Finding the Best Fit at Temple Sinai Nursery School

A guest article from Emily Goodstein, Temple Sinai Nursery School parent.

As if in the blink of an eye, we found ourselves out of baby life and suddenly contemplating our toddler’s very first school opportunity: preschool. Being first-time parents, we felt stuck in the mud – wanting the best for our daughter without understanding what ‘best’ really meant.

So, we signed up for the school down the street which had a great reputation and lots of colorful toys in the windows. It was not a good fit from day one when it became quite clear that beyond checking off items on our list, we also needed to consider how things felt to know we had found the right place for her (and us). Thankfully, we have arrived at that place – Temple Sinai Nursery School.

A Warm, Welcoming Hug from Temple Sinai Nursery School

Stepping foot inside TSNS felt like a big hug that we, as parents, needed to feel enveloped in as much as our child. We loved the sounds echoing down the hallways of exuberant voices, the rhythmic shuffle of happy feet, walls covered with artful creations on proud display, and a sense of calm amidst it all.

This place felt like joy. It’s that feeling we wished for our daughter day in and day out. And that was before we set eyes on their jaw dropping outdoor play spaces!

Nurturing Children’s Wonder & Curiosity

Now, having two school years under our belts, the proof continues to be in the pudding. Temple Sinai Nursery School’s Reggio-Emilia approach has been the best way to nurture our child’s endless wonder and curiosity.

The teachers are kindness, warmth, and compassion personified, treating each child with tremendous respect. They have been a guiding light in our lives as parents, too. Where our daily rhythm as a family twists and turns, their support is a comforting constant. We truly feel their partnership as we continue our journey as parents and their insight has deeply informed our parenting style.

Understanding & Nurturing the Whole Child

Where Temple Sinai Nursery School sets itself apart from the rest is the way they understand the whole child.

Here we find engaging and expansive outdoor spaces that they get to enjoy several times a day. Plus, a Movement Room with thoughtful consideration on expanding their gross motor development. We also find an Investigation Room that looks like a magical workshop, built to invite in the most curious of minds and enhance their fine motor abilities.

These are just a few of the rich spaces our daughter gets to experience during her days at school. As magical as her surroundings are, the true wizards are the incredibly skilled team of teachers and specialists engaging with her, available to support the ever-evolving needs of our child. They are brilliant, resourceful, intuitive and kind.

And beyond all of this, the icing on our family cake has been the seamless integration of Jewish values and traditions.

Since starting at Temple Sinai, our daughter has grown in confidence, independence, and has a true love of learning. And we as parents have found ourselves immersed in an incredible community of teachers and parents who we now consider friends. Temple Sinai Nursery School started as a decision we made for our daughter, and has become a community we cherish as a family.

Get to Know Temple Sinai Nursery School

For any parent seeking a nurturing, play-based environment that fosters a lifelong love of learning and a strong connection to Jewish values and traditions, come see Temple Sinai Nursery School. It’s one of the greatest gems the DC area has to offer!

Schedule a tour (in person or virtually) here, or contact the school with any questions.