Early Childhood Center
A Relationship-based Community
Rooted in Jewish culture and values, our early childhood center engages children, families and early childhood professionals of all backgrounds and beliefs in an atmosphere where all people feel welcome and connected. The power of unity and the comfort of belonging sets the tone for lifelong interactions and commitment to others.
Our Commitment
Our teachers and children together build a foundation for innovative thinking, problem-solving, compassion and being resilient members of our community.
We Are A Kehillah Kedosha (A Sacred Community)
What We Believe
Early childhood education is more than preparing children for future success in school, it’s about honoring the process of childhood and supporting all children in realizing their full potential.
Why We’re Exceptional
With the distinct advantage of being part of the Mandel JCC, experiences are greatly enhanced in a multigenerational environment filled with play and exploration in outdoor spaces, classrooms, gymnasium, pool and early childhood studio space.
Why We Succeed
Our teachers create a learning environment and experiences that spark wonder and creativity, build confidence, and nurture a love of lifelong learning. Families are partners in the work that we do – together we are caretakers for each other and for our school community.
Our Philosophy
- Children are unique, naturally curious and capable learners.
- Children learn best through play – developing physically, cognitively, emotionally and socially.
- Relationships are critical in helping all individuals feel safe in order to learn and grow.
- We value families as primary caregivers.
- Our educators are collaborative learners and innovators who nurture kindness and teach and model essential self-regulation skills.
- We create learning environments that are safe, nurturing and inclusive for children, staff and families.
- Family engagement builds a healthy school community.
2024-2025 School Calendar
2025 Tuition Rates Coming Soon
Application
Work With Us
Featured Classes
Early Childhood
04/07/2025 - 04/28/2025
An infant and caregiver class that encourages bonding and builds developmental skills.
Join Morah Maria Hanley and Morah Dana Saltzman for this class for children 6 weeks to 12 months that is designed to encourage bonding with your baby, build language skills and enhance early physical development while giving caregivers a chance to connect with others in the community.
Early Childhood
02/03/2025 - 02/24/2025
An infant and caregiver class that encourages bonding and builds developmental skills.
Join Morah Maria Hanley and Morah Dana Saltzman for this class for children 6 weeks to 12 months that is designed to encourage bonding with your baby, build language skills and enhance early physical development while giving caregivers a chance to connect with others in the community.
Early Childhood
01/06/2025 - 01/27/2025
An infant and caregiver class that encourages bonding and builds developmental skills.
Join Morah Maria Hanley and Morah Dana Saltzman for this class for children 6 weeks to 12 months that is designed to encourage bonding with your baby, build language skills and enhance early physical development while giving caregivers a chance to connect with others in the community.
Early Childhood
03/03/2025 - 03/31/2025
An infant and caregiver class that encourages bonding and builds developmental skills.
Join Morah Maria Hanley and Morah Dana Saltzman for this class for children 6 weeks to 12 months that is designed to encourage bonding with your baby, build language skills and enhance early physical development while giving caregivers a chance to connect with others in the community.
Early Childhood
05/05/2025 - 05/19/2025
An infant and caregiver class that encourages bonding and builds developmental skills.
Join Morah Maria Hanley and Morah Dana Saltzman for this class for children 6 weeks to 12 months that is designed to encourage bonding with your baby, build language skills and enhance early physical development while giving caregivers a chance to connect with others in the community.
Aquatics, Early Childhood
01/11/2025 - 02/15/2025
Parent/child swim lessons for children ages 6 months through 3 years old.
Perfect for children ages 6 months through 3 years old to learn the basics of swimming and getting acclimated to the water. Parents/caregivers are in the water with the children and are an important part of the experience. Participants will learn water adaption, blowing bubbles and the beginnings of strokes.
Aquatics, Early Childhood
01/11/2025 - 02/15/2025
Parent/child swim lessons for children ages 6 months through 3 years old.
Perfect for children ages 6 months through 3 years old to learn the basics of swimming and getting acclimated to the water. Parents/caregivers are in the water with the children and are an important part of the experience. Participants will learn water adaption, blowing bubbles and the beginnings of strokes.
Early Childhood, Jewish Life, K-12, Adult
12/25/2024 - 12/25/2024
A family-friendly day of community service projects and learning.
Spend the morning at The J engaging in family-friendly community service projects and service learning. Learn what is Jewish about community service and participate in projects that will benefit local organizations and those in need. After the program, stay at The J to enjoy the facilities for the day. Free and open to the community.
Early Childhood
04/07/2025 - 04/28/2025
A child and caregiver class that builds developmental skills and enhances curiosity.
Join Morah Maria Hanley and Morah Dana Saltzman for this class for children 0 - 5 years old that is designed to help children build language, motor, and social skills, enhance curiosity and creativity, and help them learn the conventions of playing at school and being part of a group.
Early Childhood
02/03/2025 - 02/24/2025
A child and caregiver class that builds developmental skills and enhances curiosity.
Join Morah Maria Hanley and Morah Dana Saltzman for this class for children 0 - 5 years old that is designed to help children build language, motor, and social skills, enhance curiosity and creativity, and help them learn the conventions of playing at school and being part of a group.
Early Childhood
01/06/2025 - 01/27/2025
A child and caregiver class that builds developmental skills and enhances curiosity.
Join Morah Maria Hanley and Morah Dana Saltzman for this class for children 0 - 5 years old that is designed to help children build language, motor, and social skills, enhance curiosity and creativity, and help them learn the conventions of playing at school and being part of a group.
Early Childhood
03/03/2025 - 03/31/2025
A child and caregiver class that builds developmental skills and enhances curiosity.
Join Morah Maria Hanley and Morah Dana Saltzman for this class for children 0 - 5 years old that is designed to help children build language, motor, and social skills, enhance curiosity and creativity, and help them learn the conventions of playing at school and being part of a group.
Early Childhood
05/05/2025 - 05/19/2025
A child and caregiver class that builds developmental skills and enhances curiosity.
Join Morah Maria Hanley and Morah Dana Saltzman for this class for children 0 - 5 years old that is designed to help children build language, motor, and social skills, enhance curiosity and creativity, and help them learn the conventions of playing at school and being part of a group.
Aquatics, Early Childhood
01/11/2025 - 02/15/2025
A developmentally appropriate lesson for emphasizing foundational swimming concepts.
A positive, developmentally appropriate learning experience emphasizing water safety, survival and foundational swimming concepts. Children ages 3-5 years old will work on blowing bubbles, floating and basic water skills.
Aquatics, Early Childhood
01/11/2025 - 02/15/2025
A developmentally appropriate lesson for emphasizing foundational
A positive, developmentally appropriate learning experience emphasizing water safety, survival and foundational swimming concepts. Children ages 3-5 years old will work on blowing bubbles, floating and basic water skills.
Aquatics, Early Childhood
01/13/2025 - 02/17/2025
A developmentally appropriate lesson for emphasizing foundational swimming concepts.
A positive, developmentally appropriate learning experience emphasizing water safety, survival and foundational swimming concepts. Children ages 3-5 years old will work on blowing bubbles, floating and basic water skills.
Early Childhood, K-12
02/16/2025 - 02/16/2025
A free open gym with large muscle activities for families with young children.
Get out of the cold and join us in The J's gymnasium for large muscle activities such as biking, balls, bouncy house and more! Meet other young families and enjoy a safe space to release that winter energy. Good for families with children ages 0-8.
Early Childhood, K-12
01/26/2025 - 01/26/2025
A free open gym with large muscle activities for families with young children.
Get out of the cold and join us in The J's gymnasium for large muscle activities such as biking, balls, bouncy house and more! Meet other young families and enjoy a safe space to release that winter energy. Good for families with children ages 0-8.
Early Childhood, K-12
03/23/2025 - 03/23/2025
A free open gym with large muscle activities for families with young children.
Get out of the cold and join us in The J's gymnasium for large muscle activities such as biking, balls, bouncy house and more! Meet other young families and enjoy a safe space to release that winter energy. Good for families with children ages 0-8.
Early Childhood Center Leadership
Liza Adams
Co-Director of Early Childhood Services
216-831-0700 Ext. 1387
Jaclyn Gordon
Co-Director of Early Childhood Services
216-831-0700 Ext. 1362
Jill Sadowsky
Sr. Director of Camping and Youth Services
216-593-6258
Kathy Newman
Early Childhood Business Manager
216-593-6275
