Blog
The Importance of Routines, Schedules and Predictability for Children
If you are anything like me these days, you are so busy and overwhelmed, that you can’t even keep track of what day of the week it is or if you even remembered to eat breakfast this morning. We have all had a lot on our plates and even more things we are juggling in […] Learn More ›
Our Second Home, Our Community, Our Family
Three years ago, I was a “first time parent” sending my son to daycare and I experienced a plethora of emotions. I had a million questions and thoughts running through my head. Will the daycare center love him? Will the teachers understand what he wants and needs? Do they know that he must sleep with […] Learn More ›
Becoming Miss Barnett
Teachers have always had a great impact on me, but there is one teacher in particular who has had the most profound influence on my life. That teacher is Mrs. Barnett, a preschool teacher from JCC Chicago Early Childhood at Am Shalom – and she just happens to also be my mom. I grew up getting […] Learn More ›
What Happens When Two Dads Go On A Playdate
Who knew that a playdate between two JCC Chicago preschool classmates would be the beginning of a burgeoning toy company? That’s what happened when Tyler and Reed and their fathers met at Flick Park in April of 2019. Their moms (both named Lauren and both nurses!) already had a lunch date planned and were anxious […] Learn More ›
The Nora Project Comes to JCC Chicago
Imagine this scenario taking place in your child’s preschool classroom: One teacher, Shari, asked a child to join her in front of the class in her morning meeting. She brought Legos to build with this child, together. Another teacher, Annie, came over and asked if she could join in. Shari turned her back to her, […] Learn More ›
Just Because: Not Just A Tale of Two Siblings
As February is Jewish Disability, Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month (JDAIM,) it is being highlighted at JCC Chicago ‘Z’ Frank Apachi Early Childhood in a special way. Educators, Robin Bright and Juliet Ziak, designed a Book of the Month Club for their four-year-old classes as part of JCC Chicago’s Small Grants Program. This specific award […] Learn More ›