Beth Torah’s Suzy Fischer Early Childhood Academy is the premier Jewish preschool for children 12 months-5 years old located in South Florida’s North Miami Beach / Aventura area. Our programs have touched the lives of thousands of families in our community with our innovative, high quality programs and flexible schedules. Our experience and consistent commitment to excellence have made Suzy Fischer Early Childhood ready to meet the ever-changing needs of young children as they begin their educational journey
Classes of all age levels take advantage of several outdoor learning spaces, where teachers mindfully create experiences with natural materials, conduct science experiments, storytime, and more.
Our trained and culturally diverse professionals, the vast majority members of our Early Childhood team for decades, celebrate each child’s uniqueness and facilitate creative opportunities for learning through various modalities.
The Suzy Fischer’s “whole child” curriculum encompasses the following six areas of development that contribute to your child’s growth within a nurturing, safe, and enriching environment.
Developing social and emotional skills, specifically while attending school, is the basis for children to understand how they function as part of a larger community; it begins to set the stage for understanding who they are as individuals, regulates their feelings, and helps them interact with others. Our Early Childhood program provides children with opportunities to nurture positive relationships, build empathy, and foster independence. Socio-emotional skills have a strong impact on all other areas of development.
Cognitive development embodies how children think, explore, and make meaning of their experiences. It includes the development of knowledge, skills, problem solving, exercising executive functions, and actively engaging children in their learning. Throughout our school day, teachers intentionally provide children with choices to encourage exploration, they ask open-ended questions, rotating materials to spark their curiosity, and encourage collaboration.
Gross motor development refers to a child’s physical skills that require the use of large body movement. Our Early Childhood program intentionally provides opportunities for the children to strengthen those skills both in and out of the classroom and in our spacious outdoor spaces.
Fine Motor development refers to a child’s physical skills that engage in smaller, more precise movements, using the hands and fingers. Our classroom centers have materials for the children to develop fine motor skills independently. Teachers work in small groups to ensure proper pencil grip, cutting skills, and correct use of materials that require precision to manipulate.
Language and literacy development are pillars of early childhood development. They are defined as the skills used to communicate and understand others (expressive and receptive language development) as well as the ability to recognize and form letters, phonemic awareness, environmental print- in sum, developmentally appropriate reading and writing readiness (literacy development). Our classrooms are print-rich environments, where teachers often chart what the children share in order for them to make the connection between the spoken and written word. Storytime is a daily part of the school day.
Jewish experiences are an important component of all programs at the Suzy Fischer Early Childhood Academy. Rituals, holiday celebrations, Shabbat, Hebrew language, and Jewish culture are an essential part of our curriculum and weaved into our daily activities, so students experience the richness and beauty of Jewish life each day.
Through CAJE, with generous funding from the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, the Jewish Resource Specialist (JRS) Initiative brought together five congregations and JCC’s and established a teacher-leader position, whose focus is to strengthen the engagement of families with young children and deepen the Jewish learning within our Early Childhood Education Academy. We are thrilled to be working alongside Marissa Halle, our liaisons in this endeavor. Through intentional work and programming, we are transforming our Jewish Early Childhood program into a center of engagement and significant learning that will impact our children, parents, and the community at large.
Judaics/Hebrew Specialist –
Our program is enriched by an engaging and interactive Judaics and Hebrew program. Children are active participants and learn Jewish values and holiday celebrations through various modalities including dance, storytelling, Hebrew vocabulary, and a connection to the values that guide our teachings.
Music -The children participate in a weekly music program that is integrated into what the children are experiencing in the classroom. In addition, our music program weaves in holiday tunes, Shabbat celebrations and movement.
Physical Education – Our program includes a weekly physical education program that strives to strengthen the children’s gross motor skills as well as balance and coordination.
Home School Connection – We offer many opportunities throughout the year for school families to be part of their children’s educational journey. From holiday celebrations, Kabbalat Shabbat, Generations’ Day, and more, families are our partners in enriching and elevating the children’s school experience.
We offer small class sizes in both full-day and half-day programs to meet your early childhood education needs.
*Your child will be placed in the appropriate program based on their age as of September 1st in accordance with Miami-Dade district guidelines. Half-day programs are available for all programs, except Junior Kindergarten.
HALBERSTEIN TODDLER LEARNING PROGRAM
Our pre-toddler program is designed for children ages 12-18 months to support growth, build self-esteem, and encourage communication skills, while transitioning to a structured and safe school environment.
HALBERSTEIN TODDLER LEARNING PROGRAM
Our toddler students are introduced to the school environment in a nurturing, fun, and exploratory manner. Songs, rhymes, movement, and games are an integral part of our classroom environment and help make learning engaging. Our year-long emphasis is to foster independence, develop social skills, and create a community of kindness.
WHITEBOOK FAMILY BRIGHT BEGINNINGS PROGRAM
Our PK2 program is taught through an integrated approach to learning. Students learn how to collaborate with others, build confidence, develop skills in problem-solving, and become better communicators. Cross-curriculum integration is incorporated into science, mathematical thinking, literacy, arts, music and movement, Hebrew, and dramatic play.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAM
Our PK3 program incorporates “hands-on” activities as a way to introduce authentic and meaningful learning. Our students develop cognitive, physical, social/emotional, and critical thinking skills. Moreover, teachers intentionally create opportunities for decision making, sharing ideas, problem solving, following directions, and collaboration. Our students learn how to apply the learning to their daily life.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAM
The goal of our Jr. Kindergarten program is to set the foundation to prepare children for the demands of kindergarten and beyond, using our innovative inquiry-based curriculum activities and open ended materials.
Our experienced Jr. Kindergarten teaching staff supports and challenges our students through their educational learning.
Children who graduate from our Jr. K are consistently at the top of their Kindergarten class, and in many cases are welcomed in all gifted programs.
Suzy Fischer offers exclusive opportunities to students with a keen understanding of parental needs.
Our tailored programs, including Early Care, After Care, After School Clubs, and Mini-Camps, not only deliver the convenience and peace of mind parents deserve but also enhance students’ educational journey with enriching experiences.
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Dates, times, and details subject to change
Thank you for your interest in Beth Torah’s Suzy Fischer Early Childhood Academy. Please fill out the form below and we will get back to you with more information and/or to set up a tour of our campus.
All STUDENTS attending the Suzy Fischer Early Childhood Academy must be fully immunized as of the first day of school. The Suzy Fischer Early Childhood Academy does not accept religious exemptions. To the extent that you believe that your child is medically exempt, that exemption will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
I am deeply committed to the field of Early Childhood Education and the families and children of the Suzy Fischer ECA at Beth Torah—it energizes me to lead this school of excellence as it continues to reach new heights! Over the last three decades, I have dedicated my career to establishing meaningful, long-lasting relationships with children, parents, and staff, while creating a partnership – a brit – to enrich the fundamental years of early childhood.
Giving children the tools to teach them how to learn is our ultimate goal.
Our learning environment includes high-quality programming within the framework of a Jewish setting with a nurturing and qualified teaching staff; our classrooms enable children to be active participants in their learning—engaging critical thinking skills, reaching developmental milestones, and acquiring knowledge “hands on.” Ours is a journey that engages the whole family.
It is my hope that as you learn more about the Suzy Fischer Early Childhood Academy, you will also become part of our special community!
To wonderful beginnings,
Sandra Kopp is the Director of Early Childhood Education at the Suzy Fischer Early Childhood Academy.
Originally from Argentina, Sandra has worked in the field of early childhood education for over three decades. She earned a master’s degree in Pre-k/Primary Education from Barry University and is a graduate of the JECEI-Covenant Fellowship for Excellence in Jewish Early Childhood Education, as well as the Covenant Foundation Fellowship. She was also a participant in the Harvard’s Graduate School of Education’s program: Leadership – An Evolving Vision.
Sandra leads a caring and experienced team of teachers who create opportunities for young learners to be active participants of their education. A passionate, results-driven change agent, Sandra has dedicated her professional life to providing high-quality early childhood education within the framework of a Jewish setting.
Sandra can be reached at skopp@btbrc.org
Amy Alderman is the Assistant Director of Early Childhood and is originally from Charleston, S.C. She graduated from the Ohio State University with a B.S. in Child Development and is completing a master’s degree in Early Childhood Educational Leadership at University of North Florida. Amy has many years of experience in the early childhood field as an administrator and teacher. Together with a team of amazing and creative administrators and teachers, she is committed to providing developmentally sound foundation for a lifetime of learning.
Her goal is to continue growing as a professional to give the children at our school the best possible learning experiences to help them grow and develop.
Amy can be reached at: aalderman@btbrc.org
Grace Erdfrocht has been part of the Beth Torah school community for over two decades and is the Toddlers and PK2 Supervisor since 2010. Grace has also facilitated Parent-Child and Music programs at Beth Torah. A native of Argentina, Grace holds an Associate Degree in early childhood education and a Director’s Credential from the State of Florida.
She is proud to provide an environment where each child has an opportunity to explore the world around them in a creative, Jewish environment, and where each child is a valued member of the community. Grace’s passion is supporting teachers, children, and families along their journey.
Grace can be reached at: gerdfrocht@btbrc.org
Marisa Halle has been part of the Suzy Fischer Early Childhood Academy teaching team since 2001 and stepped into the role of PK3 team leader in 2022. Marisa represented our Beth Torah community for three years as a JRS (Jewish Resource Specialist, a program funded by the Greater Miami Jewish Federation). The goal was focused on enriching and deepening Jewish learning for our teachers and families and serving as a bridge between the Synagogue and the School.
Marisa was raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina and moved to Miami 22 years ago. She has a bachelor’s degree and a CDA (A National Certificate to teach Early Childhood).
As the Children’s Coordinator, Marisa is committed to creating and supervising innovative after school programs, continuing to lead the PK3 teaching team, and implementing strategies to strengthen the bonds in our community.
Marisa can be reached at mhalle@btbrc.org
Claudia Mozes is from Brazil; she earned her undergraduate in Marketing at ESPM – Escola Superior de Propaganda e Marketing and her master’s degree in Administration and Marketing at Fundacao Getulio Vargas, one of the country’s most prestigious educational institution.
Since her arrival to the United States in 2019, she has held managerial positions in various companies including: L’oreal Paris and OHLA English Schools. With a vast experience in sales, her goal as the Admissions Coordinator is to provide exquisite customer service and a positive experience for families looking to join our school community.
Claudia can be reached at cmozes@btbrc.org
Astrid joined Suzy Fischer in 2020 as our school nurse and has over 16 years of experience in her field working with children. She is knowledgeable in obtaining accurate vital signs, medication administration, wound care, and CPR certified. Astrid is a compassionate LPN who is a great communicator and is dedicated to providing the best care for our children and has been instrumental in overseeing and guiding our COVID-19 mitigation plan.
Astrid can be reached at schoolnurse@btbrc.org
a Lewinski joined the Suzy Fischer ECA in 2018 as an Administrative Assistant.
She holds bachelor’s degree in Psychology with specialization in Education and has been working in the field for over 30 years helping children with learning disabilities, teaching preschoolers and in the school office. She approaches all aspects of her job with a positive, mindset and she is passionate about helping parents, children, and staff.
Erila can be reached at elewinski@btbrc.org
Gladys Benzaquen is Moroccan; she moved to Venezuela, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Architecture and Engineering at the Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV) and her master’s degree in Urbanism at UCV and Architecture World Heritage. Before she arrived to the USA; Gladys traveled to Spain where studied Revit and 3D programs for interior design. Gladys joined Beth Torah in 2022 as Administrative Assistant and Club Coordinator.
Pamela Salabi is the school’s Records Secretary since 2017. She has a Bachelors of Science in Hospitality from Indiana University and she has worked as a Sales Manager for Hyatt hotels in Southern California and Paris, France. After moving back to the USA, she worked for the Intercontinental hotel in Chicago. Pamela ensures the school remains in compliance with the Department of Children and Families.
12 months-5 years
6-18 months
Grades K-6
Grades K-5
Grades 6-7
Grades K-12
* At Beth Torah, we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive community where all families feel valued and respected. In accordance with Conservative Judaism law recognizing matrilineal descent and our synagogue’s bylaws, Jewish families are considered eligible for membership. We celebrate the diversity within our congregation and encourage all families to participate fully in the vibrant life of our community, including campus community activities and events.
We greatly appreciate your help and we send all our love.