Early Childhood Center
Philosophy
The Early Childhood Center of Congregation Beth El believes in the development of the whole child as an individual.
By providing a secure, warm atmosphere, the child feels safe to explore, experiment, create, share and learn at his or her own pace.
Through recognition of his or her feelings and needs, the child develops a positive self-image and learns to love and respect others. Our state-of-the-art classrooms and playground equipment provide an atmosphere that nurtures each child's unique abilities.
Jewish Content
Being a part of Congregation Beth El, the Early Childhood Center provides an opportunity for the child to learn about his/her Jewish heritage and culture in a developmentally appropriate manner. Included in this aspect of our program is the daily usage of Hebrew words and expressions, prayer before eating and the celebration of Shabbat and other Jewish holidays.
Staff
Since 2002, Roselee Redelheim has been the director of the ECC. Click here to see her bio.
To contact Roselee, email her at rredelheim@bethelsnj.org or call the main office.
Beginning in 2011, Caryn Weiss joined the administrative staff as the Program Co-ordinator. Click here to see her bio.
Each class is staffed by at least one teacher plus assistants chosen because of their qualifications and experience in working with young children. Their warmth and caring provide the foundation necessary to encourage the social, emotional and academic development in each individual child. The majority of the staff has received CPR Training and two-thirds of our full time staff has been at the ECC for more than 5 years.
Curriculum
The curriculum for all classes, ages 2-5, is based on developmentally appropriate practices. In both Day Care and Preschool classes, the children are given opportunities to learn basic skills and beyond. Through many hands-on experiences, the students are encouraged to use their 5 senses of seeing, hearing, touching, smelling and tasting, to learn about the world around them. We focus on the individual child and help them grow from where they are to the next level of skills in all areas of development.
Parental Involvement
Parents are always welcome to visit or help at the ECC. Many come in to share special interests with their child's class, while others may respond to requests for help in baking or arts and crafts from the teacher.
On a more formal basis, there are two avenues in which parents may become involved:
The ECC Board
Beth El's Early Childhood Board serves as an advisory and policy guidance group that works with school administration and congregation Beth El leadership on matters related to school finance and administration. It consists of Congregation Beth El members who are interested in the success and operation of our school. The majority of the members of the Board currently or previously had children enrolled in the ECC.
Current Co-chairmen are Meredith G. Becker and Stephanie K. Blackman.
Parent Teacher Group (PTG)
PTG coordinates the majority of the fundraising for the ECC and uses the funds for several initiatives such as Fun Days, Teacher Appreciation Lunches, food for the Model Seder and Tu B'shevat, and Class Wish Lists. PTG is open to all ECC families and all parents are encouraged to attend PTG meetings and be active participants.
Get involved!
To volunteer or to become involved in one of our parent-led organizations, please contact Roselee Redelheim.