The Aleph Preschool at Beth El Synagogue, which first opened its doors 87 years ago, is launching a new chapter with an infant room beginning August 31, in response to the growing demand from Jewish families across the Twin Cities.
As other Jewish daycares in the area have either added infant rooms (Bet Shalom Congregation), have waitlists for the age group (Adath Jeshurun and Minnesota JCC), or are consistently full (Jewish Beginnings), Beth El leadership recognized the need to add an infant program.
Sara Confeld, the director of the Aleph Preschool, explained that for many years, families would leave or choose other care providers because they didn’t want their infants and other children split between different schools.
“We felt like we were turning away families,” said Confeld. “Even if it is nine families, it’s nine more families than we had before.”
Mackenzie Fishman, a parent with one child already enrolled at the Aleph school and one joining the new infant program, was thrilled that Beth El decided to add this option.
“We know the [Beth El] community. We trust the community,” said Fishman. “When my [older] daughter was an infant, we were at another facility and it was very transactional. Aleph was a night and day difference.”
The popularity of the Aleph Preschool can be attributed to its emphasis on instilling Jewish values and community connections from an early age. Activities like reading Jewish books, singing Hebrew songs, and participating in Shabbat rituals can create a positive foundation for Jewish life and values for children of all ages.
“As early as our children can be invested and engaged in the Jewish community is the most important thing,” said Confeld. “We want them to grow up here, not feel forced to come later on.”
The process to develop the infant room has required additional licensing and staff. Startup costs, which are estimated to be around $13,000 to $15,000, have come from Beth El campaign money, bolstered by the generosity of community members who have donated books, toys, and rockers. Of course, the new program will also generate revenue for the synagogue.
“We don’t do it for the money,” Confeld said. “We do it for the kids and to see the joy they have every day.”
Not only will the new infant room expand the Aleph Preschool’s current offerings, but it will also hopefully attract the next generation of Beth El families, strengthening its long-held place in the Jewish community.
Currently, the Aleph Preschool is hiring for positions of infant teacher and young toddler teacher. The infant room will be for children ages 12 weeks to 16 months. While the new infant room is currently full, they plan to use rolling admissions as infants age out of the program.