PRESCHOOL
The Dora L . Lewis Family & Child Development Center offers a fully licensed preschool program 5 days a week serving children ages 2-5 with various options for families ; half-day ( 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM ) and full-day ( 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM ), as well as early morning care ( 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM ) and extended day ( 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM ). The preschool has been accredited by NAEYC since 1987 .
Vision Statement
Guided by Jewish values , we aspire to create a joyful community where we honor the sacred relationships among children , educators , families and the natural world . In this community we are all deserving of love and respect . We all have amazing potential for growth and learning . We connect to our sense of wonder and gratitude through the enduring relationships cultivated here . May we inspire one another to make the world better for this and future generations .
Innovative Program
The Early Childhood department is excited to offer an innovative Preschool program for the 2024-2025 school year . We consistently rethink and reimagine our program to meet the needs , health , and safety of our families , children , and faculty . We have the honor and responsibility to nurture each child ’ s social , emotional , cognitive , and physical growth through meaningful interactions and experiences that foster a zest for life and a love of learning .
Open and Diverse Community
The children , families , and faculty members in our early childhood program belong to many different cultures , ethnicities , family structures , and socioeconomic backgrounds . Though we follow Jewish tradition , families of all faiths and backgrounds are welcome in our preschool and community !
Connecting Children to Nature
By making nature an enriching part of the daily lives of children , we are inspiring the next generation of tree planters and environmental stewards . We encourage our children to explore the world with a sense of wonder and to help them see that they too have a responsibility to care for the world around them ! We encourage and value time spent outdoors enjoying and exploring the wonder of the natural world .
Classrooms 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 the children and teachers take together , requiring the teachers to connect with their children ’ s interests and follow their lead as they explore the world around them indoors and outdoors .
The Weinstein JCC Early Childhood program is supported in part by : The Edward J . Becker Family Preschool Children ’ s Endowment Fund , Margarete Hirsch & Suzanne Hirt Preschool Children ’ s Endowment Fund , and Dora L . Lewis Child Development Fund
Contact Donna Peters , Early Childhood Director , at 804-545-8617 or dpeters @ weinsteinjcc . org for more information or to get involved .
12 Weinstein JCC • 2024 Fall Activity Guide