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
Camps, Early Childhood, K-12
08/17/2025 - 08/17/2025
Enjoy the afternoon at Camp Wise for a family outing.
Wrap up summer with an awesome day at Camp Wise. Kids of all ages and adults can get in touch with their adventurous side by soaring to new heights on the ropes course, using their creative talents to make something in the art shack, enjoying other activities at the lake, pool and more! Free however registration is required
Early Childhood, Jewish Life, K-12
03/27/2025 - 03/27/2025
A program for children and their caregivers to make challah and do a 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
02/22/2025 - 03/29/2025
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.
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
02/22/2025 - 03/29/2025
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
03/09/2025 - 03/09/2025
A family day celebrating Purim with fun crafts and activities.
Celebrate Purim by making your own mishloach manot, hearing a Purim story, playing goofy games and more.
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
02/22/2025 - 03/29/2025
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
02/22/2025 - 03/29/2025
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
01/13/2025 - 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.
Aquatics, Early Childhood
02/24/2025 - 03/31/2025
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
