Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What sets the JCC Early Learning Center Summer Program, Acton apart from other Early Childhood Summer Programs?
There are several reasons why parents send their children to the JCC Early Learning Center Acton summer program. First and foremost, the Jewish flavor of the school permeates all of our activities and programs. The full-year teachers who also staff the Summer Program are very experienced early childhood educators.

The location and setting of the school are unique: we are nestled in an inviting natural setting in new facilities that offer bright, spacious air-conditioned classrooms, art studio, kitchen, and gross-motor room. Our NAEYC accredited program offers an extremely flexible schedule that allows for full-time or part-time participation for children 15 months through 6 years.

What is the Program Philosophy?
The JCC Early Learning Center Summer Program, Acton strives to create a vibrant, engaging, educational environment based on Derech Eretz, a term for code of behavior where everyone is treated with respect. In that spirit, we nurture children, embrace families, mentor teachers and in every way possible, bring out the best in our community. The program is founded on the Reggio principle that children learn by constructing understanding based on experiences. They act as learners and researchers.

The focus is on each child, not considered in isolation, but in relation to the family, other children, the staff, the community and society. A way of Jewish life is woven into our everyday program, creating opportunities for children to make their own connection to rituals and an understanding of Jewish values.

What is the Reggio Curriculum Approach?
The Reggio approach is based on social constructivism, believing that children bring prior experiences to the group and learn best through relationships and in relation to each other. In groups, children encounter new perspectives, strategies and ways of thinking that enable them to learn from others.
Children in the JCC ELC Summer Program will explore their environment and teachers will follow the children's interest to create a developmentally appropriate curriculum that supports the children's development.

What food is served?
We ask children to bring a kosher (no pork or shellfish), vegetarian style (no meats), nut-free lunch. Dairy products are permitted. Lunches may need an ice pack in the lunch box to keep them cool or be placed in a thermos to keep foods warm. Children's lunches cannot be refrigerated or heated at the Center. Our program serves kosher, nutritious snacks in the morning and afternoon.

What if my child has special dietary needs or food allergies?
We do our best at JCC ELC Summer Program, Acton to support children with special dietary needs or allergies. We meet with these families prior to coming to the summer program to create an individual care plan for your child. We monitor very carefully any food that is coming into the school.

How does the JCC ELC Summer Program, Acton deal with medical care and emergencies?
Emergency information for each child is located in every classroom and also in children's files in the office. This information includes: parent/guardians' work, home, and cell phone numbers and backup emergency numbers if parent/guardian cannot be reached. This information is also carried with the first aid supplies in a backpack/tote whenever children are outside the classroom including field trips. At least one staff member in each classroom team is trained in Pediatric First Aid and CPR.

Life-Threatening Illness or Injury Procedures:
911 will be called for any life threatening emergency, including:

No breathing or difficulty breathing
Lack of pulse
Chest pain
Severe or uncontrollable bleeding
Severe abdominal pain
Possible fracture or dislocation
Loss of consciousness
Convulsions
Head injury
Severe allergic reactions

Non-Emergency Illness or Injury Procedures:
In non-emergency situations in which a child is ill or injured, staff will determine the best immediate treatment for the child with the Director or Director Designee. The teacher or Director will contact the child's parent/guardian, either to inform them about the child's condition or to ask that the child be picked up from the JCC ELC, if needed.

If the child has an injury to their face or head, no matter how minor, the parent/guardian will be called. An “Illness/Injury Report Form” will be completed for injuries. The form requires a parent/guardian signature.

How does the JCC ELC Summer Program deal with behavior issues?
Guidance and discipline is based on an understanding of the individual needs and development of young children, with staff intervening in a consistent, non-arbitrary, fair manner that is appropriate for the child's individual needs. Children's safety needs and feelings are paramount.

We strive to assist children in solving their own problems. Teachers offer choices and provide children with opportunities to develop self-control through understanding and practice. We do not use “time outs” in our program. Teachers follow certain guidelines that take children's needs, feelings and safety in mind to help them negotiate conflicts with peers, express their feelings and process emotions:

The situation is clearly labeled and explained for children, in the case of younger, less verbal children, appropriate words and/or labels are provided to help the child learn to process the situation in the future.
A distinction is made between feelings and behavior.
Children are helped to understand the interaction that has taken place by having their feelings clarified, acknowledged, and respected.
Limits are set and positive alternatives are offered.

How does the JCC ELC Summer Program communicate with parents during the summer?
We provide several forms of communication to let parents know about their child's experience in the summer program. Parents receive a weekly newsletter from the teacher. Outside the classrooms and in the lobby, bulletin boards contain documentation (photographs and descriptions) of summer program happenings. Parents are always welcome to stop in and visit. We also encourage parents to sign up as “Mystery Readers.”

Each classroom has a Parent Information Center located near the classroom entrance. There you will also find special news and a general schedule of the day. Personal messages and important notices will be placed in your family box, located above your child's cubby and/or emailed to you. There is also a Parent Board (across from the office) where we post items of interest, notices of infectious illness, and ELC happenings.

Do you have any specific enrollment policies?
We require a minimum enrollment of two weeks, but they don't necessarily have to be consecutive. We require a 2-day minimum per week for toddlers and 3-day minimum per week for preschoolers.

What should my child bring to camp each day?

Towel
Extra clothing items, including shirts, shorts, underwear, socks and shoes (water and regular). Closed toe water shoes preferred -- No flip flops for safety reasons.
Sunscreen Permission Form -- Parents apply in the morning; teachers reapply for children staying in the afternoon before going for outdoor play.
A fitted crib sheet, blanket, pillow and/or stuffed animal for Afternoon Program
Hat
Sunglasses
Extra bathing suit
Sports water bottle permanently labeled with child's name
Swim diapers (for children still wearing diapers)
Lunch box/bag labeled with child's name
A family picture that can be taped to the wall (preferably laminated)