Focus on Youth
Preschools
Preschool of the Arts
A
premier boutique preschool. Inspired by the Reggio approach, this award-winning school combines the arts, nature, academic excellence and values to create a culture of learning and exploration. Preschool of the Arts (POTA) is Naples’ premiere early childhood program that has won the top childcare award in the Southwest Florida Choice Awards for nine years running. It is a progressive, Reggio-inspired preschool that
aims to provide students with the highest quality education in a secure, loving and stimulating environment. At Preschool of the Arts, a warm, enriching and nurturing early childhood environment is created to imbue children with the foundation they need to mature socially, emotionally and cognitively. Carefully selected and skilled faculty bring passion,
dedication and a broad depth of knowledge to the work they do every day. Located in the heart of Naples, POTA’s expansive campus provides an ideal space to nurture a warm community with a young and active spirit. A strong emphasis is placed on creating an aesthetically pleasing and invigorating environment, inspired by nature and the cultural arts. Amenities include beautiful state-ofthe-art classrooms, a spacious outdoor playground, an inspiring natural play space, its Garden of the Arts, indoor Children’s Marketplace, fully equipped indoor and outdoor art studios, a large social hall and a commercial kosher kitchen. Preschool of the Arts offers two healthy snacks and a hot, nutritious lunch daily. The objective of the curriculum is to provide developmentally appropriate experiences in math, science, language and literacy concepts. Units incorporate a range of sensory, educational and creative activities that integrate Jewish values with the development of secular skills. The carefully crafted program helps foster independence and a love of learning. It is designed to give children the fundamental skills and framework necessary for
the transition to elementary school and beyond. POTA’s foundational principle is a deep respect for children — viewing them as strong, competent learners who have much to contribute to their environments and to our world. The holistic program is designed to promote each child’s intellectual, social, physical and emotional growth. To that end, a wide range of weekly specials that introduce students to creative, physical and stimulating activities beyond the classic classroom routine is incorporated. Specials include science, Spanish language, music and performing arts, visual arts, sports, dance, gardening, Little Chefs, Little Explorers and weekly Shabbat celebrations. Preschool of the Arts’ program is geared for children ages 12 months to 5 years and is recognized as a Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Provider (VPK). Twothrough five-day a week programs (full and half-day) are available. To schedule a school tour or apply, please visit our website or call 239-263-2620. For more information, contact: Ettie Zaklos, Founder & Director 239-263-2620 Naplespreschoolofthearts@gmail.com www.naplespreschoolofthearts.com
Free Jewish Children’s Book Program
P
J Library is an international family engagement program that sends a Jewish-themed children’s book each month to more than 230,000 subscribers in the U.S. and Canada. More than 680,000 PJ Library books are delivered around the world in 29 countries and seven languages each month. All told, more than 41 million books have been distributed by PJ Library in the past 15 years, with 20 million in North America alone. 52
PJ Library is the brainchild of philanthropist Harold Grinspoon, who wants to assure a love for Jewish tradition is passed along to the next generation. What better way to do that than by providing Jewish children’s books so parents and children can snuggle together in their PJs with great bedtime stories? The books are always free to participants, a gift from the Harold Grinspoon Foundation in partnership with
CONNECTIONS 2021
a local Jewish organization in each community. Jewish children are eligible to receive age-appropriate books from PJ Library from birth through 12 years old. Sign up at www.pjlibrary. org. For more information about PJ Library, contact Reneé at rbialek@jewishnaples.org.
A Guide to Jewish Living in Greater Naples
