Early Childhood

We want children from a very young age to feel comfortable at Temple Sholom. We provide a dynamic and enriching range of educational and Jewish engagement opportunities for children as young as newborn. For more information about any of the opportunities below, please contact David Cohen, Director of Schools, at 203-622-8121 or david.cohen@templesholom.com.

Itsy Bitsy Playgroup (Under 18 months)

Our Itsy Bitsy Playgroup is a wonderful opportunity for parents and babies to connect with each other and as a group in a unique "chat and play" format with music, motor play and story time. Itsy Bitsy is a weekly program and will have sessions starting again in March 2021. This drop-in program is free and open to all regardless of Temple membership. Click here to complete a registration form for when Itsy Bitsy resumes.

Little Explorers (12 Months to 24 Months)

For children older than a year who are ready for the next step, we offer Little Explorers. Little Explorers meets Thursdays for an hour and 15 minutes during the school year, and offers a non-separating introduction to pre-school through music, story time, arts and crafts, and free play. Advance registration with payment is required and the program is open to all regardless of Temple membership. Little Explorers is also offered in a summer format for the months of June and July  (1.5 hours) as a transition to nursery school.

Pajama Shabbat & Tot Holidays (Pre-K & Younger)

Our early childhood programs for pre-school and younger incorporate a wide variety of activities that stimulate curiosity and creative expression in a Jewish environment. Our Pajama Shabbats and Tot Holidays are designed to engage even the youngest child and helps them get excited through song and dance. These programs are free and open to the community. Pajama Shabbat is currently offered virtually on a monthly basis. Click here to watch our Tot Shabbat Video Playlist.

Selma Maisel Nursery School (Infant/Toddler-Pre-School)

The Temple Sholom Selma Maisel Nursery School (SMNS) offers an innovative and fun curriculum in a safe and healthy learning environment for children as young as six weeks old through pre-school in full-day and part-day formats. The school often draws on the resources of Temple Sholom’s clergy and professional staff, and families are encouraged to take part in a variety of Temple programming for young children. While guided by Jewish values, the Temple Sholom Selma Maisel Nursery School welcomes families of all faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds.