Mount Pleasant Magazine July/August 2019

www.CharlestonsPrivateSchools.com | www.CharlestonSchoolDirectory.com | www.ed.sc.gov INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS ISD 203 A Commuity of Learning PRESCHOOL OF THE ARTS N estled in a quiet pocket of Mount Pleasant within the Center for Jewish Life, Preschool of the Arts opened in 2016. They welcome all backgrounds and serve those within the Jewish community East of the Cooper and the broader Charleston community. “We believe that nothing exists in isolation, therefore building relationships takes precedence in our everyday rhythm. Likewise, there are infinite ways children can explore and express their ideas, their thoughts and their feelings,” said Rachel Lessard, executive director of the preschool. “Our goal in building this beautiful preschool community is to create an environment that promotes the Jewish values of loving kindness and commitment to caring and to give children the freedom to take risks, to explore, to think critically and to engage in the world around them.” The preschool is intentionally small with mixed-aged classrooms for children ages 18 months to 3 years old and 3 to 5 years old. As a Reggio Emilia inspired preschool, parents and their children have come to find their home away from home in this nurturing, engaging and joy-filled preschool. Preschool of the Arts believes that children are capable and competent, that teachers are guides and co-researchers within the classroom and that learning should always be visible. Connecting with nature is a daily practice, and art is an essential learning tool and necessary form of communication. “Our goal is help foster a lifelong love of learning,” said Lessard. “We provide the scaffolding for children to explore the relationship of the fine arts to nature, science, math, music and communal interaction. We encourage children to ponder, investigate and create as a way to make meaning of the world around them.” Preschool of the Arts is located at 477 Mathis Ferry Road, Mount Pleasant. Visit PreSchooloftheArtsCharleston.com or call 843-884-2323 ext. 2 for more information. BY STACY DOMINGO SCHEDULE YOUR VISIT TODAY Located in Mount Pleasant, and housed within the Charleston Center for Jewish Life, our Reggio Emilia program encourages children through visual arts, music, language, environmental awareness, and an organic approach to learning. Ages 18 Months – 5 Years PRESCHOOL OF THE ARTS CHARLESTON 477 Mathis Ferry Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 | 843.884.2323 www.preschooloftheartscharleston.com PRESCHOOL OF THE ARTS C E N T E R F O R J E W I S H L I F E “Evoking wonder, creativity, and joy!”