Founder & Director, Downtown Jewish PreschoolAs a mother of seven and a lifelong educator, Devorah Kaplan has devoted more than twenty-five years to building joyful Jewish learning communities where children and families flourish. Coming from the distinguished Rabbinic Hecht family, her passion for education, Jewish life, and community has shaped every stage of her professional journey.
After spending two years studying and traveling throughout Europe, Devorah graduated from Beth Rivkah Seminary in Yerres, France, earning her European Pedagogie Degree. She began her teaching career in Brooklyn and Queens, New York, before relocating to Fort Lauderdale in 2000 with her husband, Rabbi Schneur Kaplan, where together they established what has grown into today’s vibrant Downtown Jewish community.
Over the past twenty-five years, Devorah has founded and developed numerous educational initiatives, including Hebrew School, Mommy & Me, Bar and Bat Mitzvah Clubs, the Solomon Leadership Program, and a variety of youth and family programs. She has written her own Judaic curriculum, thoughtfully blending timeless Jewish traditions with innovative, child-centered learning experiences that inspire children to connect deeply with their heritage.
Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, Devorah founded Downtown Jewish Preschool to create a boutique learning environment where children are honored as capable, curious, and creative individuals. Guided by Jewish values, she believes that nurturing wonder, meaningful relationships, and authentic experiences fosters confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning. Her educational philosophy is rooted in the belief that every child deserves to be seen, respected, and empowered to become the protagonist of their own learning journey.
Under Devorah’s leadership, Downtown Jewish Preschool has become known for its boutique approach to early childhood education, where exceptional care, meaningful relationships, and individualized learning come together in a warm, nurturing community. The preschool proudly welcomes children of all abilities and is committed to creating an inclusive environment where every child can learn, grow, and thrive. Driven by her passion for inclusion and supported by her graduate studies in Early Childhood Special Needs and Inclusion, Devorah believes that every child deserves to belong and that diversity enriches the learning experience for the entire community.
Fluent in English, Hebrew, and French, Devorah remains committed to lifelong learning and professional growth while serving children and families with compassion, excellence, and innovation.
Beyond her work in education, Devorah is a breast cancer survivor and passionate advocate for early detection and breast health awareness. Her journey has strengthened her commitment to living with gratitude, resilience, compassion, and purpose—values that continue to shape her leadership, her relationships with families, and the caring community she has built at Downtown Jewish Preschool.
At the heart of everything Devorah does is a simple belief: when children are truly seen, deeply respected, and inspired with wonder, they grow into confident learners, compassionate leaders, and proud members of the Jewish community.
Director of SEB and Early Childhood Development Fran Rubio-Katz
Parent & Family Coach | Non-ABA Behavior Consultant | Social-Emotional Learning Specialist
I am a parent, educator, and founder of Mindful-IshTM guiding schools and families in Mindfulness-Based Social-Emotional Learning (MBSEL) and responsive
behavior management. I am a thought leader in human potential, and my niche is to see the best in others, especially children who present with challenging or concerning behaviors.