Preschool

**Preschool Openings for the 2009-10 School Year Still Available!**

The JCC of the East Bay Preschool provides a warm, nurturing environment for children ages two to five (including Bridge-K / Pre-K) in our historic North Berkeley location. Our program offers a unique opportunity for young children to thrive in a joyful environment that for them becomes a very positive first school experience.

Seeking to support and deepen the children's innate love of learning and wonder, our curriculum is rich in child-centered projects that center on the many interests brought forward by the children and our talented teachers, and incorporates celebrations of the Jewish holidays and our culture. Through playful encounters with each other, their loving teachers, materials, music, movement, and literature, the children develop their creativity, intelligence and skill in getting along with others. Each child is accepted for who they are and where they are developmentally.

Every family who shares their child with us is respected and welcomed wholeheartedly. Together we create a preschool in which families from diverse backgrounds feel comfortable exploring the beauty of early childhood and of our Jewish heritage. We grow together in a supportive community that enriches all of our lives.


Program Hours

Core program 9:00am–1:00pm (2,3 or 5 days for two year olds, 5 days for 3, 4, 5 year olds)
Early Care 8:00am–9:00am*
Rainbow program 1:00pm–3:30pm and 3:30pm–5:30pm*
* prescheduled or on a drop–in basis

Bridge–K - This is our Pre–K program for older four–year–olds and younger five–year–olds. Learn more about the Bridge-K program.


Schedule

Year round program: September through mid–August

2009-2010 Calendar here (First day: September 2)


Application and Other Requirements

  • Submit an application with a non-refundable application fee of $50.00 - Contact Ruth Shorer at ruths@jcceastbay.org or 510-848-0237 x122.
  • Before your child starts preschool, you will be required to become a member of the JCC of the East Bay.
  • Volunteer hours are required - 15 volunteer hours/year or $200 in lieu of volunteer participation


For information on scholarship availablity, please contact Barbara Sutherland at 510.848.0237 x112 or barbaras@jcceastbay.org.


Thanks to a generous Emergency Education Grant from the Jim Joseph foundation, the scholarship award process is being implemented in partnership with the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, The Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties, the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley, the Jewish Community Federation of the Greater East Bay and the Bureau of Jewish Education. The Jim Joseph grant will enable families to keep their children in Jewish preschools, day schools and Jewish overnight summer camps throughout the Bay Area. Three preschoolers at the JCC here in Berkeley have been assisted by this grant.