Curriculum
The curriculum at Becker School is constantly evolving as it prepares children to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century. The Jewish component of our program encourages children to experience the positive values of Judaism in a synagogue setting at an early age. Each day incorporates a healthy balance of indoor and outdoor activity with quiet and active experiences that include Jewish customs and traditions, language arts, science, math, music, art, fine and gross motor play, health and safety, and social skills. Our goal for our students is to be confident, happy learners.
Licensing & Accreditation
Becker is licensed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and is accredited through the National Association for the Education of Young Children's Academy for Early Childhood Program Accreditation. The director, assistant directors and teachers meet all requirements and standards set by the child care licensing branch of Texas Human Services and by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Class Overview
YOUNG TODDLERS
(15 months by September 1)
Monday-Friday, MWF, or T/TH
9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Children must be walking independently upon entering the Young Toddler program. Parents may choose a two-day, three-day, or five-day program.
Introduction of Jewish values and culture, guided play, story time, arts and sensory exploration, dramatic play opportunities, studio time, outdoor play, gardening, music, Art Alive, imagination & movement, library, snack, and lunch.
TWOS
(two years of age by September 1)
Monday-Friday or MWF
9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
The Twos program emphasizes the continued development of the whole child through positive social opportunities. At this age, the children are making a bridge between playing alongside their peers to socially interacting with their peers. Through integrative, child-directed play teachers foster positive social experiences while focusing on increasing expressive oral language and listening skills. The autonomy of the child is encouraged through all aspects of school life. We promote emerging self-reliant skills in areas of hygiene, toileting, and safety in the learning environments. We feature small class sizes and an enriching environment, so the children gain confidence in exploring their world.
A deeper understanding of Jewish values and culture, guided play, story time, arts and sensory exploration, dramatic play opportunities, studio time, outdoor play, gardening, music, Art Alive, imagination and movement, library, snack, and lunch.
THREES
(three years of age by September 1)
Monday-Friday
9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Application of Jewish values and culture, inquiry-based learning in literacy, math and science, story time, arts and sensory exploration, dramatic play opportunities, studio time, outdoor play, gardening, music, Art Alive, imagination and movement, library, snack, and lunch.
PRE-K
(four years of age by September 1)
Monday-Friday
9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Children in our Pre-K Program continue to develop problem-solving skills through collaborative project work that helps build the foundations for reading, writing, math, and science. The classroom environment is designed to support the growth of each child as they begin to develop a heightened sense of the world around them, a desire to be independent, and ability to think critically, and the need for social interaction. Children in Becker’s Pre-K program are encouraged to be thoughtful and reflective about their ideas and work. They are given the essential tools that build the foundation for future learning and success. Teachers receive training from Rice University’s Center of Education in early literacy, writing, and culture. We feature small class sizes and an enriching environment that honors the individual child while providing space for small group and whole group interactions.
Application of Jewish values and culture, inquiry-based learning in literacy, math, and science, story time, arts and sensory exploration, dramatic play opportunities, studio time, outdoor play, gardening, music, Art Alive, imagination and movement, library, snack, and lunch.
KINDERGARTEN
(five years of age by September 1)
Monday-Friday
9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Becker’s Kindergarten Program builds a strong foundation for life and learning. Jewish values are integrated with a hands-on academic curriculum that strengthens skills in reading, writing, math, and science. Children’s intellectual development is encouraged by teachers through the exploration of multiple, meaningful materials and in-depth child-driven projects. The classroom environment provides a safe space for children to take risks and test their theories about the world and their place in it. Large group, small group, and individual exploration is intentional in instilling a lifelong love of learning. We feature small class sizes and an enriching environment that ensures each child’s unique academic, social, and emotional needs are met.
Integration of Jewish Values and Culture, Inquiry-based learning in areas of reading, writing, math and science, morning meetings, reading workshop, writing workshop, envision math, arts exploration, studio time, outdoor play, gardening, music class, Arts Alive, imagination and movement, library, snack, and lunch.
Extended & Early Care
Available to children enrolled M-F.
EXTENDED CARE
2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
EARLY CARE
7:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Enrichment Programs
Becker children have weekly enrichment activities including music and Arts Alive. Children in the Three's, Pre-K and Kindergarten also visit the library twice a month to check out books.
MUSIC
The music program at Becker School introduces music to the very young child and enhances their preschool learning experiences. The program focuses on both the Jewish holidays and the different themes of each age level. Our classes include singing, instruments, and movement. Weekly topics and themes are expanded upon using song, movements, and imaginary dramatic play. A variety of musical vocabulary is introduced while singing childhood and adult music. While incorporating similar songs at each level, expectation and involvement changes as the children develop.
ARTS ALIVE
Arts Alive is an integrated program for children of all ages and abilities which builds self-esteem, confidence and creativity through the expressive arts. The Arts Alive Program involves each participant - physically, visually, aurally, and orally. The program was developed to promote self-confidence and cooperation in a non-competitive setting with classes that follow a variety of weekly themes.
