Preschool Director Tells Why She Made The Move

In this Tomchei Tmimim Ocean Parkway interview, you’ll learn about our preschool director, Mrs. Chanie Zaklikofsky—her extensive educational background, vision, and Intentional Chinuch approach.

– Background

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in early childhood education and leadership?

A: I have always been passionate about nurturing children’s development, which led me to pursue a career in education. After years of experience as a classroom teacher, I furthered my expertise by earning a degree in Special Education to better support diverse learners. With nearly two decades in chinuch, I have developed strong teaching and leadership skills and discovered that this is truly my calling. Today, I have the privilege of mentoring fellow educators, guiding them in creating inclusive, nurturing environments where every child can reach their full potential.

Q: Can you describe your philosophy of early childhood education and how it shapes your approach to running a preschool?

A: My goal is to create a culture of total care, in which every action and interaction contributes thoughtfully to a holistic approach. Through our daily intentional interactions, we build deep and meaningful connections with our students. This fosters a feeling of care and safety; creating a strong foundation for our students to grow and thrive!

– Curriculum

Q: How do you select the curriculum for the preschool?

Our hands-on environment is built to arouse curiosity, critical thinking, and enthusiasm for learning. Here, students grasp the fundamentals of Parshah, Yomim Tovim, Yemei D’pagra and Alef Beis, as well as math, science and literacy. We believe that the curriculum being taught must reflect the one receiving the information. To that end,a lot of time was invested to carefully develop our in-house age appropriate curriculum led by our curriculum director- Malky Shmuely . The units are geared to the developmental stages of each age group. Each unit includes content, skills, and goals that maximize progress. Notably, each grade builds on the skills and content of the year before, reinforcing a foundation of continued learning and success.

When teaching Parsha, we highlight the stories that teach the lessons most applicable to that age level. Our Yemei Depagra Farbrengens are brought to life through a beautifully set up room based on the highlighted Mivtza. For example, at our Yud Shvat Farbrengen, the students entered a garden-themed event where they learned about Basi L’gani. Each child chose a mitzvah to beautify Hashem’s world and contributed to a garden display, making the lesson come to life through a hands-on activity. This immersive approach helped the students connect deeply with the concept of creating a Dira Betachtonim through their Mitzvos

– Staff Management and Development
Q: How do you recruit and retain high-quality staff?

A: As part of our commitment to our parents and students, we look for staff that strive to embody our school culture: one of total care in every aspect. We seek Morahs who are growth oriented, patient, soft spoken, nurturing, and believe in our mission of nurturing the whole child.

Q: What professional development opportunities do you offer your teachers?

A: At the beginning of the year, we start with teacher training of our preschool methodology and different ways of implementation, during which we offer constant support throughout the year. Curricula is given to teachers at the beginning of the week for them to plan and work from. I observe the teacher in implementation and give any feedback or suggestions, if necessary. We use different means to animate the lessons such as puppet shows, instruments, music, science and the like.

Additionally, we arrange two Professional Development days annually. Our teachers enjoy a hands-on lecture and exercise on a topic that is most applicable to their classroom needs. Visiting other preschools in the area has also been a great learning experience for our staff.

– Parent Communication and Involvement

Q: How do you handle parent concerns or complaints?

A: We believe that parents are the most important partners in our children’s Chinuch. We have open and consistent communication for any challenges that arise. A parent’s voice is always heard. Every concern is important to us and will be addressed promptly with consideration and care.

Q: How do you envision fostering a positive school culture for children, families, and staff?

A: By bridging the gap of school and home through continuous check-ins at different points of the year, building positive relationships, parent events, and family programs.

– Child Development and Behavior Management
Q: What is your classroom management and discipline approach?

A: We prioritize effective classroom management by dedicating the first two months of school to teaching students rules, routines, and fostering a sense of safety and connection. This foundation supports their emotional regulation and sets the stage for effective learning. To best support those with behavioral challenges, we emphasize simplicity and consistency—setting clear rules, modeling desired behavior, offering praise for positive actions, and creating an environment that promotes successful learning. Each of our classrooms are painted in muted color tones, natural colored furniture, and minimal bright colors to create a calm environment.

Additionally, we have a safe space which is a quiet corner of the room that allows students to manage their feelings away from the busy classroom environment. The boys learn breathing techniques to help them self regulate in a challenging situation.

Q: How do you ensure that each child is meeting developmental milestones?

A: Each preschool class has clear academic, social, and emotional goals.
We monitor their progress via monthly meetings focusing on each student’s progress and set goals for the following month. Parent phone calls follow suit, in order to work together and reach common goals. Nachas calls, messages, and pictures regarding our children’s development are highlights for our parents.

– Vision
Q: How do you plan to grow and improve the preschool program over the next 3–5 years?

A: At our school, we are dedicated to raising frum, emotionally balanced, and well-rounded students in a warm, Chassidishe environment, where Torah values are at the heart of everything we do. With plans to update and expand our facilities, including a new, state-of-the-art outdoor playground, we are focused on providing a nurturing space that fosters growth, confidence, and responsibility. As a forward-thinking Moised, we are passionate about preparing the next generation of leaders, grounded in Torah and ready to excel in an ever-changing world.

– Personal Reflection
Q: What do you consider your greatest strengths as a leader in early childhood education?

A: Connecting to parents and teachers on a personal level and building meaningful relationships is something I truly value. I strive to create relationships where the parent or teacher understands that we are working together as a team for the growth of our students. When a person feels connected, valued and heard, it opens the door to learning any skill or solving any challenge.

Q: Can you share a success story from your career that you’re particularly proud of?

On one occasion, a parent of a student who had difficulties with emotional regulation came over to me and expressed how her son is not only able to manage his big emotions, he has changed his way of speaking when frustrated and he is now, helping his parents and siblings by showing them the coping techniques he learned in preschool, such as taking deep breaths or taking a break.

Q: What motivates you to continue working in early childhood education?

A: The nachas I experience from seeing the children’s accomplishments is incredibly rewarding. The pride they take in their achievements and the excitement they show when reaching new milestones is a constant reminder of the positive impact we’re having in their development. It’s inspiring to watch them grow and thrive in such a supportive environment.