Brookline/Brighton JCC Early Learning Center
Empowering Your Child to Learn and Grow
At the Brookline/Brighton JCC Early Learning Center, we believe in the power of child-centered learning with a Jewish foundation.
Our Programs
From 15 months to five years old, we offer complete programs for:
- Toddlers
- Preschool
- Pre-K
Year-Round Learning and Fun!
To accommodate busy families, we offer a full day program with extended-day option until 6pm.
Our Philosophy
At the Brookline/Brighton JCC Early Learning Center, we focus on being responsive to children’s interests, creating meaningful learning experiences for them. Our educational approach is Reggio-inspired — we strive to foster a sense of curiosity in all of our students, while incorporating our rich Jewish culture, traditions, and values. We value co-constructed, child-directed learning, inviting creativity, and freedom.
Our philosophy allows children of all ages and stages of development to explore multiple domains of learning through the lens of their own curiosity.
Our Heritage
We celebrate our Jewish heritage daily and help children gain an understanding of Jewish values in a pluralistic and inclusive Jewish environment. Our curriculum features Jewish songs, blessings, Shabbat and holiday celebrations, stories, dance, and exposure to the Hebrew language.
We are proudly Jewish, but our community is open to all — above everything, we celebrate diversity, and teach our students to treat everyone with dignity, kindness, and respect.
Play, Laugh, Climb!
Our state-of-the-art playground is designed to provide developmentally appropriate play spaces for toddlers and preschool-age children, featuring separate toddler and preschool playgrounds and a sand play area. We encourage children to use their time outdoors to discover new things.
Children have opportunities to explore their surroundings, engage with each other and with nature, and learn through hands-on experiences in a safe and stimulating environment.
Enriching Your Child’s Education
In addition to our core curriculum, we offer your children enriching programs during the school day to keep them engaged, such as:
- Music
- Enrichment Classes
- Discover CATCH (an early childhood program that promotes body awareness, love of physical activity, and healthy eating.)
- …and More!
Connect to Your Child’s Learning Journey
We understand that entrusting your children to us is a big decision. To help you stay reassured that they are in good hands, we partner with Kaymbu, an app that gives families a personalized look into the classroom through photos, videos, and notes. We send regular classroom updates, including photos and child-specific reports.
With Kaymbu, you can stay connected to your child’s educational development and feel more involved in their learning and growth.
Experienced Educators
Our educators view themselves are lifelong learners, constantly engaging in learning opportunities. The combination of education, experience and passion enriches educators’, children’s and families’ lives.
Our educators seek to create and embrace learning opportunities for personal and professional development, provoke wonder, nurture curiosity and engage the intellect of the children and their families. They understand that observing and listening to children and families is both skill and art, requiring continuing growth and vigilance.
Our educators are viewed as professionals and are an integral part of the JCC Greater Boston.
Beyond the Classroom
JCC Early Learning Center families receive a free JCC Greater Boston family membership — a $2,000 value! The JCC provides a plethora of opportunities to connect with a community of families with young children.
Accreditation
We are licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) — the highest mark of quality in early childhood education. We also meet or exceed the Department of Early Education and Care guidelines and ratio requirements.
If you’re looking for a top-quality preschool where children are active and engaged learners, look to the Brookline/Brighton JCC Early Learning Center. Join us to find more than a school — join us to find a community. Schedule a visit with us today!
Meet the Team
JCC Early Learning Center (ELC) in Brookline/Brighton, your child will have the advantage of teachers who are highly qualified and experienced in the field of early childhood education. They create a warm, nurturing environment for your child to learn and grow. Like our students, our educators are always growing! They take advantage of every opportunity for mentoring and professional training. Many are sought after as early childhood education leaders on a local and national level.
Director, Brookline/Brighton JCC Early Learning Center
Rebecca Wolter-Gustafson
Director, Brookline/Brighton JCC Early Learning Center
Becca has been a dedicated member of the Brookline/Brighton JCC Early Learning Center team since 2009. Starting as a preschool teacher, she has taken on increasing leadership roles, culminating in her appointment as the center’s director in 2021.
With a bachelor’s in philosophy and a minor in sociology from Northeastern University, Becca is deeply invested in advancing her knowledge and skills in early childhood education. This commitment led her to participate in a three-year fellowship program with the JCCA Sheva Center Leadership Institute for Early Childhood Professionals.
Assistant Director, Brookline/Brighton JCC Early Learning Center
Katie Homer
Assistant Director, Brookline/Brighton JCC Early Learning Center
Katie has been a dedicated member of the Brookline/Brighton JCC Early Learning Center team since 2016, where she taught preschool, before assuming the role of assistant director in 2021. She brings 15 years of experience working with families and children before joining the JCC, including nine years at the Devotion School in Brookline, where she served as both a classroom teacher and assistant director of their after-school program.
Katie holds a bachelor’s in English and a minor in education from the College of Wooster, as well as a master’s in child and family services from Wheelock College. In her free time, Katie enjoys playing field hockey, running, traveling, and volunteering.
Child Development Specialist
Courtney Ward
Child Development Specialist
Courtney started with the Brookline JCC Early Learning Center in 2022. Courtney holds her Master’s degree from Boston University in Early Childhood Education with specializations in Special Education and English Language Learners. She has an experienced background in several roles and environments; Early Intervention Developmental Specialist, toddler teacher and preschool teacher in both private and public schools. Courtney works closely with teaching teams to support all children with developmental, emotional, or physical challenges. She supports families and advocates for parents and caregivers by connecting them with available community resources. Courtney’s primary goal is to create a warm and successful learning environment for all children.
Director, Teaching & Learning, JCC Early Learning Centers / Director, Hingham JCC Early Learning Center
Jamee Beaudry
Director, Teaching & Learning, JCC Early Learning Centers / Director, Hingham JCC Early Learning Center
Jamee is an experienced early childhood professional, having joined the Hingham JCC Early Learning Center as director in June 2019, and more broadly, serving as our as director of teaching & learning for all JCC Early Learning Center locations. Jamee has over 20 years of experience prior to joining the JCC, and her diverse background includes such positions as a public school teacher, private tutor, and South Shore YMCA Early Learning Center director.
Jamee holds a bachelor’s in music and communications from Clark University, a master’s in education, with a specialization in literacy, from Lesley University, and a teaching credential in elementary education from Bridgewater State University. She is passionate about supporting young children and their teachers in their journeys to become curious, engaged learners, and enjoys playing an active role in fostering a positive and nurturing learning environment.
Assistant Vice President, Early Childhood Education
Indira Herscovici
Assistant Vice President, Early Childhood Education
Indira has an extensive background in early childhood. She joined the Brookline/Brighton JCC Early Learning Center in 1997, and assumed the role of supervising director in 2011, where she was responsible for program quality and content across all JCC Early Learning Center locations. In 2014, she was appointed director of early learning center operations, and now serves as assistant vice president of early childhood education at JCC Greater Boston.
Indira actively participates in the Greater Boston Director’s Council of Early Childhood Jewish Educators and is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in early childhood education from Lesley University. Her knowledge, experience, and dedication make her an invaluable asset to JCC Greater Boston’s early learning centers.
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