Jay and Patty Baker Preschool of the Arts

Apremier 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’ premier early childhood program that has won the top child care award in the Southwest Florida Choice Awards for over 10 years. It is a progressive, Reggioinspired 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-of-the-art classrooms, a spacious playground, an inspiring natural play space, 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 has launched a $6 million capital campaign to expand its facilities with a new 17,000-square-foot addition. The campaign, called The Big Build, will offer new classrooms, a children’s library, a STEM center, and exciting new opportunities for the children’s learning and growth. To learn more about the campaign, visit www.NaplesBigBuild.com.

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 carefully crafted curriculum 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.

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 are offered that introduce students to creative, physical and stimulating activities beyond the classic classroom routine. Specials include science, Spanish language, music and performing arts, visual arts, sports, gardening, yoga, Little Explorers and weekly Shabbat celebrations.

Preschool of the Arts’ program is geared for children ages 14 months to 5 years and is recognized as a Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Provider (VPK). Two-day through 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

Jewish Federation of Greater Naples scholarship programs

Financial need-based scholarships for Jewish summer sleep-away camp and Israel experience

Jewish Federation of Greater Naples (JFGN) has a proud tradition and responsibility of helping our Jewish youth, the future of our Jewish community, with scholarships for various Jewish camps and programs throughout the world. Qualifying students can apply through JFGN.

Through a committee, JFGN awards financial need-based assistance to help families provide a Jewish overnight camp experience to a young person, who otherwise might not be able to participate.

Patricia J. Adkins

Youth Leadership Award

JFGN awards annual scholarships to two deserving Collier County high school seniors who demonstrate Jewish leadership, academics and community service. For more information and guidance, please call the JFGN office at 239-263-4205.