Alexandria: Early Childhood Learning Center

Pozez JCC-Beth El Early Childhood Learning Center Named 2018 Best of Alexandria

The Alexandria Award Program has recognized the Pozez JCC Beth El Early Childhood Learning Center as an outstanding local business. Honorees are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community. Congratulations to Dina Backer and her staff for being recognized by the City of Alexandria for their top-notch preschool program.

2019-2020 Registration | Now Open |

*Limited spaces available.     

The Alexandria ECLC is a year-round school and runs on a 10- or 12-month tuition schedule. Registration is open to all. Admissions are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Families interested in enrolling in the Alexandria ECLC are encouraged to schedule a visit by contacting Dina Backer, Alexandria ECLC Director, or call 703.537.3084.

Pozez JCC membership is required for enrollment and must begin at least 30 days prior to your child's first day in the program. Learn more about membership.

About the Alexandria ECLC

The ECLC is an early childhood education center located in Alexandria, VA at the Beth El Hebrew Congregation. Sometimes referred to by our families as a pre-kindergarten, toddler school, junior kindergarten or kindergarten prep school.

Essentially we are a private preschool and childcare center that offers both full-day preschool programs and all-day childcare. We promote developmental growth through creative interaction between children and teachers within a warm, caring environment that’s based on Jewish values. Highlights include:

• Licensed preschool

• Licensed childcare from 16 months to 4 years old

• Licensed camp program

Alexandria ECLC Schedule

Toddler Program:
Ages: 16 - 24 months
Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 6:00pm
This program is full-time only

Two-, Three-, and Four-Year-Old Programs:
Ages: 2 - 5 years (by 9/30) 
Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 1:00pm (with extended day options)

Full- and Part-Time Extended Day Options*:
Ages: 2 - 5 years (by 9/30)

The Extended Day Program complements the morning preschool program and provides children with a warm, caring, and safe environment. Children participate in a variety of age-appropriate activities in a positive setting, orchestrated by a creative and qualified staff.

Monday - Friday

Early Morning Extended Day:
7:30am - 9:00am

Early Afternoon Extended Day:
1:00pm - 4:00pm

Late Afternoon Extended Day:
1:00pm - 6:00pm

*Children must be enrolled in the five-day 9am-1pm preschool program. Two-day extended day minimum required.

Our Philosophy of Learning

The Early Childhood Learning Center strives to help each child grow as an individual. We emphasize the development of self-confidence and a positive self-image. Our activities provide experiences to foster social skills and emotional maturity, as well as promote and strengthen cognitive and physical growth. 

Our teaching philosophy follows a Reggio Emilia-inspired philosophy that is based on the following ideas:

• Children have a say over the direction of their learning

• Children are able to learn through hands-on learning experiences

• Children have a relationship with other children and material items to explore

• Children have endless ways and opportunities for creative thinking

• Our philosophy involves an emergent curriculum that builds on the interests of the children.

Educators serve as resources to, and researchers of, the learning process by asking thought-provoking questions, creating inviting classroom environments and documenting the children's work for reflection and communication purposes.

JCCA Sheva Early Learning Framework

An integral part of the program is building a foundation for a positive Jewish identity. This Framework is a basis for the continued education of the children in our program which builds upon the foundations already in place through the Reggio Emilia-inspired philosophy.

Core principles include:

1. Children as Constructivist Learners: Kavod (respect) for each child’s ability to think for himself/herself

2. Early Childhood Directors as Visionaries: Our professional staff has the chochma (wisdom) to make sound decisions for their population

3. Early Childhood Educators as Professionals: Our Educators develop ahavat limud (love of learning) for themselves and their students

4. Families as Engaged Partners: Opportunities are provided throughout the year to build kehillah (community) between our families and staff

5. Discover Coordinated Approach to Childhood Health (CATCH): Emphasis on the Jewish value of sh’mirat ha’guf (taking care of our bodies) through nutrition and exercise

6. Israel as the Story of the Jewish People: Further learning about Israel to educate our students and their families about the story of the Jewish people

7. Environments as Inspiration for Inquiry: The concept of the environment as inspiration for inquiry — spaces are intentionally designed to encourage curiosity, intellectual engagement, and creativity

Location:
3830 Seminary Road,
Alexandria, VA, 22304