.png)
ECC Programs & Curriculum
-
Shabbat and Jewish holiday celebrations
-
Dramatic play
-
Music
-
Tzedakah (charity) and values projects
-
Outdoor and indoor play
-
Guest visitors
We take a constructivist approach to teaching and learning which places the emphasis on the student’s role in learning. Students develop understanding through exposure to hands-on experiences.
Everything that happens inside the classroom is a learning opportunity. Our teachers create a culture inside their classroom community that nurtures relationships which creates a risk-free environment where students can ask questions, explore, and celebrate moments of discovery.
Our curriculum includes:
-
Emergent literacy through story time
and literature-related activities -
Pre-math skills
-
Science and nature exploration
-
Arts and crafts
-
Creative movement
-
Yoga and dance
Morning Session
9 am - 12 pm
Club Lunch Options
12 pm - 2 pm, 12 pm - 4 pm, or 12 pm - 6 pm.
Extended Day Options
8 am - 9 am (early morning drop off by request, in advance)
To further support the Judaic component of our school, Rabbi Jay Stein, Cantor Anna May and Cantor Marcia Lane regularly visit and work with the children. Members of the congregation (some of whom are retired teachers) also read with the children and host special events. The children enjoy, on a regular basis, visits from our music, movement, nature, cooking, and yoga specialists, plus key guests from the community.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center ECC supports families with children who need additional support from the Committee on Preschool Education and early intervention by helping parents connect with evaluators in their district and providing a space for children to receive services.
Two's
Children may start as young as 18 months
Communication
Cooperative Play
Transitions
In the two-year old class, the emphasis is on helping and encouraging children to achieve separation from their parent or caregiver. It is also very important at this age for children to learn to transition between activities. During this year growing communication skills are encouraged, and this growth allows children to begin to change their play patterns from parallel to cooperative play.
Our two's classroom is a gentle, supportive space where young children begin to discover their independence. Guided by caring teachers, children learn to say hello and goodbye with growing confidence, knowing that their feelings are understood and respected. Through songs, stories, and hands-on activities, we foster emerging language skills and encourage little voices to be heard. Our daily routines are thoughtfully structured to help children feel secure as they move from one activity to the next, laying the foundation for adaptability and resilience.
Three's
Language & Listening
Fine Motor Skills
Sense of Self
In the three-year old class, language further develops as children are encouraged to talk about their creations in the block corner, describe their art projects, participate in finger plays, and listen at story time with increased understanding. Children learn about math through play and the activities of the classroom. The refinement of fine motor skills is an additional goal of the threes.
As the three-year-old sense of self becomes stronger, the children become more socially aware and friendships take on new importance.
Teachers nurture language development by inviting children to share their ideas, describe their masterpieces, and listen to the stories of others.Fine motor skills are strengthened through hands-on projects—painting, building, and shaping—that encourage both focus and imagination. As children’s sense of self grows, so does their sense of belonging. New friendships form as children learn to work together, solve problems, and celebrate each other’s achievements.
Four's
Pre-Reading Skills
Pre-Math Skills
Emotional Development
A major goal in the four-year old class is kindergarten readiness. One of the ways we accomplish this goal is by enhancing the pre-reading skills of the children. An experience chart is used on a daily basis familiarizing children with a group of sight words and the concept that letters make words and words make sentences. Children practice writing the alphabet and their full names. Math skills are taught through sorting, counting, patterning, number recognition, and comparison. Equally important in the fours is the growth of emotional development. This is accomplished by providing an environment where children learn to care about one another, embrace diversity, feel part of a larger social group, and embrace friendships.