At our JCC, we recognize each child’s unique and special abilities and encourage appreciation and acceptance of all.

We develop a warm, nurturing relationship with children and their families, which is how we show all children that we care deeply about them. We express joy in who they are, helping

them to feel safe and secure.You want the best for your child and so do we!

At the JCC, children of all faiths are embraced. The JCC proudly teaches Jewish values such as charity, kindness and taking care of the world in which we live. In addition, children celebrate Jewish and Israeli culture through food, song and story. The ECE Department of the JCC celebrates Jewish culture in a fun, inclusive way.

Our Early Childhood Department consists of: Infants (6 weeks) – Young Toddlers – Older Toddlers – Preschool - Prekindergarten – Full Day Kindergarten

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Early Childhood Education Administrative Staff

Alexa KarakosECE Director

610.435.3571 ext. 127akarakos @lvjcc.org

Pam GuischardECE Office Manager

610.435.3571 ext. 114pguischard@lvjcc.org

What makes our school different?

Music, gym and swimming taught by specialized instructors are included in our program.

Outstanding enrichment program

We are more than just a school – we are a community center offering so many family oriented activities.

Multi-generational program

Wonderful special summer opportunities and activities

Tots and Tales Program

Words cannot express how grateful I am to everyone at the ECE department. I think about my past and the strong foundation I was given through the JCC of Wilkes-Barre growing up. I am just thrilled that my children can be a part of such a wonderful program. I want to thank the staff for their dedication and caring, not only to their craft but also to the

children that come in and out of their lives every day. The warmth I feel every time I step through the ECE department doors is untouchable by any standard. It is only through all of

their hard work that my children’s greatest potential can be fulfilled.

Robyn Finberg

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The classrooms include engaging learning centers and materials to foster individual developmental experiences for children

Outdoor playgrounds are appropriate for all ages and stages

Indoor pool where weekly instruction for all prek and kindergarten students is included in the program

Full size gym with weekly instruction with our fitness teachers

Music classroom where instruction for all students – infants through Kindergarten happens each week

Library designed for early literacy experiences

Multipurpose areas for indoor and outdoor fun

Kitchen on each floor for children’s cooking activities

Awesome Facilities

What makes our school quality?

Holding ourselves to a high standard of excellence in education

Integration of the PA Learning Standards into all we do

Learning environments that encourage exploration, discovery, independence and respect

An educational approach that addresses the entire emotional, social, physical and intellectual being of each child

As a Keystone STAR center, we are continually striving to improve.

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From years of experience to degrees in Early Childhood Education, our teachers are well qualified to facilitate the best learning environment possible.

Professional development is a priority for all staff. All have current certifications in First Aid, CPR, and AED as well as Epi-Pen training.

Warm and caring professionals who are committed to the children and their families

Our staff understand the importance and value of quality communication and practice it through daily reports, newsletters, emails and conversations.

Our Teaching Staff

I just want to let you know how grateful I am to the JCC and the employees. All the teachers and assistants are always so pleasant and always reinforce

a positive environment for the kids. I am so impressed with the program provided to Khloe as well as the level of care given to meet her needs. I look

forward to Khloe continuing on through kindergarten.

Kadeidra (KD) Canales

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Safety and Security

Controlled access to all areas of the building housing children’s programs. Only parents and designated caregivers have entrance rights.

Monthly fire drills and lockdown procedures are reviewed.

Annual child-engaged fire safety programs

Emergency bags containing important child emergency information are carried by staff whenever leaving the classroom.

All supervision guidelines are followed closely and children are counted throughout the day.

Sensitivity to Allergies and Good Health

We encourage all families to pack healthy, well balanced lunches.

The JCC is a peanut and tree nut free center. We are very sensitive to the special needs of all our children.

The JCC is a Kosher style facility, which means we do not mix meat and milk products or permit pork or shellfish. Additional information furnished upon request.

Healthy snacks are served daily.

Each classroom posts pictures with allergy information for quick reference by all staff (including substitutes).

All the classrooms practice good health and safety practices. Hand washing and sanitizing are both an important and frequent part of our daily schedule.

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At All AgesOur classrooms use a learning center based approach,

integrating a thematic, emergent and skills based curriculum so that learning is connected and meaningful.

Manipulative (Fine Motor) CenterDevelops eye-hand coordination and visual perception skills

Science (Investigation) CenterWorking with magnets, magnifying glasses, plants, rocks, seeds, etc., to

see how the world around us works

Construction CenterDevelops small and large muscle coordination as well as creativity

Dramatic Play (Life Skills) CenterEncourages social interaction, self-esteem and self-confidence

Writing CenterDevelops and enhances fine motor skills, provides exposure to various

writing tools and encourages writing skills

Art CenterEncourages individual expression and creativity while developing a sense

of personal accomplishment

If there was no room at the JCC for Jalen, I would have kept him at home. This is the only place that I feel comfortable leaving my son. The JCC has been supportive of

me and my family – I will always be grateful!

Rita Keck

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Mazel TotsInfants – Young Toddlers – Older Toddlers

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Infants – (6 weeks of age through transition age of 13-15 months)Infancy is one of the most amazing periods of human growth. More intellectual growth occurs in the first three years of life than at any other time. Infants absorb information every minute of the day. They do this by chewing and tasting, listening, babbling, and eventually producing words. They rattle and drop, touch, feel, explore, and discover. The rapid growth in the first three years of life is nothing short of miraculous!

Older Toddlers – (2 years old by September 30th)Toddlers who receive high-quality care are more likely to become sociable, capable preschoolers who get along with others, demonstrate self-control and love learning. Two year olds are developing an emerging sense of individuality. The teachers understand that children at this age are assertive and are aware of the “me and mine” syndrome. The Toddler program is the introduction to the group experience. One of the most important goals is to give each child a positive experience that will translate into a feeling of loving school. Class activities support the development of life skills such as listening, sharing, following directions and cooperating.

Young Toddlers – (Transition age until their second birthday. Young toddlers must be able to walk independently, use a sippy cup, self-feed and take one nap a day.)Young toddlers are constantly in the “explore and learn” mode. They are eager to use their senses, be challenged, and learn to express themselves. 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.

Stimulation in all domains of learning – social, emotional, intellectual and physical

Music Together® - Participation in an international music and movement program

Blocks, dramatic play and sensory experiences

Art activities done with non-toxic materials

Gym class with accredited gym teachers Infants have designated time for movement, control and coordination.

Participation in the celebration of the early arrival of Shabbat as a school community

Flexible enrollment – Full or part time

Excellent communication between parents and teachers – Daily written reports for each child

Mazel Tots Includes:

The Mazel Tots curriculum is based largely on the activities of daily living. When we refer to curriculum, we are referring to the environment, people, routines as well as specific activities. First and foremost, the children in this age group learn trust. They can trust and depend on their caregivers to meet their needs and keep them safe. The school’s developmental-interaction approach to first educational experiences stresses the importance of materials and development of social skills. The role of the teachers is to serve as facilitators of learning.

Muhlenberg’s Education Department and the JCC have established a valuable partnership between the preparation of our PreK – 4 certification candidates and the JCC’s Early

Education Program. Multiple benefits are realized as our students strive to be assets in the early childhood classroom while gaining first hand insights into best practice. The

education students provide extra assistance for the busy preschool teacher while providing the teachers an opportunity to shape their profession as they prepare future teachers to

best meet the needs of young learners.

Sally Richwine

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The program at the JCC for 3 and 4 year olds is based on the premise that all children are unique. They are treated as individuals and are encouraged to experiment and explore at their own rate – achieving success while being challenged. We offer a strong academic foundation in a safe and nurturing environment. Our activities are child-centered and the emphasis is on the process and not the product.

Preschool - Prekindergarten

Lesson plans are emailed to the preschool and prek families. This is a great way to foster communication between parents and children and between parents and the school.

Music, gym, and school wide Shabbat celebrations are integral parts of our program.

A print and language rich environment encourages the development of skills that promote literacy.

Swimming lessons are incorporated in the weekly plans for all prek and kindergarten students.

The JCC provides extended day options for families who need to have their child cared for before and after school.

Enrichments are offered to enhance each child’s day.

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Preschoolers – (3 years old by September 30th)Three year olds are eager to please. They become more social, verbal and interested in what others are doing. They begin to express their ideas and opinions and are capable of doing many things. The ultimate goal of the teachers in a preschool classroom is to provide the children with a joyful, exciting, challenging and enriching experience.

Prekindergarten – (4 by September 30th)Four year olds are in a constant state of motion, ready for new experiences of any kind. They enjoy role playing, imaginary play, are very outgoing and love to create. An exciting program offers an experience rich in language arts, literacy, writing skills, math, social studies and science. The prekindergarten teachers prepare the students for success in kindergarten.

Our full-day kindergarten program is open to all children who have turned five by the age required of their home district. Local school districts that bus their kindergarten children will transport your child to school and home from the JCC.

The JCC Kindergarten program is licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Using the PA Learning Standards as a guide, the students leave our program well prepared for first grade.

The kindergarten curriculum includes Zaner Bloser, the handwriting component, which is blended with Lead 21, the literature based reading component. The students have an opportunity to allow their imagination to soar through the new world that books provide. The math curriculum is Scott Foresman and Addison Wesley. Other components include social studies, science and exploration, physical development, social skills and positive work habits.

Kindergarten

Weekly swim lessons with certified instructors

Music lessons with a professional music teacher

Gym class

TechStars® – A quality technology education program

Library class

Field trips

School wide Shabbat celebrations

Included in the kindergarten program:

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Our Mazel Tots program runs year round. Full day care is provided from 7:30 – 6:00 five days a week – 52 weeks a year.

Children who turn three by June 30th participate in our summer program which is packed full of special activities including swimming, outdoor water play, special visitors, barbecues and lots more! The summer program runs from 9:00 – 1:00 with both early morning drop-off and extended day hours available.

Summer Program

PVO – Parent Volunteer Organization:Parents work alongside teachers and administrators to positively enhance the children’s JCC experience. They can choose to chair an event, help out in a classroom or volunteer as a classroom parent; there are many ways to

participate in PVO – all are welcome and appreciated!

Children’s Committee:The Children’s Committee is comprised of parents and administration from

the Early Childhood Education department and the JCC at large. As a group, they discuss areas of policy so all sides are represented and mutually

respective outcomes are met.

Holiday Programming:Joyous holiday celebrations are planned. Family attendance is another way

to be involved with your child and meet other families.

Just For Parents

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AUGUST 20158/27 – No ECE - Teacher In Service Days8/28 - No ECE - Teacher In Service Days8/31 - First day of ECE and Kindergarten

SEPTEMBER 20159/7 - No School - Labor Day 9/14 - No School – Rosh Hashanah Day 19/15 - No School – Rosh Hashanah Day 2

School Year CalendarJANUARY 2016

1/1 - New Year’s Day – Closed1/4 - Kindergarten resumes1/18 - Martin Luther King Day – ECE in session1/25 - TuB’shevat – New Year of the Trees – ECE in session

FEBRUARY 20162/15 - President’s Day – ECE in session

MARCH 20163/24 - Purim - ECE in session3/25 - Purim - ECE in session

APRIL 20164/22 - Building closes at 4:00 PM. Preparations for First Passover Seder

MAY 20165/30 - No ECE sessions – Memorial Day

JUNE 20166/10 - ECE Parent and Child Shabbat picnic for all classes, Infant – Kindergarten6/16 - Kindergarten Graduation – 1:00 PM Final Day of School6/17 - Teacher Cleaning Day – No ECE sessions

9/22 - Building closes at 4:00 for holiday preparation9/23 - No school - Yom Kippur9/28 - No School - Sukkot Day 19/29 - ECE in session - Sukkot Day 2

OCTOBER 201510/5 - No ECE sessions - Shemini Atzeret

NOVEMBER 201511/25 - ECE closes at 4:0011/26 - No ECE sessions – Thanksgiving11/27 - No ECE sessions

DECEMBER 201512/7 – 12/14 - ECE in session during Hanukkah12/23 - Last day of Kindergarten12/24 - ECE closes at 4:0012/25 - ECE closed12/28 - 12/30 - Regular session12/31 - ECE closes at 4:00

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JCC Membership is Included with School!

Get full access to fitness center, indoor pool, Gallery at the

JCC, and our full court gymnasium.

Our Mission StatementThe Jewish Community Center of Allentown sharpens the mind,

strengthens the body and inspires the soul of the entire community through social, education, recreation and wellness programs

instilled with Jewish values, culture and traditions.

Enjoy discounted prices on all our events and programs: from after

school enrichment classes for your child to

fun social hour functions.

There’s something for everyone!

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Tots and TalesSheryl Block, past ECE Director, will lead an enriching morning experience including finger plays, songs, stories, and craft activities that complement the weekly theme. Join us in a play group atmosphere celebrating holidays, books, and making new friends.

Scholarship AssistanceScholarship options are available for those who may not be able to afford the cost of JCC programs and membership. Our Welcome Desk staff can assist you with your request.

Birthdays at the JCelebrate your child’s birthday at the JCC of Allentown. We can host a variety of parties including themed, swim, cooking, and crafts! Call the Welcome Desk for more information.

Member Get a MemberRefer one new member and receive $25 in JCC Bucks and a free JCC Membership T-shirt. Refer two new members and receive a free month of membership. Refer three or more new members and receive an additional month of free membership up to one full year. New members will enjoy $0 enrollment fee (a savings of $125) plus two free fitness assessments with a personal trainer to get started with a workout plan!

RentalsThe JCC of Allentown is now offering facility rentals for business meetings, corporate retreats, parties, bar/bat mitzvahs and special occasions. Choose between classrooms, the board room, auditoriums, indoor swimming pool and gymnasium. For more information on Facility Rentals, please contact Karla Lyle, Facilities Manager at 610.435.3571 ext 119.

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Make sure to check out our extended day options for after school enrichment