INFANTS / PRESCHOOL AGE Age( Birth – 5 years)
Early Childhood Director: Donna Peters • 545-8617 dpeters @ weinsteinjcc. org
Early Childhood Assistant Director: Barbara Wise • 545-8616 bwise @ weinsteinjcc. org
EARLY CHILDHOOD
The Weinstein JCC Preschool’ s classrooms are alive with investigation, collaboration and creativity. Inspiration from the Reggio Emilia approach enhances the very heart of our programs which provide an experience that shapes not only children’ s knowledge and skill, but also their attitudes about learning and intellectual curiosity. This is a journey that the children and teachers take together, requiring the teachers to connect with their children’ s interests and follow their lead.
The Preschool program also provides a unique curriculum for the teaching of ethics to young children. An Ethical Start™ is based on the text of Pirkei Avot, Ethics of the Fathers, a tractate on the classic Jewish text on ethics. Through study of the text, teachers obtain a working knowledge of the lessons taught in Pirkei Avot and then find ways to work them into classroom activities. With its focus on responsibility, dignity, kindness, community, tradition and respect, relevant teaching opportunities present themselves readily.
The Preschool has a strong commitment to Nature Education. Nature Education Specialist, Patsy Glazer serves as a resource for both teachers and children by modeling curiosity, engagement, exploration and an appreciation for all that nature has to offer. Patsy promotes curriculum opportunities in the outdoor classrooms that enhance and deepen the children’ s connection to the natural world.
Preschool and Childcare
The Dora L. Lewis Family & Child Development Center offers fully licensed preschool and childcare programs serving children ages 2 – 5. The preschool has been accredited by NAEYC since 1987. Children attend preschool from 9:00 a. m. – 12:00 p. m. and may extend their day by enrolling in early morning( 7:30 – 9:00 a. m.) or afternoon( 12:00 – 6:00 p. m.) childcare programs. A 9:00 a. m. – 1:30 p. m. Pre-K class is also available for 4 & 5 year olds. Preschool classes meet 2, 3 or 5 days per week depending on the child’ s age. Weekly swim lessons are taught by Water Safety Instructors( WSI) and are included in the weekly curriculum. Childcare programs are available 1 – 5 days weekly. Call Donna Peters, Early Childhood Director, at 545-8617 to find out more about the exciting classes offered in the Early Childhood Department.
This program is partially funded by The Dora L. Lewis Child Development Fund and The Benard D. Packer Children’ s Fund
Hillel says:“ Do not seperate yourself from the community...” Pirkei Avot 2:5
8 weinsteinjcc. org • WEINSTEIN JCC MAGAZINE
Early Childhood Committee
Join the Early Childhood Committee! When your child attends preschool at the Weinstein JCC, you are eligible to be a member of the Early Childhood Committee. Members of this committee help guide the school in making policy decisions and in planning special events. Our parents’ input is greatly valued. The Early Childhood Committee meets once a month in the evening. We value your participation! For more information or to join, call Donna Peters, Early Childhood Director, at 545-8617.
Parent Group Association
The Preschool’ s Parent Group Association( PGA) is the organization responsible for early childhood fundraising and community service projects. Its leadership coordinates activities which help the Early Childhood Department raise funds to enhance facilities and programming. The PGA is comprised of parents of preschoolers and the Early Childhood Directors. Programs and events such as weekly Shabbat sacks, Challah sales, school photographs, the Hamantaschen Café, and a Fall craft bazaar are examples of PGA projects. The PGA and Early Childhood Committee work closely together to provide enriching, high quality experiences for our children. Being involved in your child’ s school is a great way to meet and make new friends! For more information contact Barbara Wise, Early Childhood Assistant Director, at 545-8616.
Fabulous Friday Mini-Camp
Ages: 2 – 5 Enjoy a fun-filled day at the Weinstein JCC that includes special activities to enhance Thanksgiving and Chanukah vacation fun! Bring a dairy lunch and a friend. Milk is provided. Must register by November 22! Code: 14311 Friday, 9:00 a. m. – 12:30 p. m. November 29 $ 45 M / $ 60 NM
Winter Wonderland: What your child can do over Winter Break!
Ages: 2 – 5 Join your friends at the Weinstein JCC for special days of winter fun. Children will participate in a variety of stimulating and creative preschool activities. Bring a dairy lunch – milk will be provided. Must register by December 20. Code: 14312 – Monday, December 23 Code: 14313 – Tuesday, December 24 Code: 14314 – Thursday, December 26 Code: 14315 – Friday, December 27 Code: 14316 – Monday, December 30 Code: 14317 – Tuesday, December 31 Code: 14318 – Thursday, January 2 Code: 14319 – Friday, January 3 9:00 a. m. – 12:30 p. m. $ 45 M / $ 60 NM( per day)( Closed December 25 and January 1)
Kosher Honey!
Once again, the Preschool will be selling Rosh Hashanah pure kosher honey. Send a gift of honey to family and friends! All proceeds benefit the Weinstein JCC Preschool. For more details and to order, contact the Preschool Office at 545-8615.
Kosher Round Challah!
Once again, the Preschool will be selling Kosher Round Challah from The Mixing Bowl for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Make sure you have enough of your family’ s and friends’ favorites: plain or raisin. For more details and to order, contact the Preschool Office at 545-8615.
Mark Your Calendars!
• Family Photo Opportunity! Weinstein JCC PGA sponsors family photos in black and white by Howl Dog Photography, October 26-27 at Stony Point Fashion Park. Call Howl Dog Photography at 231-4695 to reserve your spot.
• Election Day Bake Sale Tuesday, November 5 in the Richard A. Arenstein Lobby
• Gift Basket Extravaganza Monday, November 4 – Monday, November 18 Gift Baskets will be on display in the Richard A. Arenstein Lobby. You could win a basket like“ Baby Everything,”“ Just for Him,”“ Everything Jewish,”“ Gift Certificates Galore,”“ Pamper Her” and much, much more! Tickets will be available for purchase at the Central Services Desk and the Preschool Office for $ 2 per ticket or $ 18 for a book of 10. All proceeds benefit the Weinstein JCC Preschool. Give it a try! You might be the big winner!
• 10th Annual Fall Holiday Craft & Gift Bazaar Monday, October 28 & Tuesday, October 29, 8:45 a. m. – 4:00 p. m. Over 40 creative craft and gift tables to view in the Richard A. Arenstein Lobby! Get a head-start on purchasing your holiday gifts.