A Message from the Rabbi
The Temple is proud of our preschool, its teachers and staff, its curriculum, and its focus on the child. The emphasis on questioning falls squarely into the tenets of Judaism as a faith and practice always seeking to learn more in order to do more. The devotion to creating good citizens echoes the Jewish values of honor, respect, and dignity in every human being. Tthe intentional embrace of kindness underscores and is informed by the Jewish concept of fixing the world.
We see the preschool as the seed from which the learning grows. It is the first stage in education for our Jewish students, as our religious school picks up from the end of their time at preschool, and sometimes even during the last year here in the pre-K (Tikkun Olam) class.
Lifelong learning is one of our highest values in Judaism, and at the Temple, and the foundation that the preschool provides is second to none. This is a Jewish preschool where we celebrate Jewish holidays, customs, and values.
That learning, though, is only part of what a child receives. The diversity that the preschool offers is also an invaluable experience for the children, exposure to differences, language skills, and respect for traditions. We truly believe there is dignity in difference and beauty in diversity – and our preschool celebrates that each and every day.
On behalf of The Temple, its clergy, and lay leadership, we welcome you to The Temple Preschool.
Rabbi Shana Goldstein Mackler
Program Philosophy
We celebrate children as competent, capable, and complex. Through a child-centered and play-based setting, we foster and support your child’s development. The Temple Preschool believes in creating classroom communities where children feel safe, supported, and empowered to care for themselves, others, and the environment. Here, each child’s creativity, thoughts, and ideas are valued. As such, they are seen as partners with their teachers and peers in the educational process.
Mission Statement
We are a preschool serving children 6 weeks of age through Pre-Kindergarten. With a Jewish-focused, curiosity-driven curriculum, our mission is to enable, empower, and encourage each child to develop physically, socially, cognitively, and spiritually to his or her fullest potential.
Certification
We are licensed by The State of Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) and maintain a Three Star Rating.
Hours
The Temple Preschool strives to meet families’ unique scheduling needs. Based on availability, we offer two (2), three (3), and five (5) day schedules. Extended mornings and/or afternoons may be added to some or all.
A. School Day. Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.*
B. Optional Extended Hours. Morning: 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.; Afternoon: 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.*
*Hours are adjusted due to the COVD-19 virus.
For more information about the Temple Preschool and its programs, click here.
New Playscape Dedicated in December 2020
The Temple dedicated a new playscape for the Preschool in December 2020.
The Temple Preschool transformed our outdoor play space into a best-in-class, nature-based learning environment. Working with a playscape designer, landscape architect, educational expert, and our very own children, we created a vision for a new outdoor space that fosters the social, emotional, and intellectual needs of our students.
