Overview of ClassesPreschool
The Alpert JCC's preschool is designed for children two years through pre-kindergarten. The program combines cognitive learning, social growth, emotional and physical maturation, and creative play. Preschool meets Monday through Friday, Tuesday and Thursday, or Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9 to 1.
Pre-Kindergarten
Intended specifically for the child entering kindergarten the following year, the pre-kindergarten program focuses on academic readiness skills which prepare the child for a successful elementary education. Activities are designed to help children as they move from the concrete to more abstract concepts, while still concentrating on social, emotional and physical maturation. Pre-kindergarten classes meet Monday through Friday, 9 to 1. (offered during the school year only)
Movement Education (M.E)
Learning to move and learning through movement is a vital part of every child's developmental process. The M.E. program enhances each child's affective, cognitive, and motor development through offering an inclusive, child-centered learning environment. As part of the morning school schedule one day each week, this exciting program brings movement opportunities into the classroom and integrates them into the academic and Judaic curriculum. This dynamic program is taught by a credentialed adapted physical education specialist with a Master's degree in special education. The young children of the ECE program are on the road to becoming strong, skilled, confident movers and active learners.
Reading Mastery
Reading Mastery, a phonics based reading readiness program, is included for all pre-kindergartners. Reading Mastery is a carefully sequenced program of instruction taught in small groups with a specially trained teacher, giving children the keys they need to unlock the doors to the world of literature (offered during the school year only).
K'Ton Ton Language
Research shows that early childhood is the best time to learn a second language, and our Morning Language Classes can be your child's initial introduction to a second language. 30-minute conversational classes are held twice a week.
Enrichment
From 1 to 2:30 each day, we offer two options based on the age and developmental needs of your child:
Chaverim Connection
For children turning 2 or 3 during the school year "Chaverim," or friends, Connection offers younger students the opportunity to learn important social and emotional skills such as conflict resolution, problem solving, and cooperative play, in this extra period of structured, thematic activities in a small group setting.
Chugim
For children turning 4 or 5 during the school year "Chugim", or special interest, classes, allow older students the opportunity to experience subject based activities such as swimming, science, theatre arts, literature, mathematics, woodworking and gardening. Each day of the week at least two Chugim options are offered, which last for a semester.
Children may register for either Chaverim Connection or Chugim for one or more days per week, on a per semester basis; or as part of a Full Time or PreSchool Plus package.
Preschool Plus
Preschoolers thrive on established routines, and our Preschool Plus package offers parents consistency coupled with convenience. Those enrolled in Preschool Plus will enjoy the benefits of package pricing. The Preschool Plus package allows your child to attend preschool or pre-kindergarten from 9 to 1, and our popular Chugim or Chaverim Connection classes from 1 to 2:30. Preschool Plus is available on a 2, 3, or 5 day basis.
Kindergarten
As a full service community center designed to meet the needs of our families, we offer many options for those who would like us to care for their children.
Kindergarten Kids' University (KKU)
For the Kindergarten child, KKU provides the perfect balance between home and school. Capitalizing on a child's innate readiness to engage in ‘purposeful play', KKU offers many opportunities. When children are poised to acquire new information and skills or adjust their conceptual and ideological understanding, we want to be there ready to present a new or different view. Using the JCC's state of the art facility, the professional staff work with the children in the Chasin Computer Lab, take them swimming, use the gymnasium, Falk Playground and children's library, as well as engaging them in planned structured activities that include arts & crafts, games, Jewish holiday celebrations, music and movement. Swimming, dance and gymnastics lessons and sports clinics are an option.
A variety of days per week are available, as are school vacation PlayDays during Winter, Spring and President's Days.
Click Here For Kid's University Brochure (pdf)
Gan Hamaish Summer Camp
Designed especially for children making the transition from preschool to Kindergarten. In one or two semesters, children may attend 3 or 5 days per week from 9 am to 2:30 pm, or in conjunction with child care. An exciting curriculum with more complex activities, with input from the children, are planned. Field trips to local venues are part of the entertaining events organized for the summer.
Extended Hours/Fulltime Option
As a full service community center designed to meet the needs of our families, we offer many options for those who would like us to care for their children. We are open daily between 7am and 6pm. Our extended hours offer structure, creativity, and consistency for young children. This program is available for occasional hourly use (on a space available basis), or you can take advantage of our Fulltime options, in which all hours between 7 am and 6pm, including either Chaverim Connection or Chugim, are included. Fulltime options are available on a 12 month basis for those preschoolers attending 2, 3, or 5 days a week from September through August, or to pre-kindergartners on a nine-month basis, from September to June. Napping is available, but not mandatory.
PlayDays
During secular school vacations, the ECE program is closed. We do, however, provide thematic PlayDays for those desiring a lively, entertaining and educational day for their children. For those enrolled in a Fulltime option, PlayDays are included on their regular days of attendance. Everyone else may select individual PlayDays as desired.
Summer School
Two semesters of summer school are available each day from 9 to 1 for children between two and five years old. Children may sign up for the entire summer or on a per-semester basis, for either 2, 3, or 5 days per week. Chugim, Chaverim Connection, and extended hours are all available during the summer. Summer school includes swimming, water play and special programs which offer the opportunity for the development of independence as well as presenting children with an
educationally enriched setting.
Swimming
Do you have children who love to swim or want to learn? Enroll them in American Red Cross swimming programs conducted here at the JCC. The lessons are taught by WSI certified instructors who specialize in teaching young children how to be safe and confident in the water. Our private and group lessons will be offered in the afternoons and evenings (group lessons are limited to 6 participants). Children enrolled full time in our summer school will be escorted to & from the pool by an ECE staff member during the instructional period. For more information about swimming lessons or any other aquatics program, call our Aquatics Director at ext. 1035.
Parent Participation Programs
Through our very popular Side by Side programs, we offer a host of opportunities for parents to play and learn with their young children while enhancing parenting skills. Children and parents grow together through music, storytime, and other age appropriate activities. Parent discussions facilitated by staff assure that relationships will be forged that will last through all of your years and experiences at the JCC.
From the Beginning
for moms with infants, newborn-walking
Side by Side 1
parents with children, 10-17 months old
Side by Side 2
parents with children, 17-23 months old
There are also many opportunities for parents to get involved through the Parent Support Association, which plans and implements educational, fund-raising and family-oriented events throughout the year.
Moving On
(20-30 months)
One of our most innovative Side by Side programs is the Moving On transition class, which offers children the chance to develop social and group play skills, along with motor development and independence, in a secure classroom setting. Parents participate with their child for the first hour and then return at the end of the morning to pick them up.
Music Together
The Early Childhood Education Department of the Alpert Jewish Community Center is proud to offer Music Together classes. This nationally recognized program, available in 26 states, is designed for infants, toddlers and preschoolers accompanied by a parent. Music Together classes build on a child's natural enthusiasm for music and movement. Participants meet weekly to experience new songs, chants, movement activities and instrumental jam sessions.
For more information please call (562) 426-7601, ext. 1090.
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