A new Jewish preschool has opened in Danville and already is about one-quarter enrolled.
Tree of Life Learning Center is a developmentally based school on the campus of Beth Chaim Congregation at 1800 Holbrook Drive. It accepts children ages 2 to 5 and offers a year-round program from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., with part-time schedules available.
“Our goal is to create an environment where all children feel safe and comfortable, a place where play and learning become one,” said Arie Cohen, who runs the school with his wife, Kelley. The couple also have operated a nondenominational preschool in Alameda since 2006.
“We recognize the importance of learning through play. We are committed to providing an outstanding early childhood education program that promotes cognitive, social, emotional, physical and spiritual development,” he said.
The Danville preschool opened Aug. 1, a few months before the Contra Costa JCC in Walnut Creek closed its doors along with its preschool program.
Tree of Life can accommodate up to 60 children and strives to maintain a 9:1 student-teacher ratio, offers an academic curriculum and encourages students to explore Jewish values, such as mitzvahs (good deeds) and tzedakah (charity), which are introduced through music, books, art, and science and intertwined into daily activities.
Tree of Life works with Beth Chaim to foster a sense of community and social responsibility, but synagogue membership is not required to join the preschool. “We welcome and celebrate children from all backgrounds and work with our families to ensure that all family traditions are respected and valued,” said Cohen.
For information, visit www.treeoflifelearningcenter.com, contact kelley [email protected] or call (925) 285-5005.