Together, our children, families, and faculty in the Berkman Family Center create a nurturing and stimulating play-based learning community dedicated to the physical, social-emotional, and cognitive development of every child in our care. Through our play-based and child-centered approach, children have the opportunity to guide us through their development and the milestone moments that take place in the early childhood years.
At the core of our philosophy is a strong partnership between home and school, facilitated by communication and strengthened by providing consistency, collaboration, and cooperation.
“We are so happy at the Berkman Family Center Preschool. Our son has thrived in their thoughtfully curated program. The teachers engage the students all day, challenge them, guide them and get their energy out through fun activities, art projects, and play! They truly love and care about the children. It’s a special place.”
“As a first-time parent, sending your child to daycare can be stressful, but we never felt anything other than safe and secure with our son at the Berkman Family Center Preschool. The staff of teachers is exceptional, and the community is so supportive and close knit with meal trains for new babies and coordinated playdates that it feels like one big family. We’re counting down the days until our daughter is old enough to be able to be enrolled!”
FAQs
What is the educational philosophy of the Berkman Family Center?
The Berkman Family Center believes that children thrive in a warm, nurturing environment that supports their physical, social-emotional, and cognitive development. Our child-centered, play-based approach encourages children to learn through exploration, discovery, and meaningful interactions.
How do children learn at the Berkman Family Center?
Children learn through guided play, hands-on experiences, thoughtful questioning, and the exploration of ideas. Our child-centered approach allows children’s interests and developmental milestones to help shape classroom experiences while teachers provide support, encouragement, and opportunities for discovery.
What makes your approach to learning unique?
We believe children learn best through experiences that support multiple areas of development at once rather than through isolated subject areas. Our classrooms are intentionally designed to encourage exploration, creativity, experimentation, and collaboration.
Why is play-based learning important?
Play is a child’s natural way of learning. Through active engagement and meaningful social interaction, children develop problem-solving skills, creativity, language, self-regulation, and confidence.
How does the Berkman Family Center support each child's individual growth?
We recognize that every child is unique, with their own personality, learning style, interests, cultural background, and developmental timeline. Our teachers create age-appropriate experiences that support children’s current abilities while encouraging new discoveries and continued growth.
Why are relationships important in early childhood education?
Strong relationships are essential to children’s learning and well-being. Our teachers work closely with families while creating a nurturing environment where children feel safe, develop friendships, and gain confidence away from home.
How do you provide individualized attention?
Small group sizes and favorable teacher-child ratios allow educators to get to know each child and tailor experiences to their developmental needs, interests, and learning styles.
What enrichment opportunities are available?
Children enjoy programs with a music specialist, visits with our librarian, nature-based learning opportunities in the Biblical Botanical Garden, and frequent interaction with clergy.
Who is part of the Berkman Family Center community?
We welcome families from a wide range of backgrounds, including Jewish, interfaith, international, and unaffiliated families. Our nurturing community provides opportunities for children and adults to build friendships and lasting connections.
How are Jewish values and traditions incorporated into the program?
As a Jewish early childhood program, we celebrate Shabbat and Jewish holidays in developmentally appropriate ways while fostering a welcoming environment for families of all backgrounds.
What ages do you serve?
The Berkman Family Center offers programs for children ages 18 months through 5 years old.
What learning spaces are available to children?
Our bright, secure, and child-friendly facility includes spacious classrooms, an outdoor playground, an indoor active play area, a dedicated children’s library, and our Biblical Botanical Garden.
Parent/Guardian Log in
Parents/guardians of currently enrolled children may log in to their account to view and make payments for their child(ren).
Let’s Connect
Ellie Kleinman-Feibus, Director
Every day is an open house! Schedule a time to stop by and see more of the Family Center Preschool.
