Program for the advancement of language skills in the Talmud Torah preschools, and the development of teachers' leadership skills.

Presented at the Board of Education's Conference on Educational enrichment, May 1, 2014

משרד החינוךהמחוז החרדי

Prior to the program…

ComponentsTraining early childhood teachers in childhood development, emphasizing the use of toys, books and conversation to promote language enrichment.

• Guiding and supporting the teachers

• Strengthening the teachers' position

• Helping the teacher to apply the educational tools learned in the program.

• Enriching the educational environment to make it inviting for interaction

• Integrating didactic games with teacher led activities

• Development, writing and producing of children's literature

Teachers' Impact on Classroom

Principals' Comments The teachers learned how to

screen the children for language difficulties and, when necessary, refer them for a professional evaluation.

The teachers used the experiential, interactive method of teaching throughout the day.

Encouraging and fostering the parent-teacher relationship

Encouraging parent participation in enrichment activities

Encouraging the use of toys and books in the interaction between parents and children.

NUMBERS 1694 Children participated in program 1000+ Hours of classroom guidance 2 Mother-child language enrichment

playgroups 55 Teachers participated in the program 120 Hours teachers' training workshops Lectures and workshops for parents

• Teachers empowered through an understanding of child development.

• Developing leadership by strengthening the three-fold parent-child-teacher relationship.

• Providing the young child with a quality early childhood education assures the future of Israel.

SUMMARY

SEQUENCE SUMMARY Achiya identifies the need Creating a partnership with Joint-Ashalim; finding

additional sources of funding; choosing organization to evaluate efficiency

Appointing steering committee, pedagogical advisory committee, choosing schools and enrolling the principals' help.

SEQUENCE SUMMARY Implementing program for children ages 3-6 in two

community, under the close supervision of a supervisor from the Board of Education.

Bringing program to the attention of the principals' forum and supervisors from Board of Education's Haredi division.

Receive positive feedback from all involved parties, including supervisors, principals, teachers and parents.

Expansion of program, both geographically as well as in scope of material taught.