Some children are visual learners, others auditory, and others need to touch and feel each experience. Some children socialize easily and seek out companionship; others are more reserved. All children need a balance of individual attention, and small and large group times each day.
A clear image of each child as capable and competent, despite differences and even challenges, inspires JCC ELC educators to promote and value individual strengths, and to learn from and celebrate every child. And so children set the learning pace wherever possible—but educators observe them carefully, listen to their ideas, and design customized and challenging classroom experiences that correspond to their needs.
In this environment children are encouraged to explore their own ideas and not to be afraid of making mistakes. Self-confidence and self-image are developed through discussion and debate. Critical thinking is valued and encouraged.
Understanding Your Child
All JCC Early Learning Centers cultivate powerful partnerships with families through the wisdom and expertise of the Ledgewood Developmental Specialists team. Specialists screen all children and provide support for those with physical, emotional and developmental challenges. The Ledgewood team also helps with issues such as separation or school adjustment.
The ELCs also employ the Work Sampling System child assessment program, which is based on developmentally-appropriate of language and literacy, mathematical thinking and scientific thinking. In addition to sharing the findings with parents, educators work with local kindergarten teachers to determine how best to prepare each child for an academic environment.
Building Emotional Competency
Emotional competency refers to a person’s ability to express or release inner feelings or emotions appropriately. Educators help children understand their emotions, label them, and express them constructively. Learning how to approach a group, make a friend, show support for others, listen, express feelings, and control impulses provides strong preparation for life—and school.
Encouraging Creativity and Exploration
Research shows that quality early learning includes carefully facilitated play experiences. When children play they express, explore, combine and extend what they are learning around them—and transform the world. To enable this, they are given access to a multitude of play materials and are encouraged to participate in active and solitary play, both inside and out of doors.
Reinforcing Healthy Behaviors
Childhood is the ideal time for creating awareness and love of physical activity and healthy eating. To help children establish lifelong good habits, the JCC Early Learning Centers employ Discover: CATCH Early Childhood, a research-based approach to child health. A competition-free progression of confidence-buiding skills allows children to learn healthy choices while having fun.
Preparing for School
In addition to working on emotional competencies, ELC educators work on the critical thinking skills that research also shows to be important for school success. Helping young children learn to solve problems builds confidence and helps them navigate through surprises and uncertainties.
In the literacy and numbers-rich environment of the classroom, most children are eager and ready to acquire skills. Children in all preschool classes are encouraged to write every day as a way to express themselves and document their lives. Classrooms for four year olds feature word labels, number lines, writing implements, books, games, and activities to stimulate learning.
JCC Early Learning Center Locations
JCC Early Learning Centers Educational Philosophy
Of Interest
Magic Ark Performing Arts Series for Families
Preschool Classes and Programs