educational needs of children 2.5 to five years old. Our mission is to provide a warm and happy Jewish environment where your child’s unique style of learning and developing is valued and nurtured. Through song and dance, stories and discussions, the precious legacy of their uniqueness as Jews is transmitted. Our approach allows us to offer a stimulating environment where your child will be encouraged to develop intellectually, emotionally and physically. A day in the life of a Chabad Preschooler is truly an adventure! Backed by all the latest research and educational trends, the children enjoy a play-based curriculum and are encouraged to explore, to manipulate, to experiment, to create, to problem solve and to interact socially throughout each day.
LOOK FOR THE STARS
Look for the Stars is a voluntary quality improvement system. By choosing to participate the Kaplan preschool has demonstrated a commitment to offering the highest quality early care and education to the children enrolled in its program. The Look for the Stars assessments are conducted by independent assessors who are trained to use the assessment tool in a reliable and consistent way to measure the quality of child care programs. The Kaplan Preschool is proud to have achieved 4/5 stars.
OUR STAFF
Our staff is made up of teachers, all of whom are chosen for their professionalism, as well as, their caring and compassionate personalities. Our teachers delight in unlocking your child’s natural curiosity through providing the stimulation necessary for an experiential learning process. Our staff participates in annual in-service training in order to remain abreast with the latest trends in early childhood education. In addition, we have monthly staff meetings, which are usually held on Tuesday mornings from 8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. The schedule of these staff meeting dates is indicated on the preschool calendar. All our lead staff members have a degree, or are working towards a degree, in the field of early childhood education. At the beginning of each school year, our staff is trained in CPR, first aid, and in the use of a fire extinguisher.
Morah Sara Steinmetz
Sara Steinmetz started the Chabad Kaplan Preschool in 1997. The preschool stemmed from “Mommy and Me” groups, which she facilitated from 1991- 2001 with great success. Sara has a teaching certificate from the Beth Rivkah Teacher’s College in Israel; as well as a FCCPC - Florida Child Care Professional Certificate. Sara is passionate about educating her young students and serving as a mentor to parents. In addition to serving as Preschool Director, Sara is also the school’s Judaica Specialist, which means that she gets to enjoy a special time each day with the students cultivating a love for Judaism and Jewish holidays. Sara is a mother to 10 children, and enjoys cooking.
Morah Jane Hoffman
Jane Hoffman has been teaching our music class since 2008. She loves the children and loves being part of the Jewish community in this way. She is also Principal flutist with the Sarasota POPS, adjunct faculty member at State College of Florida, adjunct woodwind coach at Booker Middle School, flute coach at Riverview High School.
Morah Jennifer Damasco
Jennifer has been teaching in a preschool for 19 years. She has an FCCPC (Florida Child Care Professional Credential). Jennifer strives to provide children with special skills to recognize and communicate their feelings with confidence, creativity and self-expression while fostering kindness through a stimulating and nurturing environment. Jennifer has two children of her own. Her hobbies include jewelry making, singing, photography, craft, scrap booking and the outdoors.
Morah Rebecca Hughes
Rebecca has been teaching in a preschool for several years. She has an FCCPC (Florida Child Care Professional Credential), Director Credential and an Associate's Degree in Early Learning Childhood in addition Rebecca specializes in early intervention. She is currently working towards her Bachelor's Degree. She strives to provide a safe and loving learning environment. Rebecca's hobbies include traveling, kayaking, and journaling.
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