Pre-K Overview

PRE-K: Curious learners. Creative players. Nature nurturers. Kind friends.

 

Philosophy 

Our Pre-K classroom is a child-centered community. Children learn through play, building an academic and Judaic foundation that fosters curiosity, creativity, problem solving skills, and social-emotional well being.

 

 

Pre-K outdoor natural outdoor play

 

Environment

The classroom design invites children to feel comfortable exploring academic concepts and building important academic skills. Children play cooperatively at learning centers while practicing math, literacy, Hebrew, and Judaic skills. Learning spaces provoke questions and critical thinking. Our Pre-K classroom has its own entrance and exit as well as its own outdoor play area.

The outdoor play area is designed to invite children to both practice using their gross motor skills and to develop a relationship with the natural environment. Children experience many opportunities to care for the earth and for each other on our state of the art playground.

 

Ratio

The maximum capacity for our Pre-K is 15 students. There are two full time teachers present at all times. 

Ratio Pre-K is 15 students. 2 Teachers.

 

 

Tuition

Our program is five full days/week. Tuition for the 2024-25 school year is $19,600. Part-time schedules are not available.

Pre-K FAQs

Learn More

We invite you to meet with Shayna Friedman, Director of Admission, to learn more about our Pre-K. Schedule a meeting with Shayna below:

 

Meet our Pre-K Team

Jodie Applebaum Director

 

Jodie Applebaum, Director

Jodie heads up the Pre-K DJDS experience! With her wealth of experience - 11 years of classroom teaching, five years in administration, and 13 years as a DJDS student herself - she is eager to welcome the youngest Tigers into the building.

 

Ms. Ali Weinberg

Ms. Ali Weinberg

 

Ms. Ali studied at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee and received a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders as well as obtaining her teaching certification for Early Childhood Education.  After graduating, she moved to Chicago to begin her teaching career.  After 6 years in the city she decided to make a change and head to Denver.  For the last twelve years,  Ms. Ali has been teaching in a Pre-K classroom at a Reggio-inspired, play-based, early learning center.  This experience has allowed her to expand on her teaching practices, focus on social emotional learning, and develop a better understanding of the Reggio Emilia Philosophy.  Ms. Ali is looking forward to utilizing her experience, knowledge, and skills in a new school setting.  Outside of the classroom, she loves spending time with friends and family, traveling, and seeing live music. 

Ms. Merideth Pryor

Ms. Merideth Pryor Teacher

 

Ms. Merideth’s journey as a practicing early childhood educator has taken her across the globe and back.  She first started teaching English to children ages 3 to 9 in Beijing, China.  That is where she fell in love with the importance and impact of early childhood education.  Ms. Merideth brought that passion back to the United states and found a new home as a teacher at Rabbi Steven Foster ELC.  She taught there for two years before her love of travel brought her back to China.  This time she lived in Dalian.  Teaching in different countries has given her an appreciation of, and a unique perspective on, how dynamic and magical a classroom can be.  Ms. Merideth couldn’t stay away for too long and five years ago found herself back at the Rabbi Steven Foster ELC.  The focus of her practice has been social emotional learning with a Reggio Emilia inspired constructivist approach.  Ms. Merideth values a community that edifies and inspires students, parents, and educators to grow, learn and lead together.  This past year she returned to higher education where she received her teaching license at Metropolitan State University.  She is excited to share her infectious love of learning with her students and community.  When Ms. Merideth is not in the classroom, she is busy playing with her pug, Marpha, biking, playing music, and traveling.