FAQ's

How many children are in each classroom?
There are currently 12 children in our 2-year-old classrooms and up to 16 children in our preschool and TK classrooms.  


How many teachers are in each classroom?
There are a minimum of two teachers in each classroom.  Classes that have extended day students may have more teachers.


What hours are you open?
Our core day is from 9am to 1pm.  We offer Breakfast Club - before school extended care starting at 8am.  Additionally there are two tiers of after school care – Stay and Play with a 3:30 pickup and Sunset Crew with a 6:00 pickup.  You  determine yours hours at registration.  We are unable to accommodate drop-ins at this time.  If you wish to change your child's hours, call the office and if we can, we will accommodate your request.


Is there a calendar available?
Of course!  Click here to see the current school year calendar.


What are your Sick/Covid-19 policies?
At PTS Preschool we are very serious about our community’s safety.  Our safety protocols that can be viewed here.



What is your educational philosophy?
At PTS Preschool we believe the children learn best when they are a part of the process.  We believe that children are capable thinkers who gain knowledge by participating in the world around them.  Our wonder-based, emergent curriculum is dictated by the children’s interests and needs.  We are inspired by the Reggio-Emelia approach and our teachers strive to continue their own learning on an ongoing basis to ensure we stay fresh and bring in the latest in thought on early childhood education.  (For more information on Reggio-Emelia, click here.  For more information on wonder-based and play-based education, click here.)


Do I have to be Jewish for my children to attend the preschool?
Not at all.  We are an inclusive environment and welcome people of all backgrounds, religions, and beliefs.


What does a Jewish curriculum look like at PTS Preschool?
In addition to learning about and celebrating Shabbat, Havdalah (the separation of Shabbat from the rest of the week), and the Jewish holidays, the children learn about the values and concepts that we hold dear.  These values include Chesed (lovingkindness), Kehilah (community), Tzedakah (achieving a just distribution of resources), Shmirat HaGuf (Care of the body), Tikun Olam (repairing the world), and Hakarat HaTov (appreciation).  



What does a typical day look like?
The school day is structured, yet flexible allowing for children to stay in a moment of learning.  Each day includes a short circle time, snack time, singing, stories, lunch time, and of course, plenty of outside time.  Our beautiful outdoor classrooms allow us to spend much of our day outside playing with sand and water, building, and exploring nature.  We have several additional outdoor spaces including a large playground area and a “back lot” with access to a path through the woods.  We are resuming specialized Soccer and Music classes this year.


What is the application process?
Registration opens on February 26, 2024 for returning families and New Temple Members and on March 4, 2024 for Open Registration.
A non-refundable deposit is due with registration.  When you are confirmed in the school, an additional payment of the last month’s tuition will be due.


Do I have to be a temple member for my child to attend the preschool?
Membership to the temple is optional, although there are many benefits available should you choose to become a member.


Do you provide snacks and lunch?
Lunches and snacks are provided by the families.  If your child is here until 1pm, bring one snack; for 3:30 pickup, two snacks; and for 6pm pickup, three snacks.  We are a nut-free school (peanuts and tree nuts.)  We are also pork-free and shellfish-free in accordance with Peninsula Temple Sholom regulations.


Does my child need to be potty trained?
Many children in the twos and young threes come in diapers.  When your child shows signs of readiness, we will be here to assist and support you through this milestone.


Are you a nut-free school?
Yes.  Additionally, we ask families to label anything that may look suspicious so that we can be sure to maintain this important safety measure.


Is a napping option available if my child stays past 1pm?
Of course!  We provide quiet areas and cots.  You provide sheets or sleeping bags.


I have more questions…
Contact us at preschool@sholom.org or call 650-697-2279