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Early Childhood Center
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by Nancy Isaacs, Early Childhood Director Our Philosophy The Early Childhood Center of the Jewish Community Center of Harrison is dedicated to enriching the life of young children spiritually, emotionally, socially, intellectually and physically.  We work to enable children to know who they are as Jews - to gain knowledge of our traditions, history, observances and language and to translate that knowledge into Jewish living.
We are committed to an early childhood setting that is respectful of people and their differences, in an environment steeped in creativity that encourages an active curiosity about the world in which we live. In partnership with parents and the synagogue community, we aim to provide a lifetime love of learning. As such, we believe that play is the most important "work" of the young child.
Through play, children construct their understanding of the world and acquire the physical, intellectual and social skills that will be the foundation of their later success in school. Play helps children to work cooperatively, communicate feelings, express and work through conflicts, and follow rules. Play promotes imagination, creativity and memory. It provides ongoing opportunities to experiment, explore and learn. Here at the Early Childhood Center, we have carefully created an environment that encourages and values children's play. Parenting Center Parenting groups for parent with toddler meet weekly, offering parents ongoing support through discussion groups with an experienced facilitator. Topics may include child development or other topics of interest to the group. The toddlers' beginning experiences with group play and socialization are supported by teachers through a variety of activities. The parents remain in the same room as their children. Separation  During the two year old program, the process of gradual, supported separation of child from parent or caregiver begins. Implemented on an individual basis and taking into account each child's unique timetable, our approach to separation respects maturation and experience. Our goal is to gently develop the trust and confidence your child will have in the ECC as a safe, comfortable place. Two year old programs meet two or three mornings a week, depending on birthdate.
Pre School  In our programs for three and four year olds, children explore an environment rich in materials that promote social, emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual development. Structured activities and unstructured play are offered under the guidance of warm, caring and professionally trained teachers. We offer a five morning program for threes with the option of three afternoons for enrichment activities. Four year olds meet five mornings a week, with the option of staying until 2:00 for up to four afternoon enrichment programs.
Summer Program This summer, we are offering a "Toddler Camp" open to children age-eligible for a 2's program in Fall 2010. This six week program will incorporate music, water play, art, summer themes and outdoor fun facilitated by early childhood teachers and their assistants. Parents or caregivers are not expected to stay with their child. The program will meet Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings. For more information or to register, please contact the ECC office.
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Thursday, 26 August 2010 08:53 |
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By Nancy Isaacs: The teachers have come in early to get the rooms ready before the high holy days and a very disjointed start to school. Needless to say, we are all looking forward to celebrating a happy and healthy new year together, followed by consistent sessions in the month of October! We are very fortunate to have our Project S.E.E.D. (Supporting Early Emotional Development) grant renewed for a third year. This grant is funded by both UJA and private funds and is overseen by Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS). Once again, Ellen Weisberg is the social worker assigned to the ECC. She will offer one-on-one counseling to parents, facilitate parent workshops and support teachers in the classroom as needed. These services would be a big expense to the ECC if contracted on our own, so we are enormously grateful for the renewal of the grant – which is good for the next 3 years! Last year, Cantor Israel and I began a weekly Hebrew language program with the fours. We read them familiar books such as The Cat In the Hat in both English and Hebrew. They learned the Hebrew words for various animals, colors, their clothing, and classroom objects. By the end of the year they were able to tell us their Hebrew name and put together simple sentences, such as “My name is Rivka and my shirt is blue.” Young children really are adept at picking up new languages. We were amazed at how much they learned with quite minimal experience. They really enjoyed the sessions and looked forward to them each week as we made sure each session was fun and interactive. I am looking forward to beginning our Hebrew sessions with this year’s fours right after the holidays. Shanah Tovah – best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year. |
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 26 August 2010 09:00 )
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Monday, 28 June 2010 08:38 |
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By Nancy Isaacs: The year ended, as always, on a literal "high note" as the 4's led us all in a musical Kabbalat Shabbat service from the bima in the main sanctuary. They had diligently practiced for the weeks leading up to the June 4th service and were so excited to have the responsibility of leading parents, grandparents and siblings in song. The service was followed by a communal Shabbat dinner, a performance of "The Creation Song" and dance, and a reading of "Curious You - On Your Way" illustrated by H.A, Rey of Curious George fame. The last official session of the ECC's year was on Thursday, June10th and a full day it was! The children enjoyed a magic show by Joseph Fields in the morning and then most of the families returned at 5:30pm for a Barbecue and musical entertainment by Andy Baum. As always, a year of wonderful growth and memories. The following week, 20 of the children returned for a "mini-session" before going off to summer camp. We look forward to welcoming all returning and new families in September. We are still happily accepting applications for the fall, so if you know of anyone who is new to the area, please recommend that they give the ECC a call!Enjoy the summer... |
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 26 August 2010 09:16 )
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Tuesday, 01 June 2010 12:01 |
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By Nancy Isaacs: We ended the month of May by learning about emergency workers community helpers and the mitzvoth they perform in our community. The Harrison Fire Department, Ambulance Corps and Police Department were all represented in the upper parking lot. The children loved climbing on the fire truck, lying down in the ambulance and meeting the police dog while learning about all the equipment on the vehicles. The 3’s and 4’s planted an organic vegetable garden (in large pots on the upper lawn) under the guidance of a mentor from Cornell Cooperative Extension. Thank you to our parent coordinator, Lindsey Leibowitz and the generous donation of the pots and organic soil from the Teitelbaum and Israel families. We are looking forward to a delicious harvest of beans, zucchini and corn in early fall, as well as the beautiful blooms of the pink fairy lilies and tiger lilies the children planted. The teachers and I are looking forward to the 4’s “moving up” Shabbat service and dinner on Friday, June 4th. The children have been practicing hard to lead their families in a Kabbalat Shabbat service of song and celebration. It’s hard to believe they are already moving on to kindergarten! The last day of the year is on Thursday, June 10th. The children will enjoy a magic show in the morning and then we will welcome all current and new ECC families to a barbecue at 5:30 with musical entertainment by Andy Baum. What a great way to start the summer! Registration for 2010-2011 programs is ongoing. Our parenting center is open for the youngest with parent (toddlers aged 12-18 months), and enrollment remains open for the 2’s, 3’s and 4’s. Please call the ECC office for more information. |
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Thursday, 29 April 2010 08:00 |
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The Pesach-shortened month of April was busy nonetheless, with 2 activities in particular meant to reach both inward and outward of the JCCH community. Our annual Mom’s Night Out, our biggest fundraiser, was held on Thursday, April 15th and most graciously hosted by Jen and Danny Schultz in their home. Small boutiques selling jewelry, kids clothing, handbags, workout wear and stationery were set up throughout. Absolutely delicious hors d’oeuvres were generously donated by Regine and Jason Apfelbaum from Chef & Co. Raffles were sold for prizes donated by each vendor. It was a wonderful way to spend a spring evening, socializing with both old friends and new and raising money for special equipment and projects for the Early Childhood Center. A special thank you to the event co-chairs, Sue Pearson and Diane Teitelbaum and their group of hardworking volunteers. In our ongoing efforts to raise the profile of the JCCH and the Early Childhood Center, on Tuesday, April 20, the ECC hosted a Realtors Open House. Real estate agents from the community’s offices were invited for a nosh and an informational tour of the Early Childhood Center to raise awareness as the market picks up for home purchases. We enjoyed a good turnout and were able to show off our facility and programs in a most positive way. Thanks to Sue Pearson for hosting this for the second year running. Tuesday, April 20th was also a special day for the ECC children to celebrate Israel’s birthday. While our Israel education for the children is year-long, this day is completely devoted to immersing ourselves in the state. The children listened to a book called “And Shira Imagined” by Giora Carmi, where a little girl imagines going on a trip to Israel and all the adventures she has there. We then take the children on their own imaginary trip to Israel, which includes a camel ride, an archeological dig, having their names written in Hebrew by a scribe (Judy Weinberg), jumping the snakes in the Jordan River, writing notes and putting them in the Western wall and dancing to Israeli music. Sometimes our imagination can be almost as fun as the real thing! Enrollment for the fall programs is ongoing. There is also some interest in a summer program for children eligible for the September 2’s. It is in the planning stages, so if you are interested please email me at
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 29 April 2010 12:38 )
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