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
2024-2025 Tuition
Application
Work With Us
Featured Classes
Early Childhood
12/02/2024 - 12/16/2024
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
11/04/2024 - 11/25/2024
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
10/07/2024 - 10/28/2024
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
09/09/2024 - 09/30/2024
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 - 12 months that is designed to encourage bonding with baby, build language skills and enhance early physical development while giving caregivers a chance to connect with others in the community.
Early Childhood, Jewish Life, K-12
09/19/2024 - 09/19/2024
A family challah-making program with a hands-on community service project.
Come to The J after school to make your own challah and participate in a hands-on community service (Chessed) project. Give back to the community and help prepare for shabbat. For children ages 2-10 and their caregivers.
Aquatics, Early Childhood
09/14/2024 - 10/26/2024
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. No class on Saturday, October 12
Aquatics, Early Childhood
09/14/2024 - 10/26/2024
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. No class on Saturday, October 12
Early Childhood, Jewish Life, K-12
09/29/2024 - 09/29/2024
A free family Rosh Hashanah celebration.
Celebrate Rosh Hashanah with The J! Taste symbolic Rosh Hashanah foods, make your own honey jar, enjoy birthday cake to celebrate the birthday of the world and hear a Rosh Hashanah story. For families with children ages birth to 8 years old.
Early Childhood, Jewish Life, K-12
10/21/2024 - 10/21/2024
A fun family Sukkot celebration with pizza and activities.
Celebrate Sukkot in The J’s sukkah during this family event. Enjoy kosher pizza, crafts and some Sukkot stories. For families with children ages birth to 8 years old.
Early Childhood
12/02/2024 - 12/16/2024
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 1 - 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 1 - 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 1 - 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
11/04/2024 - 11/25/2024
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 1 - 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
10/07/2024 - 10/28/2024
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 1 - 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
09/09/2024 - 09/30/2024
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 1 - 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
09/14/2024 - 10/26/2024
Swim lessons for children ages 3-5 years old.
A positive, developmentally appropriate aquatic learning experience for children ages 3-5 years old. This class teaches water adaption, blowing bubbles and beginnings of strokes.
Aquatics, Early Childhood
09/14/2024 - 10/26/2024
Swim lessons for children ages 3-5 years old.
A positive, developmentally appropriate aquatic learning experience for children ages 3-5 years old, This class teaches water adaption, blowing bubbles and beginnings of strokes.
Aquatics, Early Childhood
09/16/2024 - 10/21/2024
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 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
