Three childhood teachers from Temple Adat Elohim Early Childhood Center in Thousand Oaks received distinguished educator awards on Jan. 10 before an audience of 300 of their colleagues from more than 40 Jewish preschools in the greater Los Angeles area.

The recognition took place at the Builders of Jewish Education 31st annual Bebe Feuerstein Simon Early Childhood Institute.

Andrea Leonard, teacher and assistant director of the Early Childhood Center, received a Lainer Distinguished Educator Award.

Tara Farkash and Carolyn Rosenfeld were both given a Smotrich award for innovative curriculum.

At the institute, winners of the Smotrich award displayed the projects they created.

Leonard has been an early childhood educator for more than 27 years. She has worked at the Early Childhood Center for the past 10 years..

She is knowledgeable about the early childhood field, and she maintains a strong relationship with her students, their parents and her colleagues.

The preschool director calls Andrea “a brilliant and highly capable preschool teacher.” Andrea’s lesson plans and curriculum are highly organized; and she incorporates art, science, math and motor activities into classroom activities daily. Andrea also integrates Judaic studies into her curriculum—imparting Jewish values of kindness, compassion and fairness. She helps promote the social and emotional growth of her students by being alert and available to help guide each child and nurture his or her individual talents and aspirations.”

Conference participants attended sessions on a variety of topics based on the theme “the outdoor classroom.” .