Early Childhood Department
JCC of
Beth El Hebrew Congregation
Getting to know us…
The JCC of Northern Virginia's Early Childhood Department seeks to create a safe
and loving environment for children, emphasizing joyful Jewish experiences and
values and a connection to the community. We focus on meeting the early learning
and childcare needs of families and helping children transition successfully
between home and school. We strive to empower children to develop social
competence and empathy, self-respect and self-control, problem solving and
decision making skills, as well as physical awareness and coordination. Our
nurturing teachers use a developmental approach to understanding children's
abilities and enabling them to gain confidence and independence.
OUR PHILOSOPHY OF LEARNING
The Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia Preschool strives to help each
child grow as an individual. We emphasize the development of self-confidence and
a positive self-image. Our activities provide experiences to foster social
skills and emotional maturity, as well as strengthen cognitive and physical
growth.
Play is a child's work.
Play provides the opportunity for children to explore their world, find out how
to get along with others, strengthen their muscles, try new activities, build
self confidence and enhance self-esteem. Play is how the young child develops
the necessary skills and social competencies that will be needed as he/she grows
and matures.
Our curriculum is designed with these needs in
mind. The play-centered theme is woven into all aspects of the classroom and is
created to be dynamic and fun. There is also enough flexibility in the
curriculum that the teacher can adjust the daily activities to meet the needs of
each individual child.
An integral part of the program is building a
foundation for a positive Jewish identity. This is accomplished by observing
Jewish holidays through song, creative movement, cooking, and crafts as well as
reciting blessings in Hebrew. The Early Childhood program also uses curricula
from the JCC Association including “This New Month” and “An Ethical Start”, a
program based on the teachings of Pirkei Avot.
Sensory, motor, perceptual, and language skills are introduced through materials
and activities that are child-centered and play-based. Activities are planned
to emphasize the process rather than the product, instilling a sense of
accomplishment and pride.
Our Purpose and Goals . . .
Two year old program
The primary goal of our two year old program is to help your child develop as an individual, learn to separate from parents, and join a small group for positive play and learning experiences within a warm Jewish environment. Our curriculum includes introductions to language and communication, science, nature, arts and crafts, music, creative movement and physical growth, and Jewish customs and holidays.
Three/Four Year Old Program
It is our goal to promote learning through a
rich and varied curriculum within a warm Jewish environment with creative
interaction between children and teachers. Our curriculum includes language and
communication, reading readiness and pre-mathematical concepts, science, nature
arts and crafts, music, creative movement and physical growth, and Jewish
customs and holidays.
EXTENDED CARE PROGRAM
It is the goal of the extended care program to
provide a warm, caring and relaxed atmosphere to complement the morning program.
As required by
LICENSING
The JCCNV preschool is licensed by the State of
PROGRAM GOALS
The daily program is orderly but flexible. It provides for a variety of
experiences, level of difficulty, and
pacing.
There is a balance between indoor and outdoor activities. Both quiet and active
learning experiences are provided. Teachers interact with children on both an
individual and group basis. Children are given the opportunity to initiate their
own activities, as well as participate in teacher-guided activities.
An
Ethical Start™
is an educational program developed to teach Jewish ethics and values to
preschoolers. An Ethical Start™ is based on the writings of Pirkei
Avot, or Ethics of the Fathers. The program was developed by the
Jewish Community Center Association, and is only available to JCCs. Parents are
encouraged to join the teachers in exploring the mishnayot (values), from
the text. Once learning how they apply to our adult lives, the teachers
“translate” these values into meaningful and understandable lessons for the
children.
Responsibility Y
Dignity Y Kindness
Y Community Y
Tradition Y Respect
The goals of An Ethical Start™
For children…to foster social, spiritual and ethical growth based on timeless
truths that will guide them throughout their lives.
For parents…to introduce them to sources of wisdom that will help them to raise
their children with values.
For JCCs…to enrich the early childhood education program with Jewish content,
enabling JCCs to fulfill their mission of inspiring Jewish journeys.
Meet
Peer K. Explorer! He is our tour guide on our journey through the world
of Pirkei Avot.
Early Childhood Programs:
REGISTRATION OPTIONS:
Two Year-Old Program
Children must be 18 months by September 30. Parents have the option of choosing
2 days per week (Tuesday and Thursday), Three days per week (Monday, Wednesday,
and Friday), or Five days per week (Monday through Friday).
Three Year-Old Program
Children must be three years-old by September 30. Parents have the option of
choosing three days per week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) or five days per
week (Monday through Friday).
Children must be four years-old by September 30,. The four year-old program is a
five day per week program.
