Welcome
Welcome | Programs | Staff | Testimonials | Contact Us | For Current Parents
A Message from our Director:
Programs
Welcome | Programs | Staff | Testimonials | Contact Us | For Current Parents
Pracheem (T & Th) – 2 year-olds The perfect “first time” exposure for young toddlers. From learning to share, to painting, working with clay, music and more, this is an ideal environment for our newest and youngest children. Children in this class usually turn 3 between January and August. Parpareem (M/W/F) – 2 year-olds This class is for 2-year-olds who will turn 3 between September and February. A little more sophisticated than our youngest group, they are included in more special activities and have more social and learning opportunities.
Gooreem (M/W/F) – 3 year-olds 
Gooreem incorporates a little more academics with a lot of time to explore, play and socialize. This is a perfect class for a “taste of preschool.” Doobeem (M-F) – 3 year-olds Doobeem is a well-rounded 3 year-old program. Every day is filled with learning, compromising, art, music, outdoor play, and social opportunities. Children thrive on routine, and Doobeem provides routine by meeting every day. [Please note that depending on registration, 3 year-old classes may be combined. We always abide by state-mandated ratios.]
Solileem (Full Day) and Yanshoofeem (Half Day) (M-F) 4 year-olds Solileem and Yanshoofeem are our Pre-K programs. These state-licensed programs mesh perfectly with preparatory Kindergarten standards. Phonemic awareness and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) are all included through daily explorations. [Please note that depending on registration, our 4 year-olds will either be grouped based on half- and full-day registration or will be combined.]
Pre-K Enrichment (M/W/F afternoons) Emergent curriculum at its finest. Children learn about Social Studies, Science, and Culture through their interests and our staff’s creativity. Afternoons (M-F) for 2s and 3s Every day is a different experience: M – Art T & Th – Emergent Monthly Units W – Science F – Healthy Living & Cooking
Staff
Welcome | Programs | Staff | Testimonials | Contact Us | For Current Parents
Abby Checkoff, Assistant teacher – This is Abby Checkoff’s 2nd year at Kol Emet preschool. Abby earned a Bachelor of Science degree in communication sciences and disorders with minors in education and psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. She also earned a Master of Science in speech and language pathology from the University of the District of Columbia. In her free time, Abby enjoys reading and crafting and spending time with her husband and three kids. Abby says “nothing makes her happier than seeing the children’s smiling faces in her classroom and hearing laughter from the children at Kol Emet preschool.
Sue Coyle, Gym and Messy Babies Teacher – This is Sue’s 1st year teaching gym at Kol Emet. Before Kol Emet, she taught at the Snipes Farm and Education Center’s Little Sprouts Program. Sue has degrees in social work and English and has more than a decade’s experience working with families and children of all ages. When not at work, Sue loves spending time with her family and being outside or inside a good book.
Raizel Feifer, Assistant Teacher – Raizel has worked at Kol Emet for several years, both in the Preschool and the Religious School, in many roles, including as a preschool substitute and a full-time assistant teacher. She previously worked at Abrams Hebrew Academy for many years, as a substitute, assistant teacher, and Resource Room Teacher. Prior to her various roles in Education, Raizel was a drug & alcohol and mental health counselor. She practiced individual, family, and group counseling in various public and private settings. Raizel graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY with a master’s degree in forensic psychology. She received her BA from Beaver College (Arcadia University now), majoring in Psychology and minoring in Philosophy. When not at work, Raizel enjoys crafting, books, movies, and going to the beach. Spending time with her family – husband, son, parents, and sibs – and friends is very important to her. Raizel’s favorite things about working with children are making strong connections and being a part of their developing a love for learning, as well as sharing in their growth, joy, and successes from new experiences.
Jessica Frain, Lead Teacher – Jessica has five years of experience teaching Kindergarten and is thrilled to be teaching in her 2nd year at Kol Emet. As a military spouse, she has taught kids across the country, from Hawaii, California, Virginia and now Pennsylvania. She holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from James Madison University and a master’s degree in Elementary Education from Drexel University. Currently, she has one son attending Kol Emet, while her other son is a proud graduate. In her free time, Jessica loves to garden, kayak, and spend time outdoors! She is a passionate teacher who believes in fostering a warm classroom environment that supports each child’s growth and love for learning!
Amy Hampel, Lead Teacher – This will be Amy’s 10th year as one of our teachers. Amy is a veteran Hebrew school teacher with over 10 years of experience teaching 2nd grade at Congregation Beth El, where she also taught 3 year-olds in preschool. She has also taught in the 2 and 4 year-old classrooms at The Northern Hebrew Day Nursery in Philadelphia. Prior to pursuing her Masters in Elementary Education at Arcadia University, she graduated Philadelphia University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. When she is not in the classroom, she enjoys reading mysteries, playing mahjong, and watching Philly sports with her husband and three sons. Her favorite thing about teaching preschool is “seeing the excitement on the children’s faces when they are learning something new.”
Hailey Harrison, Aftercare Teacher – This is Hailey’s 2nd year at Kol Emet, doing aftercare. She graduated from Bucks County Technical High School in June 2024, in the Emergency Services program. She received her EMT State and National Certification at the age of 16.
Jenn Hogancamp, Assistant Teacher – This is Jenn’s 5th year at Kol Emet Preschool. Jenn worked as a substitute teacher and lunch aide at God’s Love Christian Preschool. Jenn has a degree in Social Work, lives in Yardley and has 3 beautiful children. She is delighted to be working at Kol Emet Preschool.
Melissa Huffman, Assistant Teacher – This is Melissa’s 6th year at Kol Emet Preschool. She has been a part of the Kol Emet community since 2012 when her children began their preschool education. Melissa is a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University. Prior to teaching, she worked in the Mother Baby and Neonatal Intensive Care Units. In her free time, Melissa enjoys cooking for family & friends, riding her Peloton bike, and spending time with her husband and 3 children. Melissa says, “I look forward to creating a nurturing, loving, and safe environment for my students where they are free to grow and learn through play.”
Sue Kardos, Lead Teacher – She is thrilled to be a part of the Kol Emet Preschool team. In her 25 years of being Lead Teacher with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood, it has always been her pleasure to be a facilitator of making childhood memories. Through constant enthusiasm, kindness and encouragement each child finds success. “I am happy to watch children grow socially and emotionally. It’s so much fun to see happen.”
Personally, she is an avid walker. She loves the outdoors and learns so much from the environment. She hopes to bring the insight she gets into the classroom. A changing environment offers so much to learn about.
Lindsay Magnussen, Doobeem morning Assistant Teacher and Doobeem afternoon Lead Teacher – Lindsay is delighted to begin her 2nd year at Kol Emet! She is the Assistant Teacher in the Doobeem morning class and the Lead Teacher for the Doobeem Afternoon Adventurers class.
She has a special connection to Kol Emet Preschool, as her son is a proud alum! As both a parent and now a teacher, she loves the warm, welcoming community that makes Kol Emet Preschool such a magical place for children.
A graduate of Bucknell University and The Hun School of Princeton, Lindsay brings a lifelong love of learning and enthusiasm to the classroom. Her passion for teaching began with the joy she found in coaching her son’s teams. Being a teacher and watching children learn, grow, explore and have fun is the absolute best…and the greatest honor!
When Lindsay is not in the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and playing with her family dog, Charley.
Lindsay is excited for the year ahead…oh, the places we will go!
Kelley Reiss, Assistant Teacher – This is Kelley’s 1st year at Kol Emet Preschool. She is the proud mother of two elementary-aged daughters—both alumni of Kol Emet—where her family quickly came to appreciate the warm, nurturing community.
Kelley holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international studies from The Pennsylvania State University. She loves to travel—she’s visited more than 15 countries around the world. Before entering early childhood education, she enjoyed a successful career as a television sales executive.
In recent years, Kelley has found great joy in volunteering in her daughters’ classrooms, where she discovered her passion for fostering curiosity and creativity in young learners. She loves crafting, gardening, vintage design and comes from a long line of educators. Kelley couldn’t be more excited to be part of the Kol Emet team and feels honored to help shape young minds through learning and play.
Mor Smorgonsky, Lead Teacher – This is Mor’s 7th year at the Kol Emet Preschool. Mor got her CDA (Child Development Associate) in early childhood from Northampton University. Before Joining Kol Emet, Mor worked at St. Andrew’s School in Newtown with Pre-K children. Mor studied the Adlerian Individual Psychology Philosophy at the Adler institute for Child Development in Israel. In her spare time, Mor enjoys cooking and baking, as well as traveling with her family. As a native Hebrew speaker, Mor incorporates the Hebrew language in the classroom’s lessons and songs.
“I love watching students grow, discover their strengths, and realize they’re capable of more than they imagined. Every lesson is a chance to spark curiosity, build confidence, and make a lasting impact that reaches far beyond the classroom”
Dianne Stevens, Lead Teacher 3’s/ Assistant teacher Pre-K – This is Dianne’s 6th year at Kol Emet. She is the lead teacher of the three-year-old class and the assistant teacher of the Pre-K class. Before joining Kol Emet, she was the lead teacher of the 3-year-old class at Abrams Hebrew Academy in Yardley.
Before beginning her teaching career, she earned her degree as a Medical Assistant and later attended Northampton University, where she received her Child Development Associate.
“I love working with three-year-olds and Pre-K children because every day is filled with curiosity, discovery, and joy. I enjoy their endless energy, imagination, and honesty. No two days are ever the same, and that’s what makes it so special.”
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, going on nature walks with her dogs, and relaxing on the beach.
Salma Win, Preschool Assistant – This is Salma’s 2nd year being part of Kol Emet Preschool staff. She assists the preschool staff with administrative tasks. Salma has been a part of the Kol Emet community since 2017 when her children began their preschool education. Salma is a former social worker with BS in Psychology from Stockton University and master’s in social work from University of Pennsylvania. When she is not working, she loves to cook, go hiking, exercise and travel.
Lauren Young, Lead Teacher – Lauren has been teaching at KE for 18 years. Before that, she taught Pre-K for the N. Hanover (NJ) School District for 8 years. Lauren earned a BS in Education from the University of Delaware, and a master’s degree from Villanova University. When she’s not teaching, Lauren loves taking fitness classes, going out to dinner with friends, spending time with her family, and taking beach walks. According to Lauren: “Teaching preschool (Pre-K) is very rewarding to me. I am passionate and truly concerned about the best interest of every child in my class. I enjoy planning creative lessons to inspire all the kids. I love children and love to help them develop a love of learning. I look forward to sharing my love for early childhood education with your child and excited that I am given an opportunity to be part of their education.”
Testimonials
Welcome | Programs | Staff | Testimonials | Contact Us | For Current Parents
We were looking for a local preschool for our 3 year old and had no idea where to go. A dear friend recommended Kol Emet. My first reaction was, “I am not Jewish, am I allowed to go there?” My friend, who is Catholic, said, “OF COURSE!!!” And we are forever in her debt because it was the BEST choice we have made so far for our daughter. Kol Emet is excellent in education in a way that promotes love of learning, they are caring, kind, funny and become your family. If you are still looking, please visit them. We have moved up to elementary school but will forever hold a special place for our Kol Emet family. Love them to pieces!
Bonnie, parent of former student
I absolutely love everything about the incredibly high standards set at Kol Emet Preschool. My son has learned and grown so much during his time there. The teacher to student ratio is low, so each child gets individual attention. The director and staff are incredibly involved and responsive to all needs. Most importantly, I know that when I drop off my son each morning he will be happy, safe, and loved.
Natasha, parent of son in Pre-K
Two years ago I looked into switching my oldest child to Kol Emet Preschool after hearing a number of my neighbors rave about how wonderful the school was. It only took one visit to let me see what an amazingly warm and inviting environment it is, and two years later I can truly say that every teacher there knows and appreciates both my children for who they are as individuals. I know they are in safe, loving hands when I drop them off, and I feel that my oldest will be well prepared for Kindergarten next year both academically and socially. We couldn’t be happier with Kol Emet Preschool!
Beth, parent of son in Pre-K and daughter in 2 year-old program
Both of my children are thriving at Kol Emet! For the younger one, there is extra special attention given to helping him adjust to a classroom setting. For my older one, he is engaged on so many levels: making friends and learning about the world. He loves going to school so much, he asks me to take him on the weekends! It is also such a comfort to me to know both of my children are in such good hands when I’m not there.
Kathleen, parent of son in Pre-K and son in 2 year-old program
We chose Kol Emet Preschool because when we visited, the director, and all the teachers were practically bursting with enthusiasm and love for what they do and the children in their care. There is a special sense of community and compassion that one feels the minute you walk in the building. Kindness and generosity is imbued in everything they do, and it is a joy to watch the children respond in kind.
Anne, parent of daughter in Pre-K and daughter in 2 year-old program
We would love to meet you and your child! Please call or email us to arrange a personal tour of our school.
Kol Emet Preschool
1360 Oxford Valley Rd.
Yardley, PA 19067
215-493-8522 ext. 103
Email: liz@kolemet.org
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