A Message from the Rabbi
The Temple is proud of our preschool, its teachers and staff, its curriculum, and its focus on the child. The emphasis on questioning falls squarely into the tenets of Judaism as a faith and practice always seeking to learn more in order to do more. The devotion to creating good citizens echoes the Jewish values of honor, respect, and dignity in every human being. The intentional embrace of kindness underscores and is informed by the Jewish concept of fixing the world.
We see the preschool as the seed from which the learning grows. It is the first stage in education for our Jewish students, as our religious school picks up from the end of their time at preschool, and sometimes even during the last year here in the pre-K (Tikkun Olam) class.
Lifelong learning is one of our highest values in Judaism, and at the Temple, and the foundation that the preschool provides is second to none. This is a Jewish preschool where we celebrate Jewish holidays, customs, and values.
That learning, though, is only part of what a child receives. The diversity that the preschool offers is also an invaluable experience for the children, exposure to differences, language skills, and respect for traditions. We truly believe there is dignity in difference and beauty in diversity – and our preschool celebrates that each and every day.
On behalf of The Temple, its clergy, and lay leadership, we welcome you to The Temple Preschool.
Rabbi Shana Goldstein Mackler
Program Philosophy
We celebrate children as competent, capable, and complex. Through a child-centered and play-based setting, we foster and support your child’s development. The Temple Preschool believes in creating classroom communities where children feel safe, supported, and empowered to care for themselves, others, and the environment. Here, each child’s creativity, thoughts, and ideas are valued. As such, they are seen as partners with their teachers and peers in the educational process.
Mission Statement
The Temple Preschool empowers children, families, and teachers by building relationships, igniting curiosity and creativity, celebrating individuality, and promoting Jewish values.
Certification
We are licensed by The State of Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS).
Hours
The Temple Preschool is open from 7:30am to 5:30pm, with the standard school day being 9am to 3pm.
If you are interested in learning more about or program or would like to schedule a tour, please complete an inquiry form here. We strive to respond to inquiries within 48 hours, excluding weekends and holidays.
New Playscape Dedicated in December 2020
The Temple dedicated a new playscape for the Preschool in December 2020.
The Temple Preschool transformed our outdoor play space into a best-in-class, nature-based learning environment. Working with a playscape designer, landscape architect, educational expert, and our very own children, we created a vision for a new outdoor space that fosters the social, emotional, and intellectual needs of our students.
