Preschool

Applications Now Being Accepted for New Transitional Kindergarten at the J -- The J will be offering a new Transitional Kindergarten program starting this coming September. The Merage JCC Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program is designed for the child whose birth date meets Kindergarten en­trance requirements, but who would benefit from an extra year to mature and grow. Debbie Deener, formally of Tarbut V’Torah, will be the lead teacher for our new TK class. Debbie is a caring, warm, highly experienced transitional kindergarten teacher whose love of learning inspires children to reach for new academic heights. Our structured academic curriculum moves at a gentle pace and helps each child develop con­fidence while setting the foundation for a successful school experience.

For more information please contact: Pam Ranta, 949-435-3400 x 221, Director, ECLC

Applications Now Being Accepted for Preschool Enrollment -- At the JCC Preschool, your two-year-old to Pre-K child's natural curiosity and intelligence will be nurtured while strengthening his/her Jewish identity in a safe and secure environment. As part of the Gan Tapuz Early Childhood Learning Center, the Preschool is founded on five pillars: child centered curriculum, developmentally and age appropriate environment, open communication, program documentation and on-going professional staff development. Jewish learning is included in the curriculum.

Open to JCC members only, we offer flexible scheduling to meet your needs, including two, three, and five-day options with a choice of Half-Day (9:00a-12:45p), Plus-Day (9:00a-3:30p) and Full-Day (7:30a-6:00p). To enhance your child's preschool experience, we offer a variety of afternoon enrichment programs to suit your child's interests, from ballet and soccer to art, science and cooking.

For more information please contact: Pam Ranta, 949-435-3400 x 221, Director, ECLC

Find out about Summer Fun for Preschoolers at Camp Yeladim.

To view our preschool brochure Click here.

Calendar

Classes & Events:

Alphabet Soup
Children are introduced to phonemic awareness-a crucial element in learning to read - through games, arts and crafts, songs, rhymes, and other play activities. We delve into phonics and complete the year with reading. This class is designed as a year long program for students who will be entering kindergarten in the fall of 2008. Each session builds on the previous session.

Ballet for Tots Ages 3-5
An introduction to classical ballet taught in a creative and nurturing environment. Each class has upbeat music to begin the warm up and stretching. Attire: Ballet shoes are required. Leotard and tights are recommended.

Clay Time Ceramic Ages 4-5
Through the creative process children learn about the many properties of clay. Working with clay assists in the development of fine motor skills, manual dexterity and encourages imagination and creativity. Materials fee included in class fee.

Cooking Around the World Ages 3-5
We'll use recipes from the four corners of the world. With a little bit of this and a splash of that children will prepare foods from a variety of countries while learning about measuring, baking and much more.

Gymnastics for Tots Ages 4-5
Children will play gymnastics games and work with an expert on gymnastics fundamentals including gross motor skills, tumbling, stretching, movement and more.

Hay is for Hebrew Ages 4-5
Conversational Hebrew is taught through weekly themes appropriate for the preschooler including colors, family relationships, zoo animals, farm animals, counting, space, dinosaurs, part of the body and seasons. Children will learn language associated with the Jewish holidays. This class is taught through games, arts and crafts, singing and dancing. Language builds throughout the year so that by the end of the year, the instructor is speaking only Hebrew.

Inspiring Artists-AGES 3-5
Experience various mediums of art including paint, collage, printing, 3-dimensional art projects and a whole lot more. Children take home works of art weekly.

Movin' and Groovin' Ages 3-5
Children will shake their bodies and groove to the music of classic children's songs and pop music. Basic movements and special awareness are explored along with the use of instruments, streamers and instruction. Fun for all! Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes to make moving a cinch.