E.B. Hirsh FAQs & Forms

What hours are you open?
We are open Monday through Friday from 7 am to 5:30 pm.

Do you have to be Jewish to attend?
We value and embrace diversity and have children from many different backgrounds. We celebrate Jewish holidays and values as part of our curriculum.

Are you closed for the Jewish holidays?
We follow Reform Judaism’s holiday calendar. Please refer to the E.B. Hirsh Early Childhood Center Calendar for specific closing dates.

Do children need to be immunized to attend the E.B. Hirsh Early Childhood Center?
Each child enrolled in the E.B. Hirsh Early Childhood Center must have a complete up-to-date State of Maryland Health Form and Immunization Record on file. All students are required to be up to date on all mandated immunizations. We are not able to accept children who are not immunized.

Can you administer medication?
Yes, with a Medical Administration Form signed by your child’s health care provider. There is at least one teacher in every classroom who can administer medication.

Are the teachers First Aid and CPR certified?
Yes. While the State of Maryland Office of Childcare only requires 1 teacher per 20 children to be certified, over 95% of our teachers have their First Aid and CPR certifications?

How do you handle food allergies?
The health and safety of our children is our highest priority. We talk to each family about their child’s allergies and create a plan based on their individual needs. We post information, so all staff are aware of the precautions needed. We are a completely nut free school. Each year, parents and child’s health care provider are required to complete and submit the State of Maryland Office of Childcare Allergy and Anaphylaxis/Medication Administration Authorization Plan which is kept in the classroom.

Will my child nap during the day? If yes, for how long?
According to Maryland Childcare Regulations, all children who are in school for 6 or more hours must have at least a 30-minute rest. We find that many of our children in the Toddlers, Twos, Threes and Pre-K classes sleep for at least 1 hour if not longer. The children in the Infant Program follow an individualized schedule provided by their parents.

Must my child be potty trained by a specific age?
No. We believe children will be toilet trained when they are ready. We do our realistic best to support family’s efforts at home with toilet training. Your child’s teacher can provide resources on toilet training and preschoolers.

Do I provide lunch and snacks?
Yes. You provide lunch and snacks. While lunches do not have to be kosher, we do not permit pork products or shellfish. Your children will need one morning snack and one afternoon snack. If they are picked up between 5:00 and 5:30, they will need an additional afternoon snack. Please note, we are a completely nut free school.

Will my child be ready for kindergarten after attending the E.B. Hirsh Early Childhood Center?
Yes. We pride ourselves on kindergarten readiness and our experienced Pre-K teachers work with the children on the essential skills needed for kindergarten and beyond. For example, children will be able to follow multistep directions, utilize critical thinking skills, write their names, develop age-appropriate self-confidence, and use numbers for counting.

How do you communicate with families?
Communication is key to any successful relationship. We are currently using Procare Solutions for daily communication. Procare is utilized for signing in and out each day, parent communication including photos and important school related announcements. In addition to Procare, there is usually a weekly school-wide e-mail newsletter. You may also call or email the office and we will deliver a message to the specific teacher(s).

Are parents welcome to visit during the day?
This is your school, and you are always welcome to spend time with your child.  However, each child is different and may have a difficult time separating when it is time for you to leave.

I am interested in the infant program. When do I need to enroll?
As soon as possible because infant spaces are limited and fill up quickly. 

Do you want to provide a link to form???? YES! link to enrollment form linked on the first page of this content (Education>EB Hirsh)

What do I need to provide for my infant?
You provide diapers and wipes, extra clothing, and bedding. Additionally, a class supply list is sent home prior to the first day.

Do you have a summer program?
We offer a summer experience which typically starts the 3rd week of June through the 2nd week of August.

Do you have a summer program once the children age out of the E.B. Hirsh Early Childhood Center?
As children age out of our preschool, we encourage you to check out J Camps at the Owings Mills JCC. Through our collaboration with the JCC, we offer a discount for JCC summer memberships.

Is there a nurse or doctor on site or on call?
Through the collaboration with the JCC, we can access medical advice from the Stoler Early Learning Center’s head nurse or consult with our school’s pediatrician.