OUR STAFF
Our staff are known for their personal warmth and their ability to care for each child as an individual. Their love for the children is perhaps surpassed only by the children's love for them.
In our view, the adult’s role in children’s journey is to support and facilitate their growth and development. To assume this role, to teach young children, is a great privilege and responsibility. Teaching is a mission – a valued and time-honored Jewish tradition.
We look for teachers who are young, youthful and passionate and will offer a nurturing experience for the children. Our teachers have a deep understanding of children and the way they think, and have the desire to create meaningful relationships with the children. All our teachers believe in the importance of seeing each child as an individual. Our teachers plan and adapt the curriculum and the environment to meet the needs of each child. In the Reggio Emilia approach, the teacher sees herself as a learner – alongside the children – open to new thoughts and ideas. The teacher listens carefully to the children, observes and documents their work, and provokes and stimulates their thinking. As teachers, we are committed to strengthening and enriching our knowledge of young children by continuing our own education.
Our teachers are teachers who encourage our children to reflect, to be independent, to explore, to cooperate, to negotiate, to wonder, to love and to laugh.
Mushkie, Director of Education
Hello! My name is Mushkie Bitton. I am the founder and Educational Director at Jewish Creative Preschool. From an early age, I had a passion for teaching children and seeing the light in their eyes as they made discoveries and connections to their world As a result, I pursued degrees in Early Childhood Development and Child Psychology. Upon completion of my studies, I had the opportunity to work at various schools as a classroom teacher, curriculum developer, and director, both locally and abroad. I have just returned to my native L.A. after doing Jewish Outreach and acting as a director of a preschool in Costa Rica for the last few years.
Over the years, I had the vision of designing a learning environment that is engaging and meaningful for young children and providing them with opportunities to build connections to Hashem, Torah, and the Jewish community. I wanted to create a school where the focus was on providing authentic experiences and individualized attention to each child. Where children, educators, and families engage in continual connections that enable children to thrive. I am a passionate believer in educating the whole child-mind, heart and soul. Through this vision, Jewish Creative Preschool was born.
Simcha, Director/Administrator
Hi! My name is Simcha. I'm a LA native and have worked in education for over 10 years. Besides being the first point of contact for our JCP parents and children, I direct Hebrew school at Chabad Hebrew School and I am the Youth Director at Chabad Persian Youth Center. I absolutely love interacting with the children and families and looking forward to getting to know everyone!
Morah Bracha
My name is Bracha Halevy. I am originally from Paraguay and have 7 wonderful children baruch Hashem. I have worked in the field of education close to 20 years now!
Morah Diane
My name is Diane. I am originally from South Africa. I have 3 wonderful children and 3 beautiful grandchildren. I've taught at the Chabad of Irvine for 14 years and at the Growing Gan for 5 years. I love teaching and I especially love teaching young children. Looking forward to an amazing year full of learning and fun!
Morah Kristina
Hi, my name is Kristina. I moved here from Australia 8 years ago. I have 4 amazing kids of my own and love to spend time surrounded by children, laughter and good times. I have been teaching at JCP this past year and love all the families I have gotten to know and the wonderful staff that make this place a home away from home. I am passionate about health, fitness and music and love to make each day an adventure.
Morah Ayala
My name is Morah Ayala. I grew up in Los Angeles, California. I enjoy art, nature, and spending time with family and friends. I've worked with children of various ages and have been teaching preschool for many years. I have a passion for working with children and love watching them grow! I look forward to getting to know your children this year.
Milva, Yoga Instructor
I'm Milva Rinaldelli originally from Argentina. I have been a dance teacher for 18 years, yoga instructor, Spanish teacher, and founder/owner of DANZENYOGA for kids. I specialize in physical and wellness education programs for kids 2-6 years old. With the program at JCP your kids will gain coordination, balance, strength, confidence, mindfulness and social skills.