Early Childhood Center (ECC)

 At the Ohr Kodesh Early Childhood Center, we see each child as an individual with their own assets and places to grow. Within a classroom community, each child’s unique qualities and needs are identified and nurtured. Our staff is a cohesive community of professional educators all committed to a philosophy of Jewish lifelong learning.

Relationships are valued and nurtured, with intentionality given to the formation of partnerships between and across children, staff, families and community members. We believe the learning and growth of our community is a lifelong journey.

Jewish values and traditions are seamlessly integrated into an emergent curriculum inspired by the schools in Reggio-Emilia, Italy. Teaching the children about the Jewish holidays and Jewish values is one of our most important missions. As our children enter the Early Childhood Center and begin their first school experience, we show each child the beauty and meaning of Jewish traditions and values. Through experiential learning and engaging interactions within the school community, a love of Judaism is fostered.

The staff invests a great deal of thought and time while setting up the classroom environment before school begins. The result is a natural, peaceful, calm and aesthetically pleasing space that provides the children and their families a sense of comfort, a place they can call home. As the children live in the classrooms and hallways, the space becomes their own, rich with photographs, works of art and artifacts that are visible to everyone who enters our doors.

OKC-ECC VALUES

•Reciprocal Dialogue: Engaging in active listening and meaningful exchange between and among educators, children, and parents

•Sense of Belonging: Providing a welcoming place that respects and embraces each member as a unique individual and where each individual feels they are a valued part of our community.

•Jewish Identity: Looking through a Jewish lens to all areas of the curriculum, Jewish culture, values, traditions, and rituals, and a connection to Israel

•Continuity: Identifying and fostering connections over time to build relationships from year to year between all aspects of our community.

•Developmentally Appropriate Practice: Following an approach to education grounded in early childhood research that uses best practices to meet children where they are, both as individuals and as part of a group, to foster each child’s success.