What is it?
Noah's
Ark is Congregation Beth Israel's Pre-school and
Early Care and Education program. Noah's Ark
accepts children ages six weeks through age five.
Opened in 1985, Noah's Ark was the first Jewish
early childhood program in the Hartford area. Materials
and activities are developmentally appropriate
for children in all age groups. They are inclusive
and open-ended so that every child can participate.
In most circumstances, interest or ideas come from
the children.
Who is it?
Noah's
Ark started with an enrollment of twelve children,
which has since grown to over eighty families.
Programs have also expanded to include a 9 AM to
1 PM pre-school component with part-time and full-time
options. For several years, staff and parents have
worked together to include children with special
needs in the program.
Noah's Ark students and teachers are both Jewish and non-Jewish, all learning
in a nurturing, stimulating Jewish environment. We celebrate the Jewish holidays with our clergy, but children are free to
share their cultural experiences.
Where is it?
Noah's Ark is located on the lower level of Congregation Beth Israel. This
program offers stimulating, spacious classrooms for each age group. It
also has two large-motor rooms, a parent's resource center and a general
library. Outside is a playground area equipped with a playscape, climber,
swings, sandbox and an area for riding toys with a separate area for toddlers.
The program also utilizes the Temple's facilities including the social
halls, library, courtyard and kitchen.
Children dress up for Purim.
