Preschool

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 ›

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 ›

Look deep, deep into nature and then you will understand everything better. — Albert Einstein Children enjoy the outdoors in all kinds of weather! Of course, we know that fresh air and exercise are good for our bodies, but research is mounting to prove that direct involvement with nature is as important to children as […] Learn More ›

Do we ever really stop learning? I took some time off last week and took my good friend to one of my favorite places in Colorado. While I have been there many times, we did things on this trip that were firsts for me, too. On breaks in between morning walks and mountain hikes, my […] Learn More ›

As a proud member of the nationally accredited NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) community, JCC Chicago feels that every week is a celebration of the young child. Although it’s nice to get national attention for one week a year, our children are the center of what we do every day, every week…all year! We […] Learn More ›

Learning through the philosophies of Sheva and Reggio Emilia. As our youngest learners take their first steps into lifelong learning and Jewish community at JCC Chicago, they are guided by two educational philosophies that are as alike as they are distinctive: the Reggio Emilia Approach® and the JCC Association’s Sheva Early Learning Framework. The Reggio […] Learn More ›