THREE YEAR OLD PROGRAM

This program is designed to enhance language and fine motor skill development. The young child learns through play and in the process learns to cooperate, share and be part of a group. The safe atmosphere of our classroom allows the child to try new ideas, practice his skills and foster his sense of self-esteem and self-control. The teachers within these classes will help the child begin to develop good work habits, learn class rules and follow safety routines. The three year old will be taught through careful guidance, the appropriate techniques of problem solving and conflict resolution.

This program’s curriculum is planned to foster discovery, learning, and exploration. The child can choose to work among several centers of interest and to explore the content areas of math, science, language arts, dramatic play and creative art. Jewish content is integrated throughout all the centers of learning. The children are introduced to the letters of the alphabet, number relationships and the written language. They participate in calendar, journal writing, and large and small group teaching experiences.

Hebrew prayers and the study of traditions, rituals and holiday celebrations are interwoven throughout the child’s daily schedule. Jewish values and family involvement is stressed as part of the three year old program.

THREE YEAR OLD TEAM

MERYL BENTMAN has been a preschool teacher for 10 yers. She has been teaching with the Phylis J Green ECC since we opened our doors. She is very enthusiastic to be teaching the 3 year olds. Meryl has an Associate Degree from Queensboro Colleg in New York, as well as her Child Development Associate Degree (CDA) from Family Central. Meryl has been married to her husband Brian for 23 years. They have two children, Robbie 18 and Alec, 12. Meryl's goal for teaching is to create a warm, nurturing classroom that promotes a positive climate for interacting, socializing and learning within a developmentally appropriate Judaic setting.

JAMIE GOLDMACHER is an Assistant Teacher in the three year old program. This will be the fifth year working with our children. She was born and raised in Florida. She went to Florida Atlantic University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Arts and Humanities. Jamie has a lot of experience working with young children at various programs. Jamie started working for Camp Yeladim in the summer of 2005 and stayed on to work in the school. She has been engaged to Ryan since June 12, 2009, and is planning a fall wedding in 2010! She is very happy when she is around kids, who always make her smile.

RACHAEL KARP is beginning her 5^th year at our school and works as an Assistant Teacher in the 3 year old program. Rachael is originally from Philadelphia. She moved to Florida 9 years ago. Rachael is married to her husband Richard for 15 years and has 13 year old twins, Remy and Gavin. Rachael and Richard owned and operated their own children’s fitness center in Philadelphia. She is looking forward to a wonderful year.

TRACEY SACHS has taught at both the elementary school levels and preschool ages. Her youngest daughter is enrolled in the toddler program here and it’s a great opportunity for her to share these experiences. Tracy and her husband have three daughters, all of whom are enrolled at Kol Tikvah whether in the preschool or the Hebrew program. She is a native New Yorker who now calls Parkland home. Tracy looks forward to a fantastic year. Her motto is “Learning should be fun when you’re three”.

NANCI STERN is an Assistant Teacher in our 3's program. This is her 3rd year at our school. She has been a Parkland resident for 16 years and lives with her husband Steven and their two daughters, Erica (13) and Jillian (11).

LAURIE VECKER moved from Long Island to Parkland 10 years ago. She is married to Barry for 20 years. Her daughter Rachel is 15 and her son Zachary is 12. She has two Bichons, Mel and Molly. Laurie has a BA in Child Development. This is Laurie’s 6^th year at our school. During the summer, Laurie works at a local camp. Laurie’s love of children and seeing the work through their eyes is what brings her to work each day.