We are a five day/week program that offers half, full, and extended day schedules to children ages 2-5 years.
We have a co-teacher staff model. All our teachers have at least the minimum number of early childhood education units, and years of classroom experience to be lead teachers. And our teacher turnover rate is extremely low – our staff is family.
Our Reggio-inspired curriculum brings children, teachers, parents, and the environment together to create opportunities for multi-sensory experiences, collaboration, and independent critical thinking. We nurture a love for Judaism and its rich history, practice and rituals, as well its emphasis on social justice, inclusivity, compassion and kindness. And we introduce our students to written, conversational, and liturgical Hebrew.
In addition to our daily curriculum, we also offer specialist activities including drumming, Israeli Dance, and music. We also offer gross and fine motor afternoon enrichment classes such as a Spanish immersion cooking class, puppet making, and mindful martial arts.
A Note about Pre-K:
Why should I enroll my child in your Pre-Kindergarten program instead of public school’s Transitional Kindergarten (TK), where it’s free? While the rollout of public TK through California is a welcome step toward equitable access to early education for every child, our preschool offers several elements designed specifically for young children’s development.
Toddler Program
Our Toddler Program is open to students ages 18-24 months and offers full and extended day schedule options.
These classes have a student:teacher ratio of 4:1, allowing for highly personalized learning and support.
Grown-up and Me Classes
Our Infant Class is open to little ones ages birth-walking and includes music and movement and a different developmental parenting topic, reading, and discussion each week.
Our Shabbat Class is open to children who are walking, ages 1-3 years, and includes being part of our all-school Shabbat celebration, outdoor play, indoor play and an art experience, Shabbat snack, and a different developmental parenting topic, reading, and discussion each week.
Bite Size Family Programs
Open to members and non-members with children ages birth-5 years. Programs include Shabbat-friendly play and craft followed by lots of dancing, drumming, and singing in our family Shabbat service. Then stay for IKAR’s free community lunch!
Camps
The Early Childhood Center offers camps throughout the year when school is closed for longer holiday and summer breaks. Open to all children ages 2-5 who have already been in a school or care program.
Community
Our ECC families are the best: warm, supportive, eager to build a community for their children. Our Parent Advisory Council offers many ways to get involved. Parents have opportunities to attend weekly ECC shabbat celebrations with their children and to volunteer for holiday experiences such as Hanukkah, Purim, Tu B’shvat, and Yom Ha’atzmaut. Parents also get to know one another and the ECC team via monthly coffee stops, class parties, and other community-building experiences. Friendships that start here really do last a lifetime.
The ECC builds connections beyond the preschool with IKAR’s Limudim religious school program (for ages 4-teens), and our community service program Little Mensches.
