Early Childhood Education
Here at the JCC’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) Department your child embarks on a journey into the world of discovery and learning, wonder and excitement, spiritual growth and social development within a nurturing Jewish environment. We provide an enriching, multi-faceted early childhood education program for children from six weeks of age through kindergarten.
Highly skilled teachers guide each child throughout the day to provide a developmentally appropriate program that emphasizes socialization skills, basic values and cognitive development.
For the youngest children, beginning programs concentrate on developing a sense of trust and curiosity while encouraging exploration within a safe environment. Time on the floor, stroller rides and quiet time within the arms of our caring staff ensure an environment that is both nurturing and stimulating.
Our toddler programs help children to develop an awareness of others and group activities are introduced. A play-based curriculum encourages language and social development through the use of songs, finger plays and stories. Baby sign language is integrated into the daily activities in order to encourage communication.
The two-year-olds are naturally interested in developing autonomy so there are more choices throughout the day. Stories are longer and children are encouraged to participate by commenting and questioning. Through our play-based curriculum there is continued exploration of how the world works. Gross motor skills develop through dance, physical education and playground activities and fine motor skills are developed in the classroom with a variety of manipulatives, paint, play dough and other media.
Our middle preschoolers (three and four year olds) are active with problem solving where the correct answer is far less important than an opinion. We promote the understanding of one-to-one correspondence as math becomes a logical way to understand the world. Children begin to identify favorite foods and solve simple problems. Communication takes on new forms as children begin reading environmental print, writing recognizable words, creating poetry and discussing the author’s intentions in a favorite story. There are imaginative activities where the children act out situations from real life and strive to find their own solutions. There are also lots of opportunities to ‘read’ to a friend and be read to by a teacher. Time is spent learning more about oneself and one’s friends, understanding feelings and learning how to become an effective cooperative member of a group.
Our kindergarten children enjoy literacy development through journal writing, story reading, creation of class books and researching topics of interest. They begin to learn about probability, charting, measurement, combining sets and problem solving. They learn to ask probing questions and search for details that support their theories. There is an exposure to an appreciation of diversity and a beginning understanding of Judaism. Computers, Spanish and Hebrew offer new challenges. Field trips and special guests broaden horizons and social, physical and cognitive development all occur in our daily curriculum.
For more information on our Nationally Accredited Early Childhood Education Department, please contact Charlotte Gould at 520.299.3000 x115 or Wendy Edmonds at 520.299.3000 x112.
ECE NEWS
ECE Closures
ECE will be closed on the following days:
• May 26 (Memorial Day)
• May 29 & 30 (camp planning)
Registration For Fall 2008
We have limited openings for the school year that begins September 1. Call the ECE office at 615-5437 to arrange a tour.
A Special Thank You
A heartfelt thank you to the 2007-2008 ECE Family Association Committee
Marion Chubon-Family Association
Chairperson
Leigh Ann Waterfall-B’Sghetti Bash
Jane Morrison-Fundraising
Rona Newton-Birthday Committee
Stephanie Gyuro-Model Seder
Jaime Gallick-Staff Appreciation
Marty Pritz-Volunteer Commitment
Julie Zorn-Family Shabbat
Leigh Ann Waterfall-Sunshine
Committee
Jaime Gallick-Room Parent Coodinator
And all of our wonderful Room
Parents!
Thanks for all your hard work!
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