Learn With Us / Early Childhood Center
A Caring and Nurturing Atmosphere
A Caring and Nurturing Atmosphere
in a Temple Setting
Small Groups with Individual Attention
The Program
Our curriculum is developmentally based, focusing on the individual child’s social, emotional, and intellectual needs.
The program is geared toward helping children develop skills of observation and questioning that promote learning. We encourage children to be aware of their feelings, and to express those feelings appropriately. They learn to meet their own needs, as well as how to work cooperatively with others. Our children are treasured for their uniqueness and individuality. This open-minded program prepares children to utilize their intellectual and creative abilities for future learning tasks.
Our professional staff encourages exploration and growth in a well equipped environment that is stimulating, nurturing, and consistent. We strive to enhance each child’s natural curiosity and love of learning. Our school provides opportunities for each child to master tasks appropriate to his or her level of development.
The children are introduced to a balanced program of interaction with friends in both teacher-directed and child-initiated experiences. The daily schedule includes free choice of time spent in the learning centers, as well as structured group experiences in creative movement, music, art, storytelling, and drama. There is an emphasis on the development of fine-motor and gross-motor skills through puzzles, blocks, bikes, and climbing equipment. Additional activities include trips, cooking, science, and computer time. Language skills are stressed throughout the program. We provide varied experiences that promote learning through play.
Our program is designed to develop an awareness of Jewish identity through Shabbat celebrations every Friday and special holiday activities throughout the year. We provide an introduction to Jewish ritual and tradition.
We are committed to working closely with parents. We believe that parents are experts at knowing their own children. Parents are welcome to visit the school at any time.
School Schedule and Extended Hours
The program for 2-year olds is offered 2, 3, 4 or 5 days per week.
The program for 3-year olds is offered 3, 4 or 5 days per week.
The program for 4-year olds is offered 5 days per week.
All students attend from 9:00 – 11:45 AM.
Any child registered in the Early Childhood Center may supplement the half-day program with extended hours to allow for a full-day experience. Our Stay and Play program is offered from 11:45-2:15 at a fee of $22 per day. Lunch can be purchased for $3 per day.
Please note that our calendar corresponds to the Croton-On-Hudson public school system, as well as to the Jewish holidays.
Staff
Our staff consists of warm, supportive, experienced teachers and assistants who are skilled at meeting the needs of young children. All staff members participate in ongoing professional staff development.
Sheila Eidelson is the Director of the Early Childhood Center. She is a seasoned education professional with over 25 years of teaching experience and has been a member of the Temple Israel ECC staff since 1997. Her areas of expertise are creating a nurturing environment for younger children to foster socialization in a classroom setting and preparing 4 year olds with the necessary skills to succeed in kindergarten. Sheila graduated from Lehman College of the City University New York with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Psychology. She is trained in and has utilized the Montessori method of teaching in a nursery school setting. Sheila previously served as Co-Director of the ECC and Head Teacher for the Kindergarten Enrichment Program, providing an extended day of learning for kindergartners in the Croton School District. She has been the Head Teacher of the ECC four-year old class for the past six years.
Location
The school is located at Temple Israel of Northern Westchester. It has clean, bright classrooms, private bathroom facilities for use by the Center only, and a fully equipped, fenced outdoor playground.
Annual Tuition
| Session |
# of Days |
Days |
Discounted Tuition* |
Non-Member Tuition |
| 2 yr olds |
2 |
M, W, Th, F |
$2,030 |
$2,180 |
| 2 or 3 yr olds |
3 |
M, T, W, T, F |
$2,540 |
$2,790 |
| 2 or 3 yr olds |
4 |
M, T, W, T, F |
$3,400 |
$3,650 |
| 3 or 4 yr olds |
5 |
M, T, W, T, F |
$3,700 |
$4,000 |
| * Discounted tuition rate applies to dues-paying members of Temple Israel of Northern Westchester. |
Registration
Tuition can be paid in full or in installments. An individual payment schedule may be worked out.
A registration fee of $75 and the last month’s tuition (both non-refundable) are needed to secure enrollment. Please make checks payable to Temple Israel Early Childhood Center.
Click here to download the registration form.
Questions? Contact Sheila Eidelson, Early Childhood Center Director, at 914-271-4705 extension 29 or welovetinwkids@optonline.net.
