Blog
The Gift of “What If?”
When I began my JCC journey back in the 90’s as the front desk girl at Mayer Kaplan JCC, I was in college and had no idea what to be when I grew up. I changed my mind so many times….what if I became a lawyer, social worker, pediatrician, comedian, (I think it’s not too […] Learn More ›
Growing Up Looks Different For Everyone
I have been working in education for the past eighteen years. Over the years I have reassured countless parents about their child’s development, education, independence, and future. It is only recently that I have realized how much a certain level of academic achievements and developmental milestones are taken for granted as rites of passage in […] Learn More ›
The Gift of Giving
The time of year has come when our children are busy in their classrooms learning about the story of Hanukkah. The aroma of latkes fills the hallways, books about brave Macabees take over the library corners, and riveting games of dreidel are in full swing. While gift giving has not always been a tradition of […] Learn More ›
The Salience of Superheroes
“Mommy, I bet The Hulk could pick up the whole world with one finger.” Ah, the morning musings of my four year-old on our drive to school. As an early childhood professional with two young ones of my own, I’m well versed in the world of good guys, bad guys, princesses, superheroes, and the miracle […] Learn More ›
The Wonderful World of Why’s: Providing Answers Beyond “Because I Said So!”
My daughter: Why are the birds so loud? Me: They are chirping. My daughter: Why? Me: Because just like we talk, chirping is how birds communicate and “talk.” My daughter: Why? Me: Their family wants to know where they are and if they need something. My daughter: But why? Me: Because their family cares about them. My daughter: Why? Me: Doesn’t your Mommy and Daddy […] Learn More ›
What Is An Outdoor Classroom?
We began our journey with CEELI – Chicago Early Engagement Leadership Initiative, in October 2016. CEELI Community of Practice is a groundbreaking initiative in North America by virtue of its scope and outcome measures. CEELI in the Chicago Jewish community, with support from the Crown Family Philanthropies and Union of Reform Judaism (URJ), is deepening its […] Learn More ›