ec-header-bernard-horwich-swimming

Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Program for 3’s & 4’s Classes

The Learn-to-Swim program focuses on building skills one step at a time. Mastering one element before moving on to the next makes it easy to build confidence in the water.

During their swim lessons, children will learn:

Introduction to Water Skills:
Students will learn how to feel comfortable in the water and safely enjoy it.

Fundamentals of Aquatic Skills:
Children will learn basic swimming skills.

Stroke Development:
Additional guided practice will help students improve their skills.

Safety is our priority and all members of our Aquatics staff are American Red Cross certified lifeguards with CPR training for the professional rescuer.

Gan Avigail

gan avigail park

Gan Avigail is our new, accessible outdoor park our Early Childhood students will enjoy daily including two fully accessible playgrounds, playing fields, an outdoor pavilion, and an accessible walking path at Bernard Horwich JCC!

3003 W. Touhy Ave.
Chicago, IL 60645

  773.516.5881

Hours
Core Half-Day Preschool
2 year olds: 9:00am-12:00pm
3 & 4 year olds: 9:00am-1:00pm

Extended Day Preschool (All Ages)
M-Th: 9:00am-3:30pm
F: 9:00am-1:00pm

Miriam Aberman, Director

Miriam has a B.A. in Early Childhood Education and had the benefit of 14 years as a lead teacher at Bernard Horwich JCC before becoming a director. Teachers value her commitment to professional development and classroom success. Families appreciate her hands-on approach and visibility in the classrooms where she takes an interest in each child’s progress.

Hear from the Director

Programs at Bernard Horwich JCC

Half-Day for ages 2-5 years

Ask about Extended Day option

Preschool

2 – 5 years
Students make friends while building the social, emotional and academic skills needed for success in kindergarten and beyond.

Programs

2 – 5 years
Activities to promote your child’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development, plus family programs that build community.

Early Childhood + Apachi Day Camp Combos

2 – 5 years
Save on the cost of camp when you combine Apachi Day Camp with Early Childhood! Half-day students are eligible for a 20% discount off the camp fee on their final payment.

What Makes Us Different?

It is our passion and our privilege to provide your children with endless opportunities to learn, grow and explore. Deep understanding, love, support and care of every child is paramount to what we do. Our days are filled with music, creativity, outdoor playtime, celebrations of Jewish values and continuous exploration of the world around us.

Classrooms are the first community and we are so proud of those we build together every day.

Learn More

 

You May Be Wondering, Why Choose 2s?

Learn More

 

Classroom Spaces

Our classrooms are thoughtfully designed for each specific age group using natural elements and great attention to detail. Each space becomes a home away from home, a place where children can learn and explore the world around them.

Virtual Tour

Calendar

Registration & Pricing
2025-26 School Year

Half-Day Preschool

9/3/25-6/5/26
2 year olds must be 2 by Sept 1, 2025
3 & 4 year olds must be age by Oct 31, 2025

ProgramAgeDays/HoursPrice/InstallmentInstallments
5-Day 2s2 yrsM-F: 9am-12pm$8109
5-Day 2s - Extended Day2 yrsM-Th: 9am-3:30pm
F: 9am-1pm
$1,7559
5-Day 3s3 yrsM-F: 9am-1pm$1,0209
5-Day 3s - Extended Day3 yrsM-Th: 9am-3:30pm
F: 9am-1pm
$1,6459
5-Day 4s4 yrsM-F: 9am-1pm$1,0209
5-Day 4s - Extended Day4 yrsM-Th: 9am-3:30pm
F: 9am-1pm
$1,6459

Register

 

Camp/Preschool Combos

Camp: 6/19/25-8/8/25*
*No camp on July 4
Preschool: 9/3/25-6/5/26
Prices listed are for 12 month program

Camp/PreschoolAgeCamp HoursEC HoursPrice/Installment*InstallmentsDiscount
Apachi Village Rogers Park +
5-Day 3s
3 yrsM-F: 9:30am-1pmM-F: 9am-1pm$91812$366
Apachi Village Rogers Park +
5-Day 3s - Ext Day
3 yrsM-F: 9:30am-1pmM-Th: 9am-3:30pm
F: 9am-1pm
$1,38612$366
Apachi Village Rogers Park +
5-Day 4s
4 yrsM-F: 9:30am-1pmM-F: 9am-1pm$94312$426
Apachi Village Rogers Park +
5-Day 4s - Ext Day
4 yrsM-F: 9:30am-1pmM-Th: 9am-3:30pm
F: 9am-1pm
$1,41112$426
Camp Ext Day Only3-4 yrsM-F1-3:30pm$8152
*20% off camp fees will be taken off your final payment.

Register

2024-25

Half-Day Preschool

9/4/24-6/6/25
2 year olds must be 2 by Sept 1, 2024
3 & 4 year olds must be age by Oct 31, 2024

ProgramAgeDays/HoursPrice/InstallmentInstallments
5-Day 2s2 yrsM-F: 9am-12pm$7859
5-Day 2s - Extended Day2 yrsM-Th: 9am-3:30pm
F: 9am-1pm
$1,6959
5-Day 3s3 yrsM-F: 9am-1pm$9859
5-Day 3s - Extended Day3 yrsM-Th: 9am-3:30pm
F: 9am-1pm
$1,5909
5-Day 4s4 yrsM-F: 9am-1pm$9859
5-Day 4s - Extended Day4 yrsM-Th: 9am-3:30pm
F: 9am-1pm
$1,5909

Application

 

Camp/Preschool Combos

Camp: 6/19/24-8/9/24*
*No camp on July 4 & 5
Preschool: 9/4/24-6/6/25

Camp/PreschoolAgeCamp HoursEC HoursPrice/Installment*InstallmentsDiscount
Apachi Village Rogers Park +
5-Day 3s
3 yrsM-F: 9:30am-1pmM-F: 9am-1pm$88512$352
Apachi Village Rogers Park
5-Day 3s - Ext Day
3 yrsM-F: 9:30am-1pmM-Th: 9am-3:30pm
F: 9am-1pm
$1,33912$352
Apachi Village Rogers Park +
5-Day 4s
4 yrsM-F: 9:30am-1pmM-F: 9am-1pm$91012$410
Apachi Village Rogers Park
5-Day 4s - Ext Day
4 yrsM-F: 9:30am-1pmM-Th: 9am-3:30pm
F: 9am-1pm
$1,36312$410
*Half-day students will receive a 20% discount of the camp fee on their final payment.
Incentives, Policies & Forms

Incentives

Learn More

 

After Registration

You will need to complete various forms electronically. At the link below you can find the following:

  • Intake Forms
  • Parent Guide
  • Early Childhood Code of Honor
  • Summary of DCFS Licensing Standards
  • Late Pick-up Policy

Get The Forms

 

Registration Policies

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. We are unable to guarantee spots. If a class is full, you will be notified and placed on a waiting list. If your class is closed or cancelled, JCC Chicago staff will contact you to help you choose another class. Registrations are not processed on Shabbat.

New children will incur a non-refundable $500 registration fee; $250 of this fee will be applied towards first installment. Families applying for fee assistance will incur a non-refundable $250 registration fee.

Returning children do not pay a registration fee.

A $25 processing fee will be assessed for changes in program registration.

A $20 fee will be automatically charged to your account for any returned payments.

Payment Policy

Billing occurs on the 20th of each month, or the following business day. Educational services must be paid for by automatic bank draft or credit card. For anyone choosing to pay for programming by credit card, a 3% non-refundable convenience charge will be applied.

Payment Schedules
24/25 School Year >

Half-Day Preschool

Program fees are due in 9 equal installments beginning in June for the upcoming school year. Other payment options may be arranged by contacting Customer Solutions at support@jccchicago.org.

Childcare, Full-Day Preschool

Program fees are due in 10 or 12 equal installments beginning in June for the upcoming school year. Other payment options may be arranged by contacting Customer Solutions at support@jccchicago.org.

Early Childhood/Day Camp Combo

Program fees are due in 12 installments starting in April for the upcoming camp season and school year. Other payment options may be arranged by contacting Customer Solutions at support@jccchicago.org.

Credits on account must be used within 12 months from date of issuance. After such time, all credits will become null and void.

Refunds are not given for illness, covid room closures, vacation, holidays or temporary child care arrangements and participants may not switch days due to illness or school closure.

What is the refund policy if a classroom or the school has to close for longer than a two week period?
JCC Chicago will not be offering credits/refunds for classroom closures or absence from school due to COVID-19.

JCC Chicago Early Childhood Cancellation Policy

Cancellation notices must be received at least 30 days prior to the last date of attendance. All cancellations must be made in writing to the Early Childhood Site Director. Payments made prior to the cancellation notice will be retained and payment obligations will continue until 30 days prior to the last date of attendance.

Your registration fee is non-refundable.

For EC/Camp combo program cancellation, you may incur additional fees as combo pricing will no longer be valid and you will be responsible for the balance.

 

For full day sites with core hours, what if I don’t register for additional coverage and later need coverage at the beginning and/or end of the day?

Registration for the time before and/or after the core day will be accepted through August 1, 2024 for the 2024-25 school year. For families who later identify the need for early morning or late afternoon care, rolling registration will be accepted based on staffing levels. Should additional staff be required to meet your request, coverage will begin within a 30-day period of the request (pending available staff).

 

For full day sites with core hours, what if I no longer need coverage at the start and/or end of the day?

Optional coverage is subject to the same cancellation policy that has been in place for many years; 30 days written notice is required for all cancellations, during which time no additional payments will be drawn.

If we determine that continued participation in JCC Chicago programs or services is not appropriate, JCC Chicago reserves the right to discontinue services. In such circumstances, any unused portion of program fees paid to date will be refunded. JCC Chicago reserves the right to cancel the enrollment of a child for reasons not limited to the following; failure to observe the rules of JCC Chicago as outlined in the Parent Guide and Code of Honor, special needs of a child that cannot be adequately met with current staffing, physical and/ or verbal abuse of staff or children by adult or child, or non-payment of fees.

If your child is new to JCC Chicago Early Childhood programs, you must bring their original birth certificate to verify age. We will make and retain a copy, and return the original to you. Please note this policy is mandated by The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

JCC Chicago may videotape or photograph participants enrolled in programs, classes and events or while enjoying JCC Chicago facilities. These photographs are for JCC Chicago publications, flyers, publicity efforts, brochures, web use, other electronic communications or video usage. However, for Early Childhood, a program permission form must be signed to allow a child’s picture and name to be used for publicity purposes by JCC Chicago. This policy is mandated by DCFS. All photos and videos are for JCC Chicago use and become the sole property of JCC Chicago. Please contact the Program Director for photographic exclusions.

In the event of an emergency closure due to weather or other unforeseen causes, you will be notified through Remini. Updates will also be available on our website(s) at jccchicagoearlychildhood.org and jccchicago.org. Refunds will not be given for weather related or other closings that are out of our control.

IL Dept. of Children and Family Services requires all licensed programs to have a policy in place regarding immunizations. For each child enrolled in JCC Chicago Early Childhood programming, the parent (or legal guardian) must provide a current immunization record appropriate for the child’s age and a health form signed by the child’s physician or health department representative prior to the first day of the program. If the physical condition of the child is such that any one or more of the immunizing agents should not be administered, the examining physician, advanced practice nurse, or physician assistant responsible for the performance of the health examination shall endorse that fact upon the health examination form. No other exceptions to scheduled immunizations are permitted within JCC Chicago Early Childhood programming. It is the responsibility of the parent (or legal guardian) to update their file when the health records change. JCC Chicago requires evidence of immunization against diseases including polio, measles, rubella, mumps, diphtheria, pertussis, tentanus, HIB, hepatitis B, and varicella.

Although the COVID-19 vaccination is not currently required, JCC Chicago is requesting proof of vaccination if your child has been vaccinated. If your child is fully vaccinated and not showing symptoms of illness, they will not have to quarantine if there is an exposure.

We would love to speak with you!

Taking a tour offers families a chance to meet our Directors, learn about our indoor and outdoor classrooms, and discuss our unique educational approach.

Schedule a Tour