~ New Early Childhood Education Program to open January 2013 ~

Summit, N.J. (October 24, 2012) –– Temple Sinai, a Reform synagogue in Summit, NJ, is proud to announce the hiring of Dr. Amy Damast as Director of its new Early Childhood Education Program.  In her position as Director Dr. Damast, known by the children as “Miss Amy,” will lead the design, implementation and direction of a new preschool certain to become the jewel of the synagogue and a unique early childhood education option in the community. Temple Sinai completed a beautiful renovation of its building in 2004 with the dream of establishing a warm, nurturing preschool with a strong, research-based curriculum.  As the Temple prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary this year, that dream took one step closer to becoming a reality when the Temple welcomed Amy earlier this fall.

The Temple Sinai Early Childhood Education Program will begin its programming in January with an innovative Toddler & Me program, led by Amy.  This program will offer caregivers and children the opportunity to learn, explore, and play together in a home-like classroom environment.  Registration for Toddler & Me will begin in December The school will formally open its doors in September 2013 with classes for children 2 and 3 years old.     

Prior to joining Temple Sinai, Amy taught pre-school at Temple Emanu-El in Westfield for seven years.  In addition to her teaching experience, Amy earned a Ph.D. in Psychology from New York University with a concentration in Developmental Psychology. Her research focused on toddler play development, and parent-child play interactions. Amy is experienced in assessing infants and young children and was a consultant for the Early Head Start program, training others to administer standardized assessments.

Steve Greenblatt, President of Temple Sinai commented, “We’re excited to welcome Amy and to be starting our Early Childhood Education Program.  Amy is the perfect fit to help the Temple build toward our goal of lifelong learning.”  Energized in her new role, Amy added, “The opportunity to develop an Early Childhood Program based on the latest theories in child development and education is the dream of many educators.  With the support of Temple Sinai and the community, our program will certainly give many children the skills they need to be successful in the earliest years of school and beyond.”

For more information on the Temple Sinai Early Childhood Education Program or “Toddler and Me” contact Amy at amy@templesinainj.org, or at 908-273-4921 x 31.

 

About Temple Sinai

Located at 208 Summit Avenue in Summit, NJ Temple Sinai is a warm, dynamic Reform Jewish congregation that welcomes members from all religious backgrounds and all phases of life. For more information, please visit our website at www.templesinainj.org