The Zinuk Nehenim V’lomdim therapeutic nursery school is one of our most comprehensive programs. Three years ago we started our first preschool group with only nine children and this year we are up to twenty nine. We target preschoolers identified as high-risk and provide them with a full therapeutic schedule, all taking place throughout the preschool week. Parents are invited to regular meetings with the staff to ensure the parents have a clear picture of their children’s needs and how to help them at home. This enables the children to gain the tools they need for life, before they enter school, preventing years of frustration and pain.
The preschool day is based on the framework of a regular preschool; concepts, holidays, projects etc., allowing for the child to feel like he is a normal child. In fact, the children are attending much more. Everything is taught from a sensory, hands-on perspective, enabling the child to connect with what he is learning.
Every educator and parent knows that each child is a world of his own, with individual tastes, opinions, enjoyments, and hardships. Operating based on this principle, the Zinuk pre-school plans each child’s schedule and therapies. No two children have the same program.
Some children receive speech therapy five days a week, and some only two. While some children receive art therapy to help them process and develop their emotional world, other children benefit more by not being taken out of their regular schedule. Some children go to their sport therapy and exercise sessions first thing in the morning to help them wake up and get a good start to their day and other children go towards the end of the day to help them process their day and unwind.
Once a week the children participate in a sensory experience with animals, as well as cooking, baking and life skills. Everyday, the children do art projects focusing on their fine motor skills development, as well as sensory and motor planning development. There is time to practice and hone other important skills throughout the day. Symbolic play, mouth exercises, social play and language development are provided in a fun- filled, engaging, warm environment.