The Early Learning Center welcomes children from as young as 6 weeks until they are ready to move on to kindergarten. Our classrooms are organized by age and stage of development so that we can provide the best and most appropriate care and learning environment for every child.
Take your shoes off and enter the world of infants! These little humans are all about cuddles and enjoy a tremendous amount of love and learning each day as they explore their environment which is rich with language and discovery.
Our infant classroom is licensed for seven infants and staffed by Ms. Stacy, Ms. Lindsay, and Ms. Gina who give our littlest learners lots of extra love and care as they start their journey in the ELC.
Stand clear! Our toddlers are in perpetual motion as they explore and experience everything the ELC has to offer. They learn through a myriad of sensory experiences, enjoying messy, collaborative art, music and movement, and nature. And they learn from everyone, asking question after question.
Our Young Toddlers’ teachers work very closely with our infant teaching team to ensure a smooth transition to their classroom. In our Young Two’s and Older Two’s classrooms, we balance high-energy learning opportunities with structured routines to begin to prepare them for learning in the preschool classrooms.
Our toddler teachers - Ms. Tussanna, Ms. Heather, Ms. Ruby, Ms. Theresa, Ms. Emily, and Ms. Zarkaly - strive to make their classrooms a fun place to learn!
Let’s give a high 5 to our very lively older children! They have learned the power of words and are exploding with confidence in their physical and mental abilities. These years are all about more social, emotional, and academic growth. We incorporate a variety of learning experiences as we prepare our children for kindergarten and beyond.
In our Three’s, Four’s, Older Four’s, & Five’s classrooms, our oldest learners are guided by Ms. Sam, Ms. Lisa, Ms. Lori, Ms. Mikki, Ms. Paige, and Ms. Nicolle who are dedicated to making learning fun and meaningful for students.
During the summer before they move on to kindergarten, children have the option to remain in preschool or enjoy our summer camp here at the JCC.
Once in school, our K - 5 child care programs, located at the JCC and in East Longmeadow, are ready to support your child(ren) before and after school.
Each of our classrooms is staffed by experienced and dedicated early childhood educators who are certified through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). They plan learning based on the EEC’s Learning Standards and Curriculum Guidelines and interweave a Jewish perspective.
Our teaching team has many years of experience, gained here at the JCC and at other settings. All staff are certified through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), and have current First Aid/CPR training and are able to administer basic first aid as needed. Classroom Educators hold EEC Infant, Toddler, and/or PreK certifications, and/or degrees including Associates, Bachelors, Masters, and beyond. Assistant Teachers have basic training and are required to complete annual training. Professional Development (PD) is provided by the ELC for our staff, and staff seek out their own PD which is supported and approved by the ELC leadership team.
In addition to classroom educators, the ELC benefits from specialists at the JCC who lead enrichment activities including Jewish education, gym and swim sessions.
The ELC curriculum is based on the developmental stages, needs, and interests of the children. This allows us to build a program of instruction and learning experiences that is realistic and relevant to the children’s lives.
Our curriculum is guided by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) Learning Standards and Curriculum Guidelines for Infants, Toddlers and Preschool/Kindergarten-aged children. These standards give us a basis to follow to accurately prepare children for their future educational experiences.
Alongside this, Judaism is a key component of our curriculum. It is fully integrated into everything we do. Children explore universal values and community building through a Jewish lens, and we strive to make Judaism visible and interwoven throughout our day. A weekly Yahadut (Judaics) Class takes place in every toddler and preschool classroom. This is led by our specialist Judaic educator, Ms. Rebecca, who also supports the ELC team with Judaica curriculum and professional development. In addition, we celebrate Shabbat on Friday mornings, experience Jewish holidays and traditions, and practice "Kosher- style" dining.
Our ELC welcomes children with varying abilities and needs. The ELC will follow the child’s Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individualized Education Program (IEP) and any other plans for special services as we are able. Early intervention, behavioral support, and occupational therapy can be organized on-site.
Our facility, resources, and staff lend themselves to offering many “extras” to families - some are included with your tuition, others are optional. Included in tuition are regular gym sessions and, for older toddler and preschool children, a weekly group swim class taught by an American Red Cross certified instructor. For optional opportunities for your child, check out our full list of Youth and Family events and programs.
If you are interested in joining our ELC community, please complete our Intake Form. A member of our team will respond to schedule a tour and answer any questions. If you would like to talk with us first, just get in touch - our staff is always happy to help!
Visit more Early Learning Center pages to learn about our programs and our spaces, and find answers to your questions.
Or go back to the Early Learning Center home page.
Please email Gabe Salomon, Early Learning Center Director, who will be happy to help.
Having a Jewish education was very important to us. […] My kids both loved […] Shabbat. Hearing them come home singing Shabbat songs was a highlight! We also receive PJ Library books and they loved tying it into what they were learning at school.
Jen G
The community […] has become a second home to our children, and the professionals […] care for our kids as though they were their own.
Scott M
Mila's favorite days are Tuesday for swim class, and Friday for Shabbat! Lyla loves singing and dancing with her friends and teachers.
Jillian
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