A child-centered approach for infants through pre-K
 

The E.B. Hirsh Early Childhood Center is an exciting place for young children and their families. Through a child-centered approach our children are given the opportunity to grow, to be curious, to explore their environment, and to become independent learners.  Our large preschool classrooms and spacious playground afford our children the opportunity to exercise their minds and bodies and to thrive in a nurturing, respectful atmosphere.

Each child’s strengths, needs, and interests are addressed through an integrated Judaic and secular curriculum that is developmentally appropriate.  The teachers serve as attentive facilitators while the children manipulate their surroundings and make their own discoveries and observations about their place in the world.  

Daily Activities

Our days include:

• Creative play, physical movement, music & art
• Conversations with children in small and large groups
• Language development, Hebrew, computer, math, science, cooking
• Learning about Jewish customs and values, traditions of Jewish life, and Israel.  
• Weekly Kabbalat Shabbat with the Rabbis and Cantors for our BHC, as well as at other holiday celebrations throughout the year.

Infant Care

Ages 10 weeks to 18 months of age
10 months | Monday through Friday | 7 am to 5:30 pm
Summer option available = Yes
Teacher/Infant Ratio = 1:3
Class Max size = 6

Our superior childcare offers an enriching and nurturing environment for your little one with an individualized curriculum that nurtures the social and emotional, language, cognitive, physical, and creative development of each child. Our teachers help infants explore, discover and learn about their new world. In addition to the requisite feeding, diapering, and napping, a typical day includes singing, reading, playing, and stroller rides outside.

As babies grow older, they are introduced to developmentally appropriate art projects. Jewish learning starts in infancy and babies who are not napping join the rest of the school at Kabbalat Shabbat services on Friday mornings.

Toddlers

Ages 18 months of to approximately two years
10 months | Monday through Friday | 7 am to 5:30 pm
Summer option available = Yes
Teacher/Toddler Ratio = 1:3
Class Max size = 9

Our developmentally appropriate toddler curriculum focuses on social and emotional skills, language, and cognitive, physical, and creative development. Our teachers help children to learn about themselves, relate to others, and explore and learn about their world. Our day includes pre-reading and pre-writing activities. Art supplies are always available, and children have the opportunity to create authentic art related to their interests, seasons, holidays, and scientific concepts (e.g., texture, mixing colors). Children also experience Judaism and Jewish life through songs, stories, and hands-on projects. Every day, children enjoy physical activities indoors and outdoors on our beautiful playground.

Preschool and Pre-K

Ages 2-4
Last Week August – First week of June
Monday through Friday | 7 AM to 5:30 PM (Ask us about part-time options)
Summer option available = Yes

Twos
Teacher/Toddler Ratio = 1:6
Class Max size = 12

Threes
Teacher/Toddler Ratio = 1:10
Class Max size = 20

Pre-K
Teacher/Toddler Ratio = 1:10
Class Max size = 20

Preschool is a time of enormous advances, and our developmentally-appropriate curriculum supports children as they acquire many skills. Our focus is on social and emotional growth, language, and cognitive, physical, and creative development.

Children are encouraged to become self-aware in order to relate to their peers and adults. They are supported in expressing their thoughts and ideas, and to explore and learn mathematical and scientific concepts. They use and develop large and small muscles as they play outdoors and indoors every day. Pre-reading opportunities enable children to acquire the skills necessary for kindergarten.

Because art supplies are always available, children have the opportunity to create art related to their interests, seasons, holidays, and scientific concepts. Children also experience Judaism and Jewish life through songs, stories, and hands-on projects.

Summer Experience for All

Ages 3 months – 4 years
9 weeks June-Augusts (dates vary)
Monday through Friday | 7 am to 5:30 am (Part-time options available)

Our child-directed camp program emphasizes art, music, science, cooking, creative movement, and lots of outdoor play. The summer experience is staffed by qualified, experienced teachers who provide a nurturing and enriching atmosphere for our young children.

Enrollment Packet for Summer Experience 2025

Health and Safety

• All teachers are certified in CPR and First Aid.
• The required number of teachers have earned certificates in Medication Administration. They are qualified to administer medications if the proper paperwork has been completed by the parent and a physician. All medications and immunization records are kept in a central location.
• Toys in the Infant rooms are cleaned and disinfected daily. Toys in the Toddlers and Twos rooms are cleaned and disinfected .
• We are sensitive to the importance of making our school environment as safe as possible for children who have allergies. We maintain a nut-free environment. Posted in each room is a list of children and their food allergies and we work closely with our parents to keep all of our children safe.