Preschool FAQs

When did you re-open?
Our first day of school was Tuesday, September 8. We've had a fantastic start to the year! The children and teachers are so happy to be together again.
 
Whose guidelines are you following?
Our re-opening guidance comes from the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS), our regulatory agency. Their guidance is based on the recommendations of the Virginia Department of Health and the Virginia Department of Education. VDSS issues guidance specific to childcare settings. To see the guidelines and updates, visit VDSS.
 
What kinds of operational changes have you made?
Classes have fewer children, and each class is its own "bubble." Classes do not mix during the day. There is no whole-school programming (such as gathering in the chapel for Kabbalat Shabbat, welcoming Shabbat). Classes do not play together in the social hall. Drop-off, nap time and pick-up happen in the classrooms. Parents and caregivers are not permitted to enter the building. The same two teachers stay with the same small group of children all day. When feasible, and if developmentally appropriate, classroom activities have been re-imagined to allow for greater physical distance between children.
 
What about playing outside?
The classes spend as much time outside as possible. We take advantage of the many outdoor spaces around our facility. We have divided the playground into sections so the classes don't mix.
 
What is the mask-wearing policy?
Children and teachers wear masks throughout the day when social distancing cannot be maintained, except when eating or drinking or during rest time. We know that it is challenging for some young children to wear masks for an extended period of time, therefore we take into account the age and medical and developmental needs of each individual child when implementing the mask policy.
 
Do you still offer STEAM, music, movement and Ivrit (Hebrew)?
Our STEAM Lab is on hiatus, though we endeavor to bring STEAM to the children in other ways. We offer live Ivrit lessons via ZOOM and pre-recorded music and movement classes.
 
Have your hours changed?
Yes, we've had to adjust our hours of operation.
Boker Tov (early drop off): 8-9 a.m.
Gan Chaverim (core program): 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sha'at Mischak (extended day): 1-4 p.m.
(Erev Tov, after care, is no longer offered)
 
Do you still provide snack?
The children still have snack time, but parents are asked to send their children to school with lunches AND snacks.
 
Are there any additional fees?
Yes, parents pay an additional $50 per child per month Health and Safety Fee (as of September 10, 2020) to cover the unexpected costs of enhanced cleaning and disinfecting, additional cleaning supplies and PPE.
 
Do you have any open spots right now?
Please contact us for information about current availability.

 

What about next school year? When will registration open?
Continue to check our website for updates. We expect to have information about next school year (2021-2022) in January. Priority registration for returning families and members of the congregation will begin in February. General registration will open in March.

 

Are you going to have any Open Houses?
We will likely schedule a few virtual Open Houses in December or January. Check our website for updates.