Godine Early Learning Center (Newton)
At the Godine JCC Early Learning Center, we believe in the power of child-centered learning with a Jewish foundation. We're now enrolling for 2026-2027!
Empowering Your Child to Learn and Grow
The JCC Godine Early Learning Center in Newton provides a nurturing and engaging environment for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years. With a curriculum that blends child-centered learning and Jewish culture, the center offers programs for infants, toddlers, preschool, and pre-K. Our location features a state-of-the-art natural playground and offers various enrichment activities to broaden your child's horizons!
Now Enrolling for the 2026–2027 School Year
Secure your child's spot for next year so that we can give them the best day ever, every day!
Still looking for early learning this year? We have limited openings available in our classrooms for 2025-2026!
Our Early Learning Center Philosophy
At Godine, 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 Programs
From six weeks to five years old, we offer complete programs for:
- Infants
- 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.
Godine Summer Program
Our program offers a broad range of carefully designed, age-appropriate activities including: Arts exploration, outdoor water play, science, STEM, and so much more! To learn more and register, email godine-info@jccgb.org.
Our Jewish 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 natural playground is designed to provide developmentally appropriate play spaces for infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children. It features a working garden, water and sand play areas, an abundance of nature, and an exploratory rock garden, all of which encourage children to engage with nature and 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 (additional costs may apply. Some of these programs allow your children to take advantage of the robust JCC programs and facilities):
- Music
- Hebrew
- Swimming
- 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 Godine Early Learning Center families receive a free JCC Greater Boston family membership to our Leventhal-Sidman building in Newton — a $2,000 value! The JCC provides a plethora of opportunities to connect with a community of families with young children.
If you're looking for a top-quality preschool where children are active and engaged learners, look to the Godine JCC Early Learning Center. Join us to find more than a school — join us to find a community. Schedule a visit with us today!
Financial Aid
We are committed to making the Godine Early Learning Center accessible to families of all backgrounds. Financial aid is available to help ensure every child can benefit from our programs. If you're interested in learning more, please reach out to us at godine-info@jccgb.org.
Check Out Our School!
Meet the Team
At the JCC Godine Early Learning Center (ELC) in Newton, 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.
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.
Director, Godine JCC Early Learning Center
Selah Levin
Director, Godine JCC Early Learning Center
Selah Levin serves as Director of the Godine JCC Early Learning Center, bringing more than a decade of leadership experience in early childhood education, program administration, and organizational development. Her work is rooted in a deep commitment to building joyful, high-quality learning environments where children, families, and educators thrive.
Prior to joining Godine, Selah served as Center Director for a premier early learning center on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and as Director of Program Administration and Compliance at the Rosen JCC in Florida. In these roles, she led initiatives in curriculum design, educator mentorship, licensing and compliance, operational systems, and family engagement.
At Godine, Selah focuses on strengthening instructional practice, clarifying systems and roles, and cultivating a culture of accountability and belonging. She works closely with her leadership team to support educator growth, enhance classroom practice, and ensure operational excellence. Her leadership emphasizes collaboration, clear communication, strong family partnerships, and continuous professional learning.
Selah holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Central Florida. She is passionate about integrating Jewish values into daily school life in ways that are inclusive, meaningful, and reflective of the diverse community Godine serves.
Selah believes that strong schools are built through relationships- with children, families, and educators- and she is honored to lead a community dedicated to giving every child the best day ever, every day.
Assistant Director, Godine Early Learning Center
Krista Botsch
Assistant Director, Godine Early Learning Center
Krista Botsch is the Assistant Director at the Godine Early Learning Center, where she brings over 15 years of experience in the field of early childhood education. She holds a master's degree in early childhood education and is DESE certified. Over the course of her career, Krista has worked as a teacher in early learning centers and public-school programs, a specialist in early intervention, and as a Child Development Specialist at the Godine Early Learning Center.
Krista’s work is grounded in her deep belief that every child is unique and on their own individual journey. She is passionate about meeting children where they are and using their strengths and interests as a foundation for building skills, confidence, and a love of learning. Her approach reflects a commitment to developmentally appropriate, responsive practices that honor each child’s growth and potential.
In her leadership role, Krista is dedicated to creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where both children and educators can thrive. She values strong relationships with families and works to ensure that every child and family feels safe, supported, and a true sense of belonging from the moment they walk through the doors of the Early Learning Center.
Preschool/Pre-K Child Developmental Specialist
Elisa Buchsbaum
Preschool/Pre-K Child Developmental Specialist
Elisa Buchsbaum joined Godine in August 2024 as the Preschool/Pre-K Child Developmental Specialist. She brings over 30 years of experience working in public schools as an Early Childhood Special Educator and mentor to new teachers. Throughout her career, Elisa has specialized in supporting young children with diverse developmental needs and helping teachers create inclusive learning environments.
In addition to her work in the classroom, Elisa has mentored new educators, sharing strategies and support to help them grow in their practice. She enjoys partnering with families, believing that strong connections between home and school are essential for each child’s success.
Elisa holds a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s in Moderate Special Needs from Lesley University.
Get In Touch
Discover where the fun and learning happens by scheduling an in-person or virtual tour with us. You can reach us by email, at godine-info@jccgb.org. We're located at the Leventhal-Sidman JCC, in Newton.
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