Our experienced staff have created a warm, welcoming and stimulating environment in which each child can feel safe to develop his or her own abilities. We encourage independence and allow children to make choices while fostering self-esteem by allowing each child to learn and succeed at their own pace. We also facilitate cooperative learning whereby children work together with friends to reach their goals. Our developmental philosophy emphasizes problem solving and conflict resolution, so that your children are better prepared for their future in school and in life.

The program is centered around the philosophy that young children develop best when parent, child and teacher work together as a team. We believe that parents play an integral part in our early childhood program, and your involvement is always encouraged and included whenever possible. Parents are welcome to visit the center at any time during regular school hours. Throughout the year, parents are invited to a variety of special events, celebrations, holidays, and Shabbat. Parents read with the classes and can share their special skills, hobbies or interests. You’ll also meet your with child’s teacher twice during the school year for conferences and evaluations of your child’s learning experience. Your participation in the educational process is an important ingredient in your child’s growth and development.

Highlights of the JCC Early Childhood Programs

• NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) Accreditation at West Palm Beach only

• Safe and nurturing environment

• Curriculum with clear goals, objectives and monthly themes

• Creatively designed classrooms with child-sized sinks and bathrooms

• Low student/teacher ratios well below Department of Children and Families guidelines

• Highly trained and caring staff

• Reading and math readiness

• Weekly Judaic music specialist

• Center time with art, science, reading, math, dramatic play, manipulative toys and more

• State of the art playgrounds individually designed to match the developmental needs of two-, three- and four-year-olds

• Weekly Shabbat celebrations

• Healthy snacks twice daily

• Cooking projects

• Weekly physical education classes in the JCC gymnasium

• Jewish holiday celebrations throughout the year

• After school enrichment classes

• Special visitors such as science programs, puppeteers and musical shows

• Field trips for older preschoolers

• Computer lab and library, with weekly scheduled visits

Meet Our Staff
Well-educated in the developmental stages of children from 6 months to five years, the JCC’s early childhood teachers have been selected from the area’s most experienced, most knowledgeable and most caring Department of Children and Families approved professionals. We pride ourselves in offering sensitive, warm and loving teachers whose top priority is your child’s care and education. Our dedicated staff works hard to create an environment where children feel safe to explore, to reach out in new social situations, to discover their natural talents and to develop an enthusiasm for learning. Computer lab, library, music and physical education specialists are at each location.

Preschool
A day in the life of a JCC preschooler blends small and large group activities with individualized one-on-one attention. Students begin each day with exploratory play and group or circle time. A snack followed by work center time, outdoor play, music and introductory physical education round out the morning schedule. Students then enjoy a social lunch period. The program also includes a rest or nap period for all full-day (9-3) or Preschool Plus (7-6) students. Older children (four to five years old) may enjoy quiet time activities if they do not nap. The end of the preschool day is filled with afternoon activities that may include reading, children’s literature, dramatic play, organized music & movement games, cooking, creative art expression or outdoor gross motor play.

Preschool Plus
Children who are enrolled in our extended-day program enjoy Preschool Plus which runs from 7 to 9 in the morning and from 3 to 6 in the afternoon. Preschool Plus in the morning helps children prepare for their busy preschool day. The emphasis is on socialization, but we offer a variety of puzzles, games and manipulatives, too. Preschool Plus in the afternoon offers many of the same structured activities as our morning Preschool program, including center time, snack and outdoor gross motor play. The Preschool Plus curriculum integrates all of the areas that are crucial to a stimulating day - art, music, movement, imaginary play, storytime, math and science. The majority of our Preschool Plus staff are full-time teachers from our morning program, ensuring the same high standards in education and caring.

Tiny Toddler Town - Toddler Care
The JCC’s Tiny Toddler Town program is designed to meet the needs of our community’s youngest children, ages six months to two years. This program encourages infants and toddlers to learn through their own experiences with play and active exploration. Tiny Toddler Town utilizes trial and success, repetition, imitation and identification, to provide tots with an abundance of emotional support in a safe and nurturing environment.

For more information about our Parent-Child Classes, call:

• West Palm Beach Location - The Claire and Emanuel G. Rosenblatt Early Childhood Learning Center at 640-5603
  

• Boynton Beach/Lake Worth Location - The Edward and Thelma Glantz Early Childhood Center at 732-7620

After School Enrichment Classes:
The JCC offers after school enrichment programs for preschool-aged children and for children in grades K-12. Afternoon programs designed specifically for preschoolers may include ballet, science, art, cooking, computers, music, piano, drama, sports, tennis, gymnastics, Spanish and more. As an added convenience, if your child is enrolled in the JCC preschool, our professional staff will escort your child safely to and from each enrichment class.