Program & Facilities
Programs
The JCC Early Learning Center adopted the Reggio Emilia Approach several years ago. This approach focuses on the teacher and students learning together through exploration and inquiry. Summer offers a rich outdoor environment as another classroom, where children can explore the natural world of flowers, insects, soil, sand, water, sun and more. Teachers further the process of learning by bringing the outdoors inside to support the children’s discovery of nature and how things work.
Art is another integral part of the Reggio Emilia Approach. Art offers children a rich medium in which to express themselves and communicate their understanding of the world. We use high-quality materials and encourage children to experiment with a variety of media: clay, watercolor, oils, pastels, weaving, natural recycled material and more. Children have the opportunity to participate in small group activities in our art studio.
Special Movement Program (Tuesdays): Movement promotes development of gross motor skills needed for learning. In Special Movement, children learn to express themselves while strengthening their muscles and enhancing their coordination—all set to music and stories
Nature Program: We explore nature every week with a specialist. Children l learn about the outdoor environment by following animal tracks, identifying different bird calls, names of plants and more.
Morning Outdoor Water Play: Children arrive in bathing suits with sunscreen lotion applied at home, ready to enjoy a morning of varied water and outdoor activities.
Friday Shabbat Celebration: Every week we bake challah and participate together in the special rituals, songs and blessings of Shabbat. No prior knowledge of these rituals is required; we teach them all and make each child feel welcome.
Art Studio and Recycling Projects: Every child has a chance to express themselves through an array of art and natural materials.
Vegetable Garden: Children will be able to experience taking care of a garden under the supervision of their teacher.
