Preschool Program Progression

At the Barbara K. Lipman Early Learning Center, our preschool programs are designed to support each stage of your child’s early development—academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually—within a nurturing, values-based environment.

Starboard – For Children Age 2 by August 15
In Starboard, we continue laying the foundation for learning through The Creative Curriculum® for Preschool, a research-based approach that integrates meaningful learning into everyday routines. Our classroom provides a safe, stimulating environment where children explore, play, and grow with confidence.
Here, children begin to engage in early academic concepts—counting, exploring the “Letter of the Week,” and participating in creative, hands-on art projects. Teachers guide them through important social-emotional milestones, group participation, and building strong peer relationships.

All the enriching extracurriculars—P.E., Music, Hebrew, Library, and Art—continue weekly, with an added emphasis on age-appropriate songs, vocabulary, and skill development. We also continue working toward independent toileting, with the goal of readiness by December of their Pre-K year. Starboard sets the stage for a confident and smooth transition into Pre-K.

Pre-K – For Children Age 3 by August 15
Our Pre-K program is thoughtfully designed to nurture the growing independence, curiosity, and social development of three-year-olds. Through The Creative Curriculum® for Preschool, children engage in hands-on experiences that foster early literacy, math, science, art, and music—all within a supportive and stimulating environment.
Pre-K students also participate in gardening as an added extracurricular activity, deepening their connection to nature and the world around them. A unique highlight of this year is our twice-weekly Mishna program, created specifically for our school. Through engaging stories, discussion, and interactive materials, children explore themes such as friendship, kindness, resilience, and manners—all through the lens of our beloved mascot, Leo the Lion.

This year lays the groundwork for confident learners and kind classmates, preparing them for the exciting journey ahead in Jr. Kindergarten.

Jr. Kindergarten – For Children Age 4 by August 15
Our Jr. Kindergarten program offers a rich, hands-on learning experience that prepares children for a confident and successful transition to kindergarten—and beyond. Rooted in The Creative Curriculum® for Preschool, the program encourages exploration, problem-solving, and independent thinking through meaningful, play-based learning across all subject areas.

In addition to continued Mishna lessons, Jr. K students participate in an exciting extracurricular activity called Torah Alive. This unique program brings traditional Torah stories to life through hands-on activities, engaging storytelling, and joyful songs—taught by Temple Israel’s own staff—designed specifically for our oldest learners.

As the capstone year at the ELC, Jr. Kindergarten gives students their final push before elementary school. We celebrate their accomplishments and growth with a meaningful end-of-year graduation ceremony, marking the beginning of their next big adventure.