When the preschool at Congregation Shaare Emeth opened its first infant room, I sent press releases, coordinated a ribbon cutting and mezuzah hanging (a mezuzah is a piece of Judaica affixed to doorways), and arranged for a photographer from the local Jewish newspaper to cover the ribbon cutting. A relatively short time later, the preschool opened its second infant room. This is the press release I sent to the Jewish media (I had an adapted version for local secular media).

1. 11645 Ladue Road
St. Louis, Missouri 63141
Office: 314-569-0010
Religious School: 314-569-1273
Preschool: 314-569-0048
December 23, 2015 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Karen Lucy
klucy@sestl.org
314-692-5320
Shirlee Green Preschool at Shaare Emeth Opens Second Infant Room in 21 Months
When Shirlee Green Preschool at Shaare Emeth opened their first infant room in March
2014, feedback and demand for the school’s new, soothing space was overwhelmingly positive.
The room quickly filled to capacity, and additional families waited for the opportunity to enroll
their little ones under the care of Karen Lucy, Shaare Emeth’s Director of Early Childhood
Engagement, and her team of dedicated early childhood teachers.
“The opening of our first K’Tanim room, our infant room, affirmed our belief in the need
for more Jewish-based infant care,” said Lucy. “In fact, we soon realized that one infant room
was not enough. We’re excited to announce that Shirlee Green Preschool has opened our second
infant room for little ones as young as six weeks old!”
The newest infant space was designed like that of the first K’Tanim room, with a
soothing, comforting, embracing atmosphere. The room uses soft lighting and colors, calming
music and a humidifier.
“Infants, with their delicate skin and lungs, have special needs,” Lucy explained, “and we
want our rooms just perfect for them.”
Shirlee Green Preschool at Congregation Shaare Emeth accepts infants as young as six
weeks in their K’Tanim infant rooms. Hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday—

2. 11645 Ladue Road
St. Louis, Missouri 63141
Office: 314-569-0010
Religious School: 314-569-1273
Preschool: 314-569-0048
including during the summer months when “Shirlee Green Preschool” shifts to “Camp Micah.”
This is the second infant room the preschool has opened in a 21-month period.
“We feel privileged to witness the growth of these small individuals,” Lucy said,
“beginning in the infant room and continuing through pre-kindergarten.”
The congregation’s second infant room is part of a wider strategy to engage families with
young children. Shaare Emeth’s broader Early Childhood Engagement program holds monthly
programs for families with children ages infant to 5 years and their siblings—regardless of
preschool enrollment and temple membership—as well as periodic parenting-related events and
two weekly Baby ‘n Me classes for infants and caregivers.
To schedule a tour of the school and the infant rooms and to visit with Karen Lucy,
please call the preschool at 314-569-0048 or email klucy@sestl.org.
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Shirlee Green Preschool at Shaare Emeth is a Jewish preschool that nurtures the whole child,
from academic preparedness to physical development to spiritual exploration. We come to know
the child as an individual and address concerns and celebrate successes and milestones great and
small. We are part of Congregation Shaare Emeth, a compassionate and inclusive Reform Jewish
community which strives to engage in a personal and meaningful way with our members with
young children, beginning with the decision to have children and continuing through the journey
of parenthood. www.sestl.org/shirlee-green-preschool