Take a Look at Simcha's Program

Simcha is a Jewish Preschool. We not only want to attain the highest quality in a developmental preschool, but we also want the children to learn and feel good about Jewish heritage and traditions. We are in a unique situation in which we can create a Jewish atmosphere; warm memories of Jewish life and rituals, and a feeling of community with all our class members, families, staff and with our Temple Beth El community, while embracing the rich diversity of our larger Santa Cruz community.

Our underlying goals are for children to learn to treat each other, the earth and all its plants and creatures with kindness and respect. We want them to find joy (Simcha in Hebrew) in the things that they do. We integrate these goals with the Jewish values of Tikkun Ha Olam (repairing the world or taking care of the world), Mitzvot (doing blessings or acts of kindness) and Tzedakah (charity) and build them into the everyday classroom life.

Unstructured play time often revolves around activities set up by our teachers. Instead of giving the children instructions on what to do, the children are encouraged to create their own activities with the materials they are offered.

We encourage the safe use of natural materials in the classroom. In different seasons, we may gather leaves or flowers, buy fruits or vegetables, or build from sticks in order to encourage children to use their senses and enjoy the natural world.

Who better than the children to decorate our walls?

Simcha encourages parents to be part of the classroom.

Children can have quiet time to enjoy each other's company.

More Views of Simcha

Our Program
Our Staff
Our Playground
Special Events
Our Clergy

About Simcha | Take a Look | Calendar | Contact Us | For Parents