FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS COMMUNITY-SUPPORTED EDUCATION?
It's a place of worship for families who want to provide their children with religious instruction.
Our hours of operation are from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm in the outdoor space, and 9:00 am - 6:00 pm in our indoor space. This includes classes, events, and daily minyanim (prayers).
WHAT IS HOME EDUCATION?
Home education is parent-directed state and federal approved education for children that incorporates alternative methods of learning that replaces regular school attendance.
WHY IS IT NECESSARY TO REGISTER AS A HOMESCHOOL FAMILY?
Florida homeschooling does not require attendance records, just a progression of studies in any subject the parent chooses and an evaluation at the end of the year.
Many people in the home education community feel it’s important to show the state of Florida that homeschooling is powerful in numbers. Under an umbrella school, for example, no one knows how many kids are actually homeschooling. There is strength in numbers.
ANY SPECIAL ED OPTIONS?
Yes, we are inclusive and cater to neurodiverse needs. Children with IEPs can receive private services on-site.
ARE THERE THERAPISTS ON SITE?
Yes, we have a full-time guidance counselor and curriculum curator. We also have a full time Judaic instructor.
HOW IS AREYVUT DIFFERENT FROM A REGULAR SCHOOL SETTING THAT OFFERS SPECIAL ED TRACKS?
Our learning center is designed to help children feel comfortable and empowered in their education. Being singled out on site in a regular school can sometimes lead to feelings of shame among their peers when receiving support services or when placed in a lower academic group. Moving children off site can remove the shame and stigma while providing much-needed support.
WHEN CAN I SIGN UP MY CHILDREN?
You can sign up any time! Please go to our Membership page and either select the $1800/year membership option (includes the mandatory annual registration fee per child).
Alternatively, you can register each child separately. Registration costs $180 per family (up to 3 children), and $100 for additional children. Then select the $180/month payment plan and you’re good to go.
Other payment plans are available as well. Take a look to see which option best fits your family's needs.
IS THERE A LIMIT TO HOW MANY CHILDREN CAN ATTEND THE PROGRAM?
We have a limit of 25 children per day for our current indoor property and up to 50 children for the larger property (i.e. the new site). Outdoor programs are limited to parking capacity.
Our schedule is split between children ages 3-10 and 11-18.
DO YOU HAVE ANY DROP OFF OPTIONS?
Adult support is required at all times, but parents can drop off children if they ensure adult supervision according to the following options:
Option A: Parents can send a caregiver (a family member, friend or privately paid employee) to supervise their children at AJELC programs.
Option B: Parents who don’t have a caregiver can connect with other AJELC parents and privately organize childcare or “round robin exchange” to supervise their children, as long as it does not exceed the child safety ratio (see ratio guidelines).
WHAT IS A PARENT’S ROLE AT AJELC?
We love parent involvement! Parents are encouraged to stay and volunteer. There is an option to work on-site as well, provided they ensure adult supervision for their children.
CAN A PARENT TAKE BREAKS?
Yes, as long as there is someone supervising their child.
HOW DOES THE SCHEDULE FUNCTION?
Check our calendar for our schedule of classes and events. We are open to making changes as needed. This includes adding new classes or switching the time.
ARE NON-JEWISH FAMILIES ABLE TO PARTICIPATE?
Certainly! While Areyvut is catered toward Jewish families with courses involving Torah study, Jewish events and prayers, the program is inclusive and all families are welcome.
WHAT ARE SOME WAYS YOU BUILD COMMUNITY?
We have parent nights, regular minyan services, monthly family meets, and a yearly trip to a hotel or campground. If there’s something you’re interested in, please let us know. If you want to spearhead it yourself, even better. We love parent involvement!
WHERE CAN I FIND INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR MINYANIM (DAILY PRAYERS)?
Areyvut has recurring Mincha services with optional Ma'ariv. These are designed to model prayer services for Areyvut children as part of their educational and religious development.
Please reach out to shul@ajelc.org for our most updated minyan schedule.
We are currently looking for someone to donate a Sefer Torah, so if you have any leads, please let us know.
DO YOU OFFER A LUNCH PROGRAM?
Yes, we offer lunch and snacks daily. Everything is allergy-free and strictly kosher according to ORB standards.
WHICH ALLERGIES DO YOU TAKE INTO ACCOUNT?
We strive to be sensitive toward our families with food allergies and intolerances. We restrict certain foods in order to keep our children safe. Please check out our lunch program for more information.
WHAT OTHER SAFETY GUIDELINES DO YOU HAVE?
Areyvut stresses safety first and keeps health and wellbeing in the forefront of our programs. For example, we ask that everyone where proper footwear before arriving. Please see the Plan Your Visit page for more information.
DO YOU OFFER SCHOLARSHIPS?
Yes, we do offer scholarships. We understand that the cost of our program affects every family differently, and therefore award scholarships on an as-needed basis. Please request a scholarship application by emailing scholarships@ajelc.org.
