| 1. Will my family feel comfortable in this Jewish program? |
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Our centers are welcoming to families and teachers with any amount of Jewish or non-Jewish background. Shabbat is celebrated every week, and many classrooms incorporate simple Hebrew words, phrases and songs into their day. Jewish holidays are celebrated enthusiastically, as are secular preschool themes such as “Seasons,” “Animals” or “Space.”
The JCC is not affiliated with any one religious movement – we are inclusive and pluralistic. We strive to celebrate and honor the rich traditions of the diverse multicultural populations we serve.
Our centers are closed on some Jewish holidays in addition to national holidays. Ask your center director for a complete school calendar.
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| 2. What is the educational philosophy? |
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We respect all children as whole individuals and we encourage them to develop their potential to the fullest. We take our lead from your children and strive to facilitate in-depth exploration of topics with meaning to them.
Our curriculum takes inspiration from many sources including the play-based learning of developmentally appropriate practice, the documentation and exploration of Reggio Emilia, and the values-based ideals of Jewish education. We encourage children to construct their own knowledge from the experiences they have in the classroom and in their lives. The teacher’s role is to actively engage children, provide a cooperative atmosphere, appeal to children’s interests and promote children’s reasoning.
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| 3. What is Derekh Eretz? |
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Derekh Eretz is a Hebrew term for good manners, and more broadly, for a code of behavior where everyone is treated with respect. To us, Derekh Eretz is more than just a phrase – it’s a way of approaching each and every interaction in our early learning centers.
Another word you hear a lot at the JCC Early Learning Centers is partnership. All of our work is defined by the partnerships we make. Partnerships with parents. Partnerships with teachers. Partnerships with your children. Being a partner means that your input is essential. We look forward to working with you!
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| 4. What foods does the center provide? |
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We provide nutritious snacks and baking projects for the children, while families prepare vegetarian and dairy foods for their children who stay for lunch. Your center director and teachers will be happy to provide suggestions for lunch options, as well as guidelines for celebration and Shabbat foods.
In addition, our centers are allergy-aware. You will receive information on making food selections that maximize safety for all children. If your child has a special diet, please be sure that we have specific information and proper supplies.
We serve only Kosher foods at the JCC Early Learning Centers. By maintaining a kosher policy, we are ensuring that both kosher and non-kosher children can eat, relax and socialize together. See the parent handbook for specific instructions on kosher selections.
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| 5. What should my child bring to school? |
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We provide all of the learning materials and snacks your child will need to have a meaningful early learning experience. Many children find it useful to have a small attachment object for their cubby. A family photo or small stuffed animal would be perfect. Try not to send items that are precious or irreplaceable – like a treasured “blankie” for example. It’s also important to dress your child appropriately for comfortable play –no fancy dresses, please! Send a full-set of extra clothes (including underwear and socks). In wet or cold weather, make sure we have everything we need to keep your child warm and dry while enjoying the outdoors. If your child is staying for nap and extended day, there may be additional items to bring.
If your child is staying for lunch, s/he will need a lunchbox and all supplies needed for the meal.
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| 6. How should I prepare my child for starting at the JCC Early Learning Center? |
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Whether it is your child’s first time in a group environment or you are coming to our center from another program, making the transition is both an exciting and challenging task for you and your child. Please take the time to read through all the parent materials provided to you by the director and your classroom teacher so you will feel better prepared. Try to attend parent coffees or other center events in order to get to know other parents and staff members. Your child will take his/her cues from you. Your calm and interested approach will convey confidence and a sense of security.
To prepare your child, you might consider visiting the classroom a few days before the start date. Arrange a time with the teacher to “drop-in.” Sit in on a story time, visit the playground or join in the block area along with your child. If the center is part of a larger building, take a little exploration tour with your child in the days before you begin. Have a picnic in the lobby, or on the lawn near the playground. Begin to build comfort and memories ahead of time.
Make sure to learn the names of the classroom teachers, the office assistant and the center director. Use them in conversation so that you and your child become familiar with them as quickly as possible.
Establish a morning and “goodbye” routine. Every family does this in a different way, but you might always enter the classroom, visit the cubby, escort your child to an activity, and then give a special hug or kiss to say goodbye, using the same words and phrases every day. The teachers can help you. You might also want to try a “staggered” transition schedule. This can work in a variety of ways, but ask your child’s teacher if it’s possible to start for a short period of time the first day, longer the next and perhaps full-schedule the third day. After that, it’s time to let your child experience school on his or her own. Often the toddler classrooms have a detailed transition plan. Ask for more information.
Your child’s classroom teacher and your center director are your partners in the transition. Please ask them for advice and feedback. Make sure you understand the transition schedule and expectations before you begin.
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| 7. How will I know what my child is doing at school? |
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Young children don’t always share the details of the day as much as we might like them too, so parent communication is very important to us. Every classroom has a bulletin board or marker board where you can read updates on classroom activities. Check out the display boards in the room and hallways. They often show current curriculum. You will receive a classroom newsletter at regular intervals, and also a center newsletter. Toddler classrooms have logs for children’s eating, sleeping and toileting schedules. Most importantly, ask! The classroom teachers would be happy to tell you what’s going on so you can talk to your child at home. Also, make sure to attend curriculum night in the fall.
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| 8. Can I visit the classroom? |
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Yes! Parents are always welcome to visit the classroom at any time. In fact, once your child is comfortable in the program, we encourage parents to be involved in our classroom activities. Shabbat and holiday celebrations are a perfect example. If you would like to help at other times, talk to your child’s teacher. You may be able to be a “guest reader” at story time, a “chef” for the day, or an art-project helper. We would love to know if you have a special interest or skill that you’d like to share.
Ask your classroom teacher if there is a Volunteer Sign-Up board.
If your child is brand-new to school or having transition difficulties, please discuss your visits with the teacher ahead-of-time. Although it seems counter intuitive, frequent parent visits can actually delay a child’s transition to school. We’d be glad to help you find appropriate visit times whenever we can.
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| 9. Are scholarships available? |
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Yes. We have a limited amount of scholarship money available for tuition reduction based on need. Scholarship applications are accepted year-round, but most scholarships are distributed before the start of the new school year in September. Scholarships generally cover somewhere between 10-30% of tuition. No full scholarships are given. Ask your center director for more information. Conversations about scholarships are confidential.
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| 10. What are your teacher:child ratios? |
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We have six early learning centers serving over 600 children. Each and every classroom meets or exceeds the standards for teacher: child ratios as outlined by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. In general, these ratios specify a 1:4 ratio for toddlers and 1:10 for preschoolers. When you visit the program, make sure to ask how many teachers will be there when your child is attending.
We’re proud of our classroom teachers and we know that they have an enormous impact on your children’s experience at the JCC Early Learning Center. We provide professional development opportunities throughout the year and each staff member participates in regular team meetings, staff meetings and supervision meetings with the center director.
Our programs are fortunate to have a variety of early childhood professionals to support the classroom teachers. You will hear about Ledgewood Specialists, curriculum coordinators, teacher supervisors, Jewish educators, creative movement teachers and other qualified adults who work together to enhance the early learning experience.
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| 11. How are the centers connected to each other? |
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The six JCC Early Learning Centers are connected to each other by a shared vision and set of values. Each center has it’s own style, “look” and feel. Teachers and directors create their own curriculum within each site. Although the guiding principles are similar, specific activities and themes will vary from center to center.
The six directors work independently to lead their own centers, but they also work together as a team on our Directors Council, meeting regularly and sharing ideas, thoughts and resources. When you choose a JCC Early Learning Center, you are becoming part of a strong network committed to quality, to supporting families and to enhancing each family’s connection to Jewish values and traditions.
The Jewish Community Center of Greater Boston, located in Newton, provides centralized budget and accounting support, Ledgewood Program oversight, professional development and curriculum support and staff supervision. The strength and professionalism of your program director is supported and magnified by the affiliation with the JCC, which is an agency of the Combined Jewish Philanthropies.
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| 12. Does my child have to be toilet-trained? |
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| No. We accept children at all levels of their own development. Toilet-training is not a requirement for attendance or for inclusion in any classroom. Once you are enrolled, the classroom teachers will speak with you about your own philosophy for training, the type of language you use with your child and your goals. As much as possible, our teachers will work with your child within the framework that you outline. |
