Blog
“Grandfriends” Transcends Generations
After seven years as a lead teacher at JCC Chicago ‘Z’ Frank Apachi Early Childhood, I stumbled upon a life altering national intergenerational fellowship opportunity envisioned by Ideal18 and funded through a generous grant by the Covenant Foundation. They were seeking classroom educators and administrators in Jewish early childhood who were intent on becoming activists […] Learn More ›
January’s “Tip of the Month” Is: Name Feelings
This month encourages educators and parents to name and talk about feelings. Emotions can often feel very powerful and overwhelming, especially for children. The more we can identify feelings, both our own and those of the children in our care, the more we can start to manage those feelings. When we narrate our emotional experience, […] Learn More ›
Talking To Children About Israel
In these challenging times, it can be difficult to find the right words of comfort to offer those impacted, not to mention the proper support for young children. Below are some pointers on how to respond to young children should they bring this up at home, followed by some articles you can read for further […] Learn More ›
Managing Children’s Social Anxiety
Do you have a child that is super playful and creative at home, but when it’s time to go to a playdate, attend a birthday party or participate in music class, they become frozen statues or terrified screaming animals? Let’s be honest, it’s kind of annoying and embarrassing, right? My daughter was and sometimes still […] Learn More ›
Chew on This: How to Help a Picky Eater
Of all the daily challenges that parenting a young child brings, dealing with a picky eater can be one of the most frustrating. After all, eating seems like such a natural process to most adults, that it can be confusing when a child doesn’t approach food with the same instincts as we do. Not to […] Learn More ›
Jacob Duman Early Childhood Center Furthers Its Commitment to Inclusion
In Summer 2021, Jacob Duman Early Childhood Center at Lake County JCC had the great privilege to welcome the Axelrod family. Jordan and Ryder, twins, were toddlers at the time. We learned that both parents, Jenny and Corey, were hard of hearing and members of the Deaf community. Their primary language was American Sign Language […] Learn More ›