CHABAD OPENS ONLY FULL-DAY JEWISH PRESCHOOL AND DAYCARE IN MERRICK-BELLMORE AREA

 

Scholarship Memorial Fund Dedicated to the Memory of those Killed in Mumbai

 

Parents Invited to Attend Upcoming Open Houses

 

MERRICK, LI, December 1, 2008 – The Chabad Center for Jewish Life will officially open the doors of its new pre-school, the Jewish Early Learning Center (ELC) of Merrick-Bellmore, the only full-day Jewish program in the area, on Monday, January 5, 2009.

 

Fully-licensed by New York State, Chabad’s Jewish ELC will be open to preschoolers ranging from 18-months-old to four- years-old, with extended hours until 6 p.m. The program is flexible, enabling part-time and half-day options. The Jewish ELC serves the Southeast Nassau area, and is conveniently located near the LIRR Merrick stop. 

 

The Jewish ELC offers a warm and nurturing environment while providing a stimulating, creative and enriching curriculum which incorporates both general and Jewish studies. The competitive tuition rates, which include hot lunch and nutritious snacks, make it an appealing option in today’s recessive economy. As a positive response to the recent tragedies in Mumbai, a Scholarship Memorial Fund has been established in which scholarships will be awarded to parents of children (around the age of the Holtzberg’s son Moshe - 2 years old*) attending the Jewish ELC. As part of this fund, a $1,000 grant will be awarded toward the tuition of the first four families who register for a full year. Proceeds of the fund will also benefit the young children of Rabbi & Rebbetzin Holtzberg*.

 

 “In this time of tragedy for the Jewish people and humanity, we must grow our programs and reach more people than ever. Our goal is to provide parents who require a cost-effective, full-day preschool program with a Jewish option that’s comfortable for Jewish families from all backgrounds,” remarked Mrs. Chanie Kramer, director of the Jewish ELC. “Teachers engage students in the relevance of Judaism to today’s world as well as the fundamental Torah lesson of respect for others and their differences. These lessons are both taught and modeled in our classroom.”

 

The Jewish ELC curriculum is based on the S.P.I.C.E.S. approach to education, meaning the school addresses the children’s Social, Physical, Intellectual, Creative, Emotional and Spiritual development.

 

“One of the innovative aspects of the school’s curriculum is the integration of general studies with Jewish traditions,” commented Mrs. Kramer, “For example, during the Jewish holiday of Chanukah, when it is traditional to light a Menorah in the home, the children will also learn about the scientific properties of oil and wax. The holiday will also be tied in to our “Community Helpers” unit, in which the children will learn all about fire safety, firefighters and how they help the community.” 

 

The classroom environment is conducive to stimulating creativity and exploration, with theme-oriented learning centers. Some centers enable children to explore early mathematic and science concepts while others enable them to cultivate their creative, fine-motor and problem-solving abilities. The goal is to enable learning through hands-on, multi-sensory experiences that build confidence.    

 

“The small and intimate setting enables children to receive personalized attention from our dedicated and loving staff, handpicked for their experience, warmth and ability to relate to each child,” Mrs. Kramer added.

 

The staff members are all trained and certified early childhood educators, and participate in continuing education programs.

 

Parents can attend the Jewish ELC’s Open Houses, which will be held on Wed., Dec. 10, from 10 a.m.-12 noon; Sun., Dec. 14, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; and on Thurs., Dec. 18, from 10 a.m.-12 noon, at the school, 2083 Seneca Gate, in Merrick. 

 

To arrange for a private tour of the school, or to request further information, call Mrs. Chanie Kramer at: 516-833-3057, email: [email protected], or visit the website: www.JewishELC.org.  

 

For information about contributing to the Scholarship Memorial Fund, click here.

 

The Jewish Early Learning Center is an affiliate of The Chabad Center for Jewish Life serving the Merrick/Bellmore and Southeast Nassau area. The Chabad Center for Jewish Life is part of the global Chabad-Lubavitch movement, the largest Jewish outreach organization in the world, with a presence in over 70 countries.

 

*For more information on the tragedies in Mumbai, click here.