Infant & Toddler Programs

2021-2022 Registration

Limited space available.

FAIRFAX

Families interested in enrolling in the Fairfax Infant/Toddler Program are encouraged to contact ECLC@theJ.org for information about registration and tours.

Fairfax Registration

ALEXANDRIA

Families interested in enrolling in the Alexandria Toddler Program (16 months-23 months as of September 30) are encouraged to contact Dina.Backer@theJ.org. 

Alexandria Registration

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:

Fairfax Infant/Toddler Program:
For children ages 6 weeks-23 months
(as of September 30)
Alexandria: Toddler Program
For children ages 16 months-23 months
(as of September 30)
Monday-Friday | 8am-5pm
Full-time only

The primary goal of our program is to provide each child with the best of care in a warm and nurturing environment. Our nurturing Educators work to encourage each child in every stage of his or her social and emotional growth as well as to support and strengthen language and cognitive development. The daily routine is set up to provide stimulating experiences for children to learn and explore their environment through their own curiosity. 

Each child is given individualized care. In the Infant classroom, the children follow their own schedules until they begin their preparation for the Toddler classroom. All programming is developmentally appropriate. The children are stimulated through music, songs, language, and interaction. A variety of safe toys are offered and utilized in order to stimulate growth and provide multiple learning opportunities. The Educators provide nurturing, sensory experiences and physical contact through holding, rocking, talking, and singing. We follow an emergent curriculum that is based on the children’s interests and ideas.

If you are expecting a new baby, or already have an infant or toddler, connect with Growing Jewish Families' J-Family Ambassador Program to receive a J-Baby bag or J-Toddler tote full of free goodies and to meet other Jewish families in your area.

Communication

We believe that parents are part of our team! Effective and ongoing communication between parents and staff is extremely important in providing quality care and wonderful experiences for children. Parents will receive a daily report that includes routine habits such as eating, toileting, and sleeping. Parents will also be able to gain access to their child’s secure classroom website for pictures and additional school information and reminders.

Food

Infants

Infant seats, low tables, and chairs are provided when eating. Babies are either held or sit in bouncy chairs when bottle‐fed until they are able to hold their own bottle.

• Milk and other perishable items are refrigerated
  
• Non‐perishable foods are stored in the child’s lunchbox or cubby
  
• Unused food is refrigerated as appropriate and returned to the parents

Infant Program Parents Provide: 

• Labeled and dated bottles (sippy cups should be brought in as children begin to use them)
  
• Breast milk, formula or milk may be brought in daily or weekly and will be stored in the refrigerator or freezer
  
• Snacks and lunch, when your child begins eating solid food
  
• All food is labeled and dated containers
  
• Feeding utensils as needed 

Toddlers

Low tables and chairs are provided for mealtimes. Toddlers are encouraged to practice feeding themselves in order to promote self-help skills and Educators guide and assist as needed. The ECLC provides a morning and afternoon snack, as well as lunch. All food items are kosher and nut-free.

Toddler Program Parents Provide:

• Sippy cups with milk and/or water (please send with an ice pack)
• Feeding Utensils
• Meatless Lunch (vegetarian, pareve, dairy)

The ECLC provides:

• Morning and afternoon snacks
• Water is offered throughout the day

Napping

A separate nap room adjoins to each infant classroom and children sleep in their own cribs. Toddlers are provided with raised cots and nap in their classrooms after lunch. The J supplies the fitted sheets, which are changed weekly, or more often if necessary. Any special transition objects (e.g., blanket, pacifier) are welcome to be sent to the classroom for comforting purposes. Due to concerns about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), children under 12 months of age will be placed on their back to sleep and no toys or bulky bedding will be in the crib with the child.

Sick Policy

In an effort to keep each child as healthy as possible, the ECLC adheres to a 48-hour fever‐free, diarrhea‐free, and vomit‐free policy. COVID-19 policies and procedures and additional details can be found in the Parent Handbook/Registration Packet.

Supplies

Parents supply diapers, wipes, bottles, and sippy cups. Please send in two packages of wipes at the beginning of each month. Several changes of clothing should be kept in your child’s cubby at all times. Please label all clothing, including outerwear, socks, and shoes. Please send your child wearing clothes in which they are able to move and play!

Educators and Ratios

The Pozez JCC Infant/Toddler Program follows the Virginia State Licensing Ratios which states that there must be one Educator for every four infants and one Educator for every five toddlers. The classroom Educators remain consistent throughout the day, with staggered shifts. There will be between two and four Educators in your child’s classroom depending on the number of children in the room at that time. Each of our Educators is a highly qualified professional who is passionate about caring for infants and toddlers.

Waiting List

Upon filling out an application, a $100 non‐refundable deposit is required. Please indicate a specific preferred start date as well as an estimated due date for babies who have not yet been born. Your child will be placed on the waitlist based on the order in which your application is received. The ECLC will contact you two months prior to your preferred start date if space becomes available.

After accepting a spot in the program, a $500 non-refundable deposit must be paid within 48 hours to reserve the space. This deposit is applied towards your child’s August 2022 month of childcare. 

For additional information, please contact ECLC@theJ.org.