Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Brighten.
Hi Tara, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Chandler Jewish Preschool opened in 2013 with three teachers and nine students. We have expanded to serve hundreds of Jewish families over the past decade by providing a high quality, play based preschool curriculum from deeply dedicated teachers and directors. Both preschool directors, Shternie Deitsch and Tara Brighten, have been a part of the preschool since day one. We have provided a sense of peace and community for young children and their parents through the pandemic, the October 7 attacks in Israel, the restricted childcare funding in Arizona and more. Our school has remained small, but strong by creating an intentional community where each child is our most important work. It has been a true gift to watch our students grow up at the synagogue throughout the years and maintain strong connections with families whose children are long past preschool age.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
We have faced many struggles throughout our journey. The pandemic shifted our school to an online program for a few months in the spring of 2020. We returned that fall following recommendations from our medical director and Maricopa County. What stood out at the end-of-year ceremony was how much our students experienced a “regular” school year. They came out the other side of that year as well adjusted students with a strong sense of consistency and love, something that few other childcare programs could offer. We have also faced increasing antisemitism in the world and locally since October 7, 2023. We had teachers choose to quit because they did not want to risk being in our building, our social media posts have received hateful comments, and we have had protesters on the public sidewalk in front of our building. When our main goal is to create a loving, safe environment, any possible concerns are taken very seriously. It takes a toll on teachers and directors, but we choose to continue to do this work for the children whom we love so much. The decreased funding at the state level has impacted our program as well. Many of our families and potential families are on the DES waiting list without a known date to receive funding so that their children can attend preschool. We also work with Quality First where we have seen a decrease in scholarships over the past three years. The challenge of paying for preschool is a constant for us as we want to make sure our educators receive the compensation that they deserve.
As you know, we’re big fans of Chandler Jewish Preschool. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Chandler Jewish Preschool provides the best early childhood education available in Arizona in classrooms that feel like home. We are a Reggio Emilia inspired program, which means that we focus on the interests of each child in order to write our curriculum. For example, when a class shows interest in building with mud structures, we research societies that use mud to build homes, etc. Our main focus throughout the preschool day is learning processes, not learning content. Content is easy to showcase and easy to forget. It is clear when a child knows which letter is which, but the bigger challenge, the one that directs modern life more than ever is the ability to complete learning processes. For example, when a child wants to make a card for their family, we help them figure out how to accomplish their goal. They are encouraged to find their supplies in the classroom, find a space where they can work, and write or draw what is on their mind before putting it into their backpack to take home. We also celebrate the Jewish holidays with heirloom crafts, family celebrations, and curriculum exploring the math, science, and literacy of the topic. Our students spend extended time in our outdoor learning space. Working in nature allows the children room to create their own worlds. The main concept that sets us apart from similar schools is that we are deeply intentional in every decision that we make. Whether a student is having a hard time transitioning from whole group to open exploration or a class shows interest in counting to one hundred, we brainstorm together to meet and exceed the needs in every situation.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Every teacher, every parent, every community volunteer is trying their best to give everything they have to the children whom they love. Sometimes our ideas differ, our processes don’t align, but at the heart of everything, we all want to provide each child in our school everything they need to be successful as they grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chandlerjewishpreschool.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chandlerjewishpreschool/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chandlerjewishpreschool/
