Maslulim Program for Preschoolers

The early years are a crucial time for a child's development, shaping how they learn, grow, and interact with the world. Research shows that investing in early childhood education provides significant benefits, not only for a child's academic success but also for their overall well-being, including their social and emotional development, and their future health and success.

A family's socioeconomic status significantly influences the age at which preschool children enter educational settings, the duration of their attendance, and their access to high-quality programs (Taub Institute, research on preschool settings in Israel, Dana and Kanin).

The Preschool Track Program adopts an ecological framework, recognizing that a child's development is shaped by a complex interplay of environmental factors, including family, educators, peers, and the wider community.

The program collaborates with municipal departments like Education and Social Services to support children from their early years. Each child receives a personalized plan to ensure smooth transitions between educational settings and successful integration.

Goals

Enhance the skills and abilities of children in compulsory kindergarten.

Reduce the prevalence of developmental delays in children.

Improve reading proficiency for first-grade students.

Increase school readiness among first-grade children.

Our model – MASLULILM for every child

Sh., a 10-year-old student in his first year at the Achievement and Learning Center in Bat Yam, initially struggled with academics and experienced a fear of failure. However, with the guidance of his mentor, Shirley K., who emphasized the importance of effort and perseverance over perfection, Sh. made significant progress. Despite facing learning challenges, Sh. consistently demonstrates dedication, arriving early and actively engaging in his sessions. Through their collaborative efforts, Sh. has successfully closed his math gaps and is now successfully keeping pace with his classmates.

Programs for Toddlers
(Birth to 3 Years)

Parent Support Group (0-6 months)

Weekly support group for parents (on maternity leave) and their babies, facilitated by professionals. The program offers enriching workshops on parenting and infant development, aiming to foster the parent-child bond, increase awareness of infant needs, and equip parents with the tools for optimal child development.

"Kindergarten with Mom" (6 months - 3 years)

Weekly two-hour group for mothers and their toddlers led by a professional facilitator. Each session incorporates both structured activities and free play, fostering parent-child bonding and developmental exploration. The program includes observations by developmental professionals to identify potential developmental delays, provide language enrichment opportunities, and offer individualized support and guidance to parents.

Early Detection and Prevention of Developmental Gaps

Program, implemented in collaboration with the Department of Social Affairs, National Program 360, and the Child Development Unit, aims to identify and address developmental delays in children aged 0-3 within daycare settings.

- Collaborative Approach: Speech and occupational therapists provide guidance and support to daycare staff

- Early Identification: Regular observations help identify children who will benefit from early intervention.

- Targeted Support: Interventions focus on reducing developmental gaps and promoting language enrichment.

Programs for Toddlers (Ages 3-6)

Speech and Language Support in Kindergartens

Program aims to address and prevent language delays in kindergarten children.

Integrated Support: Speech therapists and student volunteers are integrated directly into the kindergarten setting.
Collaborative Approach: Collaboration with the education department, child development centers, and parents ensures a comprehensive approach to language support.
Early Identification: Children are assessed to identify those requiring individual or small-group support.
Targeted Intervention: Children with identified language needs receive specialized support from clinicians and student volunteers within the kindergarten environment.
Streamlined Referral Process: Children with suspected developmental delays are referred for prompt diagnosis and treatment through a fast-track system.
Staff Training: Educational staff receive training to enhance their knowledge and skills in promoting language and literacy development.

First Grade – Prep for Success

Specialized teachers in compulsory kindergartens help children bridge learning gaps, develop essential skills, and smoothly transition to first grade.

First Grade Preparation Programs

1. Verbal Enrichment Workshops (Step 1)

Target: Children identified by educational staff.
Focus: Reducing verbal gaps, enhancing vocabulary, improving motor skills, and fostering curiosity and confidence.
Time: Afternoon workshops.

2. Enrichment Workshops (Step 2)

Target: Children selected based on kindergarten team recommendations.
Focus: Reinforcing kindergarten skills, including organization, social skills, and learning habits.
Time: Afternoon workshops.

3. Workshops for Parents

Collaboration: Held in collaboration with Nativim for parenting/SHA.
Focus: Preparing parents to support their children's transition to first grade.

4. Parent-Child Club

Focus: Strengthening the parent-child bond through weekly language enrichment activities.
Format: Small groups Guidance: Led by professionals.

5. School Preparation Program

Target: Kindergarten children.
Format: Daily summer program (1-2 weeks).
Collaboration: With local elementary schools.
Focus: Reinforcing kindergarten skills and preparing children for the transition to first grade.
Staffing: Teachers and volunteers in small groups.