At BZBI, we create a warm, joyful Jewish learning community where children ages 18 months to 5 years thrive through play, exploration, and discovery. We inspire curiosity, nurture creativity, encourage independent thinking, and foster the academic, social, and emotional skills that provide a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Every child is celebrated for who they are as they build confidence, develop meaningful relationships, and grow within a caring, values-based community.
Choosing a preschool is one of the most important decisions a family makes, and we are honored that you are considering BZBI. Our Early Childhood Education program provides a warm, nurturing, and engaging Jewish environment where children ages 18 months to 5 years learn through play, exploration, and meaningful relationships.
Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy and grounded in Jewish values and traditions, we celebrate each child’s unique strengths while fostering curiosity, creativity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. Our experienced educators create rich learning experiences that help children grow academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually, preparing them not only for kindergarten but for a lifetime of discovery.
We invite you to explore our program and discover what makes the BZBI Early Childhood community such a special place to learn, grow, and belong.
We believe that play is the foundation of learning. Through exploration, creativity, and discovery, children make sense of the world around them while developing the skills and confidence they need to thrive.
Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach and guided by both intentional teaching and emergent curriculum, our educators create engaging learning environments where children’s interests spark meaningful experiences. As children investigate, create, collaborate, and solve problems, they build strong foundations in language and literacy, mathematics, science, the creative arts, critical thinking, and social-emotional development.
Jewish values and traditions are woven naturally into each day through stories, songs, celebrations, and community, helping children develop a joyful connection to Judaism and a strong sense of belonging.
Our program has options for children ages 18 months to 5 years, with flexible 2, 3, and 5-day options. Here children discover Jewish values and independent thinking in a creative, play-based, and joyful setting. We gently transition our youngest children from home to school, while offering individualized exploration as they grow.
We offer flexibility in the number of hours a day your child can be enrolled. You can choose an early drop off at 8:00, regular drop off begins at 8:30. Your child can be picked up by 12:00, stay for lunch until 1:00, stay the full day until 3:00 and/or participate in extended day which is open until 5:30.
Classes are grouped by age. If your child’s birthday falls in an overlapping window or on the cusp for placement, we strive to place your child in the class that is most appropriate for their development and peer relationships
An eight week summer camp program that runs 8:30 am – 3:00 pm each day. Register for any combination of days, with flexibility offered to work around vacations and summer schedules. Each day includes water play, outside time in Rittenhouse Square, and age-appropriate learning activities.
We make every effort to offer admittance while adhering to the need for a balanced class mix of age and gender. Children are accepted with preference given to synagogue members and siblings of current students or graduates of the school. All current families are guaranteed a space the following year. In December current students have the opportunity to re-enroll for the upcoming school year. Siblings are also enrolled during this time. In January enrollment is opened up to new applicants. We welcome all families regardless of religious affiliation.
Director of Early Childhood Education
With over 30 years of experience in early childhood education, Missy is dedicated to helping young children grow through hands-on learning and play. Her approach draws deeply from the Reggio Emilia philosophy, treating the environment as a “third teacher,” and from the teachings of Bev Bos, embracing the idea that “if you want it in their minds, you need to put it in their hands first.” This belief underscores her commitment to learning through doing, where play is essential work for children.
Missy’s educational philosophy emphasizes rich, engaging experiences that nurture cooperation, social skills, and readiness for formal schooling. With a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Chestnut Hill College, she is a lifelong learner, always exploring the latest research and methods in the field.
She is thrilled to be back in a synagogue setting, feeling a strong sense of community at BZBI, where she enjoys helping children and families connect to the synagogue’s vibrant life.
Outside of work, Missy treasures time with her three granddaughters – Ruby, Maya, and Cassie and her grandson, Wyatt. She has two grown children, Jenna, married to Evan, and Andrew, married to Sami, and lives in the Philadelphia suburbs with her husband, Jeff. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, and spending days at the beach.
Assistant Director of Early Childhood Education
Sarah has been a member of BZBI for her entire life (her BZBI preschool diploma hangs in the office) and has played many different roles in the synagogue. From serving as a Tot Shabbat Leader and Preschool Teacher to guiding Hebrew School students and advising Kadima/USY programs to Adult Education Board Chair, she’s had the privilege of working with congregants of all ages. Her journey has been deeply intertwined with BZBI, and each role has enriched her understanding of our community’s needs.
Now, as the Preschool’s Assistant Director, she is committed to fostering an even stronger bond between our preschool families and synagogue members. This new role will allow her to use the skills she’s learned and developed throughout her master’s program in Jewish Communal Service/Nonprofit Management from Gratz College and professional career working in non-profit development and operations management. Simultaneously, it allows her to remain deeply connected to the classroom, teachers, students, and families – a closeness that she cherishes.
When not at BZBI (which isn’t often), Sarah enjoys traveling, reading by the pool, going to the gym, attending theater, and hanging out with friends and family.
Our preschool is proud to have a team of diverse, compassionate teachers who are dedicated to fostering a joyful learning environment. Each teacher brings their unique experience, background, and passion to their role, and their tenure with us ranges from seasoned educators who have been part of our community for 16 years to enthusiastic newcomers starting their first year.
All of our lead teachers hold the necessary credentials for their positions, with qualifications including CDA, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees, and every teacher has hands-on experience in early childhood education.
United by a shared commitment, our teachers work to create an engaging and thoughtful environment that provides our children with meaningful experiences to support their growth, learning, and development