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Nature-Based, Full & Half-Day

Reggio Jewish Preschool

Instilling Mindfulness, Social-Emotional Skills & A Love for Learning

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Child-Led Learning

Rooted in children’s ideas; Learning emerges from wonder, questions, and natural curiosities of the children, facilitated by our educators. 

The Atelier

Our indoor-outdoor studio is a living space where children image, create, and give form to their ideas using a rich variety of mediums and materials.

Pedagogical Journey

We document children’s thinking through images, dialogue and work. Creating a visible narrative of their learning process. 

At Barefoot Atelier, we offer  full & half day Reggio aligned Jewish preschool programs that weave together the Reggio Emilia approach /RIE with meaningful Jewish experiences.

Our days unfold through curiosity, connection, and exploration. Rooted in holistic view of the child. Learning is child-led, with educators listening closely, observing deeply, and guiding children’s ideas, interests and inquiries. 

Nature-Based, Intimate

Half/Full-Day Reggio Jewish Preschool

teachers and students at our reggio jewish preschool West LA

Reggio Inspired

Our full-day schedule allows for extensive exploration and varied activities, including gardening, caring for our school animals, art, cooking, and interactive learning experiences.

Mindfulness is a huge focus, and we foster the children’s self-awareness and emotional regulation. We also encourage social skills to cultivate cooperation, communication, and empathy within a community-centered learning environment.

At Barefoot Atelier preschool, we invite your child to a world of discovery and joy, where education is not just about gaining knowledge but about building a foundation for lifelong learning and growth.

lighting channuka candles at our jewish preschool

Jewish Preschool Programming

Our curriculum follows the Jewish calendar, and activities are enriched by traditional Jewish holidays and celebrations. Our program includes Hebrew classes where we explore the language through songs ,stories, and holidays.

We also host regular extra-curricular Jewish family events to create a strong sense of identity and community. These include Kabbalat Shabbat celebrations, Hannuka parties, Tu b’Shvat hikes and more. 

Israeli culture and Hebrew language are interwoven throughout our day. Children bake their own challa on Fridays to learn Hebrew through daily songs and activies.

Learn more about our Jewish preschool emphasis on Jewish values and traditions here. 

Our Reggio Jewish Preschool
Indoor-Outdoor Facility

We strive to build a nurturing learning environment designed for young children to explore, move, and grow.

Our Reggio Jewish preschool includes several indoor and outdoor spaces. Children are encouraged to move freely between them throughout the day, following their curiosity and energy.

Each area is designed with purpose. We have a yoga and movement space, cozy reading nooks, a hands-on kitchen for healthy food experiences, and an art studio for creative play.

Nature is part of everyday learning. Children help tend the garden, feed the chickens, and collect eggs. These activities teach responsibility, care, and where food comes from.

Our environment is always evolving. We regularly adapt our spaces based on children’s interests, developmental needs, and the season.

At our Reggio Jewish Preschool, learning and play happen together in a calm, engaging setting built around the way children naturally grow.

yoga class at our reggio jewish preschool

Sample Day

Morning

  • Arrival and Exploration Time: Children are greeted warmly and are encouraged to engage in various experiences set up around the classroom, such as art, building blocks, and sensory tables. Those who wish can help prepare the morning snack. 
  • Morning Snack: Healthy, organic snack enjoyed outdoors. Mindful discussion of where each type of food originates. 
  • Group Meeting: Children gather in small groups and discuss the day’s activities are introduced. Children share their thoughts or experiences.
  • Hands on experiences: Yoga, music, art projects, storytime, dancing - dependent on the week and it’s focus.

Midday

  • Lunch: A communal mealtime where children and teachers eat together, fostering a sense of community. Children can either bring food from home or enjoy our home-made, organic and healthy lunch option. 
  • Rest/Quiet Time: A period for relaxation or nap, essential for young children’s development.

Afternoon

  • Project Work: Children work on longer-term projects, which can span several days or weeks, allowing for deep exploration of a topic.
  • Reflection: Children and educators discuss what they learned as well as opportunities for collaboration and problem-solving.
  • Free Play: Time for children to engage in play of their choosing.

Evening

  • Preparation for Departure: Winding down with a story or quiet activity.
  • Goodbye Circle: A brief gathering to say goodbye and reflect on the day.

Sample Week

Theme: Exploring Nature and the Environment

Monday

  • Introduction to Nature Exploration: Children start the week by discussing different aspects of nature. They might bring in natural objects from home to share.
  • Nature Walk: A guided walk around the school or a nearby park, encouraging children to observe and collect natural items.

Tuesday

  • Sensory Exploration with Natural Materials: Children engage in sensory play using items collected from the nature walk, like leaves, stones, and twigs.
  • Art Project: Starting an art project using natural materials, such as leaf printing or creating nature collages.

Wednesday

  • Gardening Day: Activities focused on planting and understanding plant growth. Children may plant seeds in the school garden or in containers.
  • Story Time: Reading stories about nature, plants, and animals through the lens of the Jewish value of caring for nature.

Thursday

  • Science Exploration: Simple science experiments related to nature, such as understanding how plants absorb water or exploring the concept of photosynthesis with age-appropriate activities.
  • Music and Movement: Songs and dance movements that mimic natural phenomena like wind, rain, and animal movements.

Friday

  • Shabbat Party: Every week a child is chosen as the “Shabbat Star”. We read Shabbat stories, sing songs, practice the blessings for Shabbat, and bake challah. 
  • Continuation and Completion of Art and Science Projects: Children continue to work on their week-long projects, adding final touches.

Reggio Jewish Preschool Program Hours

For family convenience and flexibility, you are welcome to drop off between 8:00 and 9:15 am.

Schedule Options

Half Day:

M-F 8:00am-12:30pm 

Full Day:

M-Th 8:00am-5:00pm

Fri    8:00am-4:00pm 

Address

1620 S Bundy Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Admissions to Our Reggio Jewish Preschool

Applications are provided upon request, after touring our Reggio Jewish preschool. We accept applications on a rolling basis. Children may start in the middle of the year, once they turn two-years old. We currently have spots available mid-year. 

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Praise From Parents

We were so lucky in finding Barefoot Atelier as a preschool for Nila. She learned so much and she was taken such great care of. But Barefoot was much more than just a childcare facility to us. We all made great friends there and the support we felt during our challenging time was extraordinary and will never be forgotten.
Linda. K 2023
I could not imagine a better curriculum for Kindergarteners, and your ability to nourish and teach so wonderfully...is nothing short of spectacular. Nadav has excelled and thrived beyond my wildest dreams. Our family is so grateful to you and the entire Barefoot staff. Thank You!
Adi2021
We were lucky enough to find Barefoot during my son's pandemic Kindergarten year when elementary schools were shut down. He attended Barefoot's incredibly safe, nurturing, creative, project-based program a few days a week to supplement his online school experience.
Amanda Perla 2022
The preschool’s curriculum fired up my child’s imagination; he was inspired to learn reading and writing, thrilled to have music instruction and yoga, and developed a deep sense of community with his friends and teachers.
M.Epstein2011
My son is learning valuable lessons about teamwork, giving, and being responsible. He is also receiving a Jewish education. The preschool finds creative ways to teach literacy in a fun way.
A. Silverman2011
I truly wish that all educational settings could provide the love and care that Barefoot does. It is not just a great school, but a model for how to educate young people. Your work, the work of the teachers as well as the contributions of the parents really make a big difference in this world.
Andrea M.2012
The kids at Barefoot are treated as individuals with purpose. They are encouraged to explore the wonder and curiosity within themselves, and they are free to express themselves, with art, music, dress-up, water, gardening, slugs or just about anything else they might find laying around.
A Happy Santa Monica Family2014
Every 4 year old should enjoy such focused study of their own superpowers! Our family has enjoyed taking part in the numerous school holidays and celebrations, like Purim and Tu B’Shvat. The Barefoot team is the BEST at creating meaningful celebrations to highlight important holidays and world events.
Penaloza 2017
I used to be a Montessori preschool teacher and the toddler group at Barefoot was my favorite of all the activities I signed up to do with my 1 year old. The environment was so welcoming and enriching for my toddler, and she got to have meaningful social interaction with her peers (as did I with the other parents).
Fei2025
My son, Adam, attended Barefoot Atelier 12 years ago, and to this day, it remains one of the most meaningful experiences of his childhood. Now 17 and in high school, Adam has attended both private and public schools, yet when he reflects on his educational journey, his fondest memories are still from Barefoot. He remembers the spaces, the projects, and the teachers who nurtured his curiosity and individuality.
Orit Rapoport2013

FAQs about Our Reggio Jewish Preschool

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, we cater to various dietary needs and restrictions, including kosher dietary requirements. Our meal plans are carefully crafted to be nutritious, balanced, and in accordance with individual dietary needs.
What meals do you provide for the children?
We provide a kosher morning snack, a kosher lunch for children who purchase the monthly lunch program, and a kosher afternoon snack. We strive to provide organic, healthy food for the children.
How can I enroll my child in your preschool?
We also welcome you to schedule a tour of our facility and meet our staff to learn more about our program. We provide applications after the tour, or open request (feel free to email us!)
What is your preschool’s philosophy?
Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that every child is a competent, curious, and creative individual. We embrace the Reggio-Emilia approach, renowned for its emphasis on child-led exploration and expression, and blend it seamlessly with the rich traditions and values of the Jewish heritage. We believe in the power of ‘mindfulness’ – a core aspect of our teaching – which enables children to develop a deep awareness of themselves, others, and their environment. We help children become aware of their feelings and voice their needs.
What is the Ratio of Teachers to Students?

We have a 1:7 ratio of teachers to students.

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