When will the Nursery School open?
We will offer a Parent & Me program beginning in January 2010. There will be two classes – one for children between the ages of 10-12 months to 18 months and one for “steady walkers”, approximately 18 months to 2 years, 8 months. We anticipate starting the first nursery school class in September 2010. Children must be at least 2 years, 9 months old by September 2010 to begin this program. After that, enrollment will be on a continuous basis for children as they reach the 2 year, 9 month threshold.

What calendar will be used for the nursery school?
We plan to offer a program from September to July and will be closed in observance of major civic and Jewish holidays, as well as for a summer break during the month of August.

What are enrollment requirements?
The Parent & Me program and nursery school is open to all families.  Priority will be given to current Ohr HaTorah members.


Why mixed-age classes?
There are many benefits of having mixed-age classes, including the opportunity for children to observe, emulate and initiate a wide range of competencies, not necessarily according to chronological age but rather developmental stage.  Research suggests that mixed-age learning groups enhance social and cognitive development. A mixed-age curriculum allows older children to help socialize the younger ones, while they, in turn, learn patience and caring.

What is the class size and student to teacher ratio?
We are hoping for a maximum enrollment in our first nursery school class of 20 children with two trained teachers. Our Parent & Me classes will have a maximum of 10 – 12 students, also with two trained teachers.

What are your teachers' credentials?
Teachers will be required to have a B.A., B.S. or equivalent in Early Childhood Education, Human Development, or a related field. In addition, they will be trained by Tim Craig at his current Children's Circle location prior to teaching at our school.

What are the hours?
Parent & Me classes will meet once a week for an hour-and- a-half (either 9:00-10:30am or 10:45am-12:15pm).

Initially the nursery school classes will meet Monday through Friday, from 9am–12pm . We will open an afternoon session from 1:00–4:00pm as demand increases. There is a three, four, or five day option.


Do you have before and after school child care?
Parents will be able to drop their children off as early as 8:30am , but we are not able to offer after-school care at this time.

Does my child need to be toilet-trained?
In keeping with the philosophy of a developmental nursery school, children do NOT need to be toilet-trained to begin our program. Most children are toilet-trained between 2 years, 9 months and 3 years, 3 months.

What is the cost of tuition?
Tuition for the Parent & Me program is per month and meets once a week for 90 minutes.

Tuition for our year-round nursery school will be approximately:

3-Day:  To Be Determined
4-Day:  To Be Determined
5-Day:  To Be Determined

There will be a one-time, non-refundable deposit of $400 to hold a place for your child in the nursery school.

School Tours
Until our school is officially open, tours for prospective parents will take place at Tim Craig's Children's Circle Nursery School in Van Nuys, which can accommodate groups of 10-18 parents. Our first tour is scheduled for Wednesday, July 8 th at 9:30am . Plan to stay about an hour-and-a-half so that you can observe both indoor and outdoor activities. Please see our web site to RSVP and for exact directions to the school.

Will there be any chance to connect with the actual school site prior to the beginning of classes?
In addition to a New Parent Orientation prior to the start of school, Tim Craig will be teaching two Parenting Classes, one in September and one in October. These special classes will provide parents with additional background information and tools for using Tim's developmental approach to education with their own families. Check this web site for further information as to dates and times.