Temple Beth Shalom

Early Childhood Center

Our Early Childhood Center (ECC), founded over 25 years ago, was created in response to Temple Beth Shalom’s strong commitment to future generations. At the ECC, our mission is to foster a warm and inspiring learning environment where every child feels safe to explore, create, and discover. We believe that early childhood is a time to not only build important skills, but to develop joy, confidence, and independence. Through play, meaningful relationships, and a strong Jewish community, we nurture children to see themselves as valuable and capable thinkers. Our goal is to help each child grow with curiosity, bravery, and a deep sense of pride in who they are and what they can achieve.

We offer 2s, 3s, and 4s classes, team-taught by dedicated, collaborative, passionate professionals who value continued learning and are committed to the growth of each and every child.

Our classrooms support learning through play, and encourage group inquiry in a dynamic setting. Sensory exploration, art, music, community-building, social-emotional learning, problem solving, outdoor play and nature are constants in our classrooms. Our park-like setting allows each class to have it’s own outdoor playspace, to allow for inspired time outside in varied environments. Beyond the daily schedule, we also welcome partners in gardening, karate, music, yoga/mindfulness, and environmental education/nature to provide further enrichment.

With a Temple as our backdrop, Jewish holidays and traditions become a window for children of all backgrounds to explore their world. We welcome senior generations into our classrooms and join the Temple for music, celebrations and tzdakah (social action and community service) projects — with this strong connection to a greater community, children often feel like Temple Beth Shalom is their second home.

Visit us, and you will see why our school is a beloved program in the Rivertowns, and is often recommended by our local school districts as one of the best preschools in the area.

In Addition to Our Daily Program:

A welcoming cultural experience in Temple life for people of all backgrounds, including a connection to our congregation, Jewish holidays, traditions, and Shabbat celebrations.
A priority on communication with families, including daily updates and photos via our app, weekly class letters to parents from teachers, Director monthly emails, private Instagram account, scheduled conferences and more…
Rewarding parent opportunities including social events, parents’ nights out, tzedakah (social action) projects, Temple family programs, visiting speakers and parenting workshops to keep busy families connected.
Specialists in music, art, karate, and mindfulness/yoga.
Guidance and support during Early Intervention, CPSE and CSE processes; recognized as one of the area’s most collaborative programs with local school district Special Education departments.