“Childhood should be a journey, not a race”, says Phyllis McGuire, Coordinator of the Infant/Toddler Center and the Sandra and Lawrence Bronson Early Childhood Department at the Michael-Ann Russell Jewish Community Center/Sanford L. Ziff Campus, 18900 NE 25th Avenue, North Miami Beach, FL.
Phyllis also believes you should “Give them fond memories that will sustain them through their lives”. The year-round program (12 months) incorporates traditional pre-school curriculum with other unique learning and developmental courses such as Music, Creative Movement, and Shabbat Services every Friday where the students take turns playing the roles of Aba and Ema (father and mother). They also celebrate all of the Jewish holidays and coordinate special activities which encompass the traditions of these historical celebrations and rituals.
“Starting as infants, a bond is made between classmates”, Phyllis continues. “These bonds develop through interaction with other children, many of whom have attended our program from the early age of 2 ½ months to graduation at age 4. “With a low staff turnover, some teachers having been with the program since its inception, stability is also a front-running characteristic of the program which is a very positive component in creating fond scholastic memories”, Phyllis also adds.
Additionally, parents of children who attend the MAR-JCC’s Early Childhood Development and Infant/Toddler program, develop camaraderie with other parents. Tanya Copernik has been bringing her son to the school since he was 2 ½ months old. “My son is almost two years old now, and I wouldn’t dream of taking him anywhere else”, Tanya explains. Even at such a young age, he recognizes other children and teachers that have been here since he started. Each morning when I drop him off, he greets his little friends with a hug, and they all go off on their merry way, eager to spend the day with each other and their favorite teachers.” I have met other parents who have also been bringing their children here since an early age and we all share a certain level of comfort knowing that our children are safe and well cared for in a stimulating environment that promotes learning and participation.”
Each classroom is a center-based, developmentally appropriate, academic environment where children learn by discovering. Children who graduate from the program are equipped with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to succeed in kindergarten. Each class is staffed with a head teacher and assistant. All staff members are chosen on the basis of training, experience, and ability to relate to children. All teachers and caregivers are certified by the State of Florida Department of Children and Families and are offered continuing education, with workshops specializing in early childhood development. Additionally the school provides extended hours with early drop-off and late pick-up. To find out more, go to www.marjcc.org or call 305-932-4200 x151.
