Our Philosophy:
Welcome to The Early Childhood Center! We believe that children deserve early childhood experiences that develop their multi-faceted potential and increase their love of learning. Mutual respect between teachers, children and families are hallmarks of our school from its beginning in 1994. Jewish culture and identity are integrated into all aspects of the program. Shabbat and holidays are celebrated with music, cooking, arts & crafts and lots of fun.
Teachers build on the perceptual and cognitive powers of the children and experiences are provided to meet their needs and stimulate learning in all developmental areas – physical, social, emotional and intellectual. Each child is viewed as a unique person with an individual pattern and timing of growth and development. Different levels of ability, development and learning styles are expected, accepted and used to design appropriate activities.
Cooperative learning and the natural world are the lenses through which we view our play-based, academically rich curriculum. We focus on interpersonal interactions as well as fostering independence. We provide opportunities both indoors and outdoors with an emphasis on relevant experiential learning.
Our Faculty:
As early childhood professionals, our teachers bring their own unique energy and teaching styles to their rooms. Some of our staff have been with the ECC for over 10 years and have had the opportunity to teach several siblings! As a staff, we meet on an on-going basis to collaborate, plan, self-reflect and participate in professional development to maintain our knowledge of best practices in early childhood education.
Our Early Childhood Center Classrooms:
We provide bright, clean, well-provisioned and spacious classrooms. We offer active exploration with blocks, Math manipulatives, Science materials, Art supplies and dramatic play props. Language development is fostered through stories, songs, and a print-rich environment. Every day at the ECC offers children a variety of approaches to solving problems, creating work and developing social skills and strategies.
Our beautiful grounds are our outdoor classroom and add to our rich curriculum. Children plant and maintain our vegetable garden. Ecology and conservation are taught through our hands-on, interactive growers program. We develop children’s kinesthetic abilities through activities such as yoga, movement and ample use of our playground and grounds.
Inside and Out
At the ECC your child will experience a love for learning and appreciation of the natural world that surrounds us.
Children plant and maintain our organic vegetable garden. Ecology and conservation are taught through our hands-on, interactive Growers program.
Our outdoor space provides for endless observing, discussing and creating! We develop children’s kinesthetic abilities through activities such as yoga, movement and ample use of our playground and grounds.
Our, well-maintained playground has areas for climbing, swinging, riding toys, sand/water play, exploring and gardening.
For registration information and
tours of our Center, Email Sarah Denyer, Director
Jewish Identity
*Fridays are a joyous celebration of Shabbat.
Students participate in services with our clergy. They sing, perform the blessings and enjoy challah and other special snacks. Siblings from each class sit together..*Songs, stories, art projects related to current holidays create a framework for curriculum.
A year-round gardening program connects a celebration of nature with Jewish identity. *Tzedakah is emphasized in all parts of the ECC. On Shabbat, the students donate from their bags into a class jar.
During the winter holidays a coat, clothing and toy drive are held.
Some of the organizations we have donated to include: St. Vincent’s Hospital, Jaffa Institute, Neighbor’s Link and the Community Center of Northern Westchester.
For registration information and tours of our Center,
email our Director Sarah Denyer
Class Offerings
School is offered Monday-Friday
After school Enrichment for 3’s & Pre-K offered Monday-Thursday
Practically Preschool- our program for 1 year-olds with a grown-up also available.
For registration information and tours of our Center email our Director, Sarah Denyer, sarah@ourshirshalom.org
Tel: (203) 438-6589 x 16
Our Families
Strong and on-going parent/teacher communication is one of the keys to our success at ECC. Teachers have daily contact with parents at drop-off and pick –up and parents may request a meeting with teachers whenever necessary. The school communicates daily with families through a daily newsletter “Ask Me About…”. Follow us for updates on Facebook!
Class parents play an active role in communicating with other parents to plan events, reach out to families during life-cycle events, and organize activities outside of school. For registration information and tours of our Center call Sarah Denyer at 203-438-6589 x 16.
