Early Childhood Education School Programs - Allentown JCC

2012-2013
Early Childhood
Education
School Programs
8 weeks through full day kindergarten
Providing Excellence
in Early Childhood
Education
for Over 50 Years
Jewish Community Center of Allentown
702 N. 22nd Street • Allentown, PA 18104 • 610.435.3571 • www.allentownjcc.org

Welcome to the JCC
When your child attends the Early Education program
at the JCC, your whole family becomes part
of our JCC community! We are more than an Early
Education Center -we are a community for life.
The JCC links appreciation for life and the world,
laying the groundwork for children learning values
at school, whether it is socializing at lunchtime…being
a good citizen, neighbor or family member. The
children learn the importance of respect for their
classmates by greeting each other, playing together,
and taking turns. Compassion is shown by feeding
fish, taking care of plants, and discussing what
they can do as a class for a classmate that is home
sick, and giving tzedakah to those that are in need.
Our goal is to create a learning environment and
practice values and beliefs that connect to our rich
Jewish heritage. The experience of Judaism is an
integral part of the day. Children are treated as individuals
and grow at their own pace.
Communication with our families is very important;
teachers e-mail their lesson plans directly to each
family. They are also posted on the bulletin board
outside the door. The plans are the rhythm of the
day. Quality education, staff, and experiences, a
warm loving atmosphere and close communication
between teacher and families allow the children to
feel a secure balance between home and school.
Our professional staff includes teachers, their assistants,
specialists, and a dedicated Educational Director.
We voluntarily participate in Keystone Stars,
a quality assurance program. The entire early childhood
staff takes 12 hours of continuing education
credits plus Pediatric First Aid and CPR every two
years. As you can see educational growth is important
for our children and the staff.
Our education program provides your child a strong
academic foundation in a safe nurturing environment.
We are child centered and emphasize the
process not the product. All children deserve the
opportunity to reach their highest potential.
My best,
Sheryl Block
ECE Director/JCC of Allentown
sblock@lvjcc.org
ECE at the Jewish Community Center of
Allentown providing excellence in
Early Childhood Education
Welcoming Children
8 Weeks of Age– Full Day Kindergarten
School Programs & Extended Day Options
7:30 AM-6:00 PM
OUR SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Infants 8 weeks through 13 months
PreToddlers 13-23 months
Toddlers 2 by 9/01/2012
Threes 3 by 9/01/2012
Pre-Kindergarten 4 by 9/01/2012
Kindergarten 5 by the age of your residing
school district
ECE CALENDAR 2012-2013
AUGUST
27 & 28 Teachers In-service
29 All ECE Classes begin
SEPTEMBER
3 Labor Day- No ECE Classes
11 Meet the Teachers 7:30 PM
6 Building closes at 4:00 PM
17 & 18 No ECE Classes-Rosh Hashanah
25 Building closes at 4:00 PM
(Kol Nidre- Erev Yom Kippur)
26 No ECE Classes- Yom Kippur
30 Building closes at 4:00 PM
OCTOBER
1 No ECE Classes- Sukkot
7 Building closes at 4:00 PM
8 No ECE Classes SheminiAtzeret
NOVEMBER
22 & 23 Thanksgiving- No ECE Classes
DECEMBER
12 JCC Hanukkah Candle lighting
Family Dinner & Concert
24 & 25 No ECE Classes -Christmas Eve
& Christmas
25 Pancake Breakfast
26, 27, 28, & 31 Winter Break – No ECE Classes
Winter Camp available
JANUARY
1 No ECE Classes -New Year’s Day
2 All ECE Classes Resume
FEBRUARY
24 Purim Carnival
MARCH
25 Building closes at 4:00 PM
(Passover-First Seder)
26, 27 No ECE Classes- Passover
28-30 Spring Camp available
APRIL
3 All ECE Classes Resume
MAY
14 Building closes-4:00 pm
15 No ECE Classes- Shavout
27 No ECE Classes -Memorial Day
JUNE
6 Final day of school-closing picnics
Kindergarten Graduation
** Please see the website for a complete explanation of the holiday.

ADDED VALUE OF OUR JCC ECE SCHOOL PROGRAM
FACILITY
• Convenient hours 7:30 AM-6:00 PM
• Controlled access to the ECE classrooms
• We are committed to enhancing quality early education through voluntary
participation in Keystone Stars and following the State Learning Standards
• Bright oversized classrooms that contain developmentally appropriate
toys and supplies
• Each classroom has interest areas, so even free choice is a time that learning
domains are accomplished
• Each Classroom has a soft area used for reading and for self-regulation
• Nutritious snacks served
• Our ECE strives to be nut free and are sensitive to allergies, serves nutritious snacks
• Refrigerators in classrooms
• Individual cubbies for the children
• Both ECE floors are accessible by elevator with Administration on each floor
• Younger classrooms have bathrooms that are child-sized, attached,
and have privacy dividers
CHILDREN
• Children’s artwork displayed in the hallways
• Quiet areas for young children to nap with supervision
• Gym in a full size gymnasium taught by a sports coach
• Private, semi private instructional swimming offered at an additional cost
• Music in a dedicated room taught by a specialist
• Library class in a dedicated classroom weekly in our newly organized library
• Children enjoy the outdoors daily in our 2 large play areas (below 90 or above 32)
• Large indoor area for gross motor development during inclement weather
• School wide Shabbat celebration on Fridays
• Early enrollment will include one to two enrichments that will extend child’s day
STAFF
• Excellent teacher retention
• Warm, experienced teachers who give respect to the children, their families,
and other staff
• Teachers take continuing education classes yearly, and are certified in pediatric
first aid & CPR
• Teachers encourage the children to be independent and are guided and offered
peaceful solutions during a conflict with a classmate
• Having a great teacher in Early Education inspires your
child’s first educational experience
FAMILIES
• Parents always welcome to visit
• Parent Volunteer Organization (PVO) provides parents with a vehicle to network
• Questions are always answered and welcomed
• Ratios that are mandated by the state are always maintained
• Flexible payment plans
• Lesson plans for each age level displayed and e-mailed for added convenience

Ready…Set…Grow in Mazel Tots
(Mazel means “Lucky”)
infants • pre-toddlers • toddlers
MAZEL TOTS CLASSES INCLUDE…
• Flexible enrollment from 2-5 days
• Full Time-greater than 5 hours
• Part time-less than 5 hours
• Families receive a daily log telling them
how the day went
• Arts and Crafts with non- toxic products
• Meaningful play, active exploration, and
self discovery
• Stimulation in social, emotional, cognitive, and
physical growth
• “Music Together”: Weekly participation in an
international music and movement program that
supports many types of learning.
• Introduction to holiday celebrations
• Participation on a weekly School Wide
Shabbat Celebration
PreToddler & Toddlers have a weekly gym class led by a
credentialed teacher
KEFLI- INFANTS 8 WEEKS
THROUGH 13 MONTHS
ECE welcomes infants into our program at 8 weeks of age.
Your child’s day includes floor time, belly time, in addition
to time for environmental exploration. Each child is
respected for their own schedule. This loving, safe classroom
is the perfect home away from home for your child.
ALEPH-PRE-TODDLERS 13-24 MONTHS
As a young child’s world expands, a positive early childhood
experience includes a special time to look, grow, feel,
touch, learn, and love. Teachers maximize opportunities
to build new skills by being mindful of where the children
are developmentally, what their interests are and how
they can be practiced through play.
BET- OUR TWO YEAR OLD
PRESCHOOL PROGRAM
Two by SepTember 1, 2012
Two Year Olds are ready to learn about the world around
them through creative play, art, music, gym, cooking, and
outdoor play. Imagination builders such as song, puppets,
and age appropriate creative arts and movement activities
are an exciting part of the educational progression. Early
literacy is promoted by developing an interest in children’s
books and authors. The children explore social, emotional
development, early math, science, social studies, and
language skills. Judaica is presented in a positive,
meaningful manner.
“
My two year old has had the best
possible transition to school at the JCC.
From the first day, he easily separated and
was instantly at home in his classroom. His
teachers have nurtured and cared for him
and have helped him grow tremendously in
the months that he has attended the JCC.
Any questions or concerns I have had have
been met with thought and graciousness
and have been addressed appropriately.
As an educator, I am so impressed by the
loving, caring, and spectacular environment
that his teachers have created within
the classroom and that is clearly present
throughout the entire school.
~ Susanna Zemble
“
“The ECE Program” has offered a truly
enriching curriculum for my son.
The teachers are devoted and nurturing,
which has provided a smooth transition
for him. The ECE staff has also created an
environment fostering creative learning
and socialization. Weekly emails and
newsletters from the staff keep
parents well informed of the
lessons and themes.”
~ Alyssa Goldberg

GIMMEL- Our Three Year Old
Preschool Program
Three by September 01, 2012
The threes program is geared to the growing skill level
of this age group. The classroom organization is very
deliberate and meaningful. Carefully chosen materials
are placed at the learning centers around the room in
order to allow the child to naturally discover connections
and be creative at their own pace. The teachers
guide their learning with open-ended questions, and
individual guidance. The ultimate goal of the teachers
is to provide your child with a joyful, exciting, and
enriching preschool experience.
““
• Natural discoveries are made in the interest
areas around the room providing learning
experiences for the children.
• Development of the children’s social skills
through interaction with their peers is guided
by the teachers.
• Hands-on exploration of their environment are
experienced by the children and nurtured in a
positive and rich setting.
• Learning Centers are designed to meet the
needs of the children’s different interests
encouraging individual growth and progress at
a pace that is comfortable for each individual
child.
• The curriculum includes pre-writing skills, math
readiness, library, art, music, science,
computers, and Judaic values are infused
within the curriculum.
• Weekly specials to enrich your child’s Gimmel
experience are: Gym, music, computers, library,
and a school wide Shabbat celebration.
There are so many reasons why I have
spent the last 30 years teaching
children at the JCC.
Seeing a child’s face light up when they learn
something new or sharing my love for the
holidays and traditions of Judaism are just a few.
When people ask me why I am still teaching
the only answer I can think of is
“Why wouldn’t I? There is
nothing I would rather be doing!!
~Sue Pollan
““
MONDAY –FRIDAY 9:00-1:00
3 AND 5 DAY OPTIONS
FULL TIME, PART TIME, AND COMBINATION
SCHEDULING AVAILABLE- 7:30AM -6:00 PM
From the infant room on, the teachers have
been consistently passionate and dedicated to
creating a cheerful and stimulating learning
environment. They are genuinely excited about
sharing our children’s accomplishments with us.
And having the other JCC facilities at their disposal
is a huge bonus; my son is always so proud
to show off his latest athletic skills
that he learned at gym with Coach T.
~ Andy Ellis

HEY- Our Prekindergarten
Program
Four by 9/01/2012
Our Pre-K, class is designed for the child that has turned
four by September 1st. This exciting program offers an
experience rich in language, literacy, writing skills, math,
social studies, and science. Judaic values are infused in
the curriculum. This class prepares them with the readiness
skills for Kindergarten.
Prekindergarten offers more than childhood memories
of growing up. It combines play as the essential ingredient
to the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical well
being of children beginning in early childhood. It is a
natural tool for children to develop resiliency as they
learn to cooperate, overcome challenges, and negotiate
with others.
• Dramatic play has a significant role in the social
and cognitive development of children.
• Through fantasy or dramatic play, the children
learn about the world they live in.
• Quantitative relationships and concepts are
learned through experiential activities.
• Mathematical understanding is based on the
skill developed through activities such as
matching and one to one correspondence,
sorting, and classifying, and sequencing.
• Opportunities to practice fine motor
coordination is strengthened through activities
that focus on what the eye sees and what the
hands can do.
• Language and literacy are important for
children as they learn vocabulary and the
rhythm of speech.
• Blocks and accessories let children create
worlds they can manage on their own.
• Scientific thinking is promoted by learning
about shapes, sizes, solving problems, and
gaining confidence.
• Weekly specials to enrich your child’s
Prekindergarten experience are: Gym, music,
computers, library, and a school wide Shabbat
celebration.
MONDAY –FRIDAY 9:00-2:00
5 DAYS A WEEK
FULL TIME, PART TIME, AND COMBINATION
SCHEDULING AVAILABLE- 7:30AM -6:00 PM
I have worked at the JCC for 18 years.
I am so lucky to have such an enjoyable,
yet challenging job! Working at the JCC keeps
me young by allowing me to share in the lives of all of the
children in our class. Where else could I be a Princess,
have a tea party, and do art projects all day?
I also love being a part of the Jewish community and
sharing all of the traditions that I grew up with.
The JCC is such a special place,
and I am so lucky to be a part of it!
~ Allison Williams
““

VAV- Our Full Day
Kindergarten Program
KindergarTen enTrance daTeS for local School diSTricTS:
Allentown: 5 by 9/1/2012
East Penn: 5 by 9/12/2012
Parkland: 5 by 9/30/2012
Salisbury: 5 by 9/1/2012
The Full day licensed Kindergarten program is from
9:00-3:30. Easy transition to school and after school
programs is available through the children’s department,
for more information contact Brenda Finberg - Ext. 121
• A creative child centered curriculum is
dedicated to providing a superior educational
experience for each child.
• An in-depth science program, mathematics,
fine arts, physical fitness, social studies, and
literacy rich environment engages the children.
• Instructional swim, music, library, and gym
classes are provided weekly.
• The Kindergarten curriculum is designed to
facilitate the children’s development of
cognitive, language, social/emotional, and
physical/motor skills.
• The classroom environment supports
development in skills needed for social living
such as independent decision making,
involvement in a group, learning to take turns,
sharing, negotiating and cooperating with
classmates, and learning to consider the
perspective of others.
• The teacher models positive social interaction
with the children, and redirects inappropriate
behaviors.
• The ECE Judaic and secular holiday programs
add another dimension to your child’s
educational experience. The children share
weekly Shabbat programming as a school,
Jewish holiday celebrations, family programs,
and programming on values.
““
ENROLLMENT IN OUR KINDERGARTEN IS BASED ON THE
AGE GUIDELINES IN THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS YOU RESIDE
IN. SCHOOL DISTRICTS SHOULD BE CONTACTED FOR
TRANSPORTATION TO THE JCC.
My husband and I took our oldest son to
Penn State to begin his college education.
After helping him to get his dorm room ready, we took him
out to lunch and were ready to go back home, when we
heard “Andrew…Andrew Block?” A young girl said,
“We were at the Allentown JCC Preschool together with
Miss Judy and Miss Carol!” This is the true meaning of
lifelong memories, lifelong friends, lifelong network,
which is truly priceless.
~ Sheryl Block
The positive atmosphere and high quality
of programming make the JCC a great place
to be. I truly enjoy the friendly environment and
sense of camaraderie that our community possesses,
and feel privileged to be a part of it. The
reward of helping children to reach their potential
is priceless. I am lucky to see the combined
efforts of what we do at school, and the
extension of education at home, as
children grow and learn more each day.
~ Holly Hebron
““

“
I have worked at the JCC for 21 years.
I have worked with the 2 & 3 year olds
and currently with the 4-5 year olds.
It has always been the perfect place
for me to work. My whole family
has always enjoyed the fitness
center, pool and gym. It is rewarding
to watch the growth and development
of each age group and each individual
child. The challenge and excitement
of preparing 4 and 5 year olds for
Kindergarten is a very rewarding
experience for me.
You Belong Here.TM
~ Audrey Kanoff
Great Kids Deserve Great Camp
Jewish Community Center of Allentown
702 N. 22nd Street
Allentown, Pennsylvania 18104
“
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