Early Childhood Education
Bertha Alyce Early Childhood School and Ellen Boniuk Early Childhood School
Located in Southwest and West Houston, the Bertha Alyce Early Childhood School (BAS) and Ellen Boniuk Early Childhood School (EBS) offer a warm, nurturing environment for children ages six weeks through five years old. Our schools are dedicated to fostering a safe, supportive space where young children can grow, explore, and learn at their own pace. Both schools follow an emergent curriculum rooted in play-based learning, where every child is encouraged to discover, inquire and thrive in a caring and responsive setting. BAS and EBS are proud to be accredited as 4-Star Texas Rising Star Schools, a testament to our commitment to high-quality early childhood education.
At the heart of our approach is the celebration of Jewish heritage and traditions, which we share with the children through meaningful programming such as Shabbat, Havdalah and holiday celebrations. These activities, along with our warm, inclusive atmosphere, help children build a strong sense of identity and connection to their culture. Our dedicated teachers create an environment where children are free to explore their surroundings, engage in thoughtful investigations and develop close, trusting relationships with their peers and educators.
In this nurturing space, children learn not only through structured activities but also through the joy of discovery, collaboration and play. Academic and social-emotional growth are fostered as children actively engage in hands-on learning experiences that support their development in a holistic way.
At BAS and EBS, our teachers guide children to:
- Build a positive self-concept and a strong sense of confidence
- Encourage curiosity and independent inquiry in a safe, stimulating environment
- Cultivate a meaningful Jewish identity through cultural experiences and community
- Form trusting, caring relationships with adults and peers
- Enhance self-regulation and promote independence in a supportive, guided setting
- Develop executive functioning skills, including problem-solving and decision-making
- Grow cognitively, socially, physically and linguistically, laying the foundation for lifelong learning and personal growth
Through these nurturing experiences, BAS and EBS provide each child with the opportunity to flourish and develop the essential skills needed for a successful future.
Karol Musher STARS Early Childhood Intervention Program
The Karol Musher STARS Early Childhood Intervention Program at Bertha Alyce Early Childhood School (BAS) provides a comprehensive, team-based approach to support the growth and development of preschoolers with disabilities and developmental delays. This innovative program is designed to nurture each child’s unique potential by offering individualized instruction tailored to their specific needs, alongside dedicated support for families. Our goal is to help every child reach their fullest potential, fostering an environment where children can grow, learn and thrive.
We embrace children of all abilities, carefully assessing the “fit” of our program for each child who applies. Our team works collaboratively with families and professionals to ensure that every child’s needs are met with empathy, respect and expert guidance. Some of the diagnoses and conditions our program serves include Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), Apraxia and Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Receptive-Expressive Language Disorder, Noncategorical Developmental Delay, Epilepsy, Cerebral Palsy, Hypotonia and Speech Delay.
The STARS program is deeply committed to providing a high-quality education that aligns with best practices in early childhood special education. Our curriculum is designed to be developmentally appropriate, following the guidelines set forth by the Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children (DEC) and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). We ensure that every child’s learning experience is not only individualized, but also enriching and empowering, allowing them to develop crucial skills for lifelong success.
Through this holistic, family-centered approach, the STARS program fosters a nurturing environment where children with special needs can experience meaningful growth, build self-confidence, and engage in an educational journey that supports their unique abilities.
