Infant Center to Open at Ohev Shalom

July 17, 2008 - Michelle Mostovy-Eisenberg, Staff Writer

For young children and teens, September means back-to-school month. But this fall, that group will be joined by babies as young as 3 months old, when Ohev Shalom of Bucks County starts its new, year-round, extended-hours infant center.

The Conservative synagogue in Richboro has recently transformed two of its classrooms in its Rothman Family Education Building to meet the safety requirements needed to accommodate youngsters from 3 months to 18 months.

There will be a 3-to-1 child-to-teacher ratio, noted preschool and kindergarten director Lori-An Penchansky.

She added that the infant center will have up-to-date equipment, toys and security precautions.

The playground will also be updated to include toddler swings -- those contraptions with the built-in belts; a garden that the preschool children will help tend; and a fenced-in gazebo.

Since the infant center is part of a synagogue, the children will also be exposed to Jewish music, and will be able to join preschool students for Shabbat and holiday services and activities with the rabbi and cantor.

Penchansky's idea to extend the minimum age of children at the school comes from a strong belief that a Jewish educational component can begin at any age -- even with babies.

"I am a firm believer in lifelong Jewish education," stated Penchansky.

She also made it clear that families do not need to be members of the synagogue to have their children attend the infant center or the preschool.

"We hope to meet the needs of the community, and bring more younger members and families into Ohev Shalom," noted Fred Poritsky, the synagogue's executive director.

He explained that another reason for the infant center is for pure practicality -- to make "it easier for working parents to put all their children in day care in one spot."