We create an environment that encompasses the importance of Judaism, family, community, and the individual needs of each child. We respect children for who they are now, as well as for their potential. In our warm and nurturing environment, children learn through active play and exploration. Our Jewish values and traditions are the foundation of our program and we welcome all early childhood families into our Temple community.

Active Learners, Warm Community

Our hands-on approach encourages curiosity, exploration, and a love for learning. We prioritize fostering emotional well-being for children, their families, and our staff by cultivating a supportive environment based on trust and authenticity.

Experienced and Dedicated Educators Fostering a Sense of Community

Our passionate educators bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and best practices, ensuring the children are getting the best developmentally appropriate experience. With a very low teacher turnover, we maintain a continuous and stable learning environment. Our community extends far beyond the walls of the classroom. Families, educators, clergy, and temple staff work together, fostering shared values and connections that last a lifetime.

OUR DEDICATED TEAM OF EDUCATORS

  • JILL CIMAFONTE

    Early Learning Center Director

  • ALIZA CINAMON

    Early Learning Center Assistant Director

  • CLAIRE BERNSTEIN

    Early Learning Center Operations Manager

  • MINDY POSNER

    Administrative Assistant

  • ROBIN EDELSTEIN

    Inclusion Specialist

MEET OUR TEACHERS

Our approach to learning incorporates the following essential elements:

  • JEWISH EXPERIENCES

    We frame our work through Jewish lenses, values and culture. We emphasize the development of positive Jewish identity through rituals and celebrations involving Shabbat, Jewish holidays, and shared experiences.

  • PLAY BASED LEARNING

    Play is the primary vehicle through which young children learn. This includes hands-on experiential learning, where children engage in open-ended play activities that encourage creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

  • NATURE BASED LEARNING

    TEVA, our outdoor classroom, provides children the opportunity to experience a natural environment on a regular basis. Exposure to nature fosters a sense of wonder and curiosity, allowing children to connect with the natural world.

  • INDIVIDUALIZED APPROACH

    Recognizing that every child is unique, we provide a differentiated approach to meet the diverse needs and abilities of every child.

  • HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT

    We value the development of the “whole” child with equal attention devoted to their social, emotional, physical, cognitive and language development. Activities and experiences are designed to promote well-rounded growth.

  • PARTNERSHIP WITH FAMILY

    By establishing strong lines of communication, educators and families collaborate as a team to support every child’s development and wellness.

DAILY SCHEDULE

Our daily schedule is structured, yet flexible, offering a diverse range of child-initiated experiences. Weekly specials include music, sports, and a school-wide Shabbat celebration.

Sample Schedule:

  • Free Play

  • Meeting Time

  • Snack

  • Gross Motor (indoor/outdoor)

  • Work time

  • Lunch

  • Rest/Quiet Time

  • Afternoon Meeting

  • Free Play/Work time

  • Snack

  • Gross Motor (indoor/outdoor)

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PROGRAM

What are ELC parents saying about our program?

  • ELC is the best, I cannot recommend them more. They are so loving and caring of the children and the amount of development and learning is amazing to see from the first to last day of school.

  • I can’t imagine sending my kids anywhere else!

  • We’ve been so impressed by all of the creative and engaging activities the kids do in the ELC.

  • We’ve been so happy with the ELC's curriculum and feel as though both of our children are constantly learning! We are so impressed and touched with how the ELC teachers took care of our son and helped him grow up this year. He has learned so much and absolutely loves his friends and teachers.

  • We can’t imagine a better place for our son than Temple Emanu-El’s ELC program. We are so grateful to the teachers and staff for taking such good care of him and creating a nurturing, supportive environment for him to learn, grow and play.

  • I love being a part of the ELC family! Best decision we made when moving to town. The teachers are so special and work so hard every day to make my boys so happy! Teachers are very creative and patient we are very lucky to have them – my daughter runs into school in the morning to hug her teachers It’s a very warm, loving community for the students. My child loves shabbat, singing, dancing and all of the traditions.

  • I like how there are a lot of opportunities for the parents to get involved in different activities (bagel Monday, pizza Friday, Hamantashen baking, etc.). The quality of the activities the kids do, lots of communication from the school about what they’re doing