Welcome to the J’s Early Childhood Center
An integral part of the community since 1954, where all families and children are welcome to learn, grow, and thrive.
- Open year-round to children 6 weeks to 5 years of age
- Experienced early childhood educators
- Enjoy J Los Angeles Membership benefits like discounted swimming lessons, free Baby & Me and family music classes, and Shabbat and holiday programs
- Flexible scheduling with extended day options
Fostering a culture of kindness is at the center of all that we do. We instill a belief in our students that by showing kindness to themselves, to each other, to the earth and to all peoples, they have the power to create a better world today and as they grow!
We instill this confidence and robust sense of self within our students by providing an educational experience without barriers. We give our students freedom to influence their own learning, explore the world through sensory stimulating play, feel joy and experience frustration, and pursue new adventures every day. We embrace getting messy and live for questions and questions…and even more questions!
Our early childhood center is guided by the powerful ethos, “We share the world with other people.” Upon entering our building, this mantra can be seen, heard, and felt through the warm smiles on our teachers faces, the laughter echoing through our halls, and the strength of our students’ friendships. As a school for the community, powered by the community, we model this mantra each day.
Curriculum
Influenced by the needs and curiosities of our students, our curriculum changes moment to moment. In the world of early childhood education, we call this emergent curriculum or the practice of allowing the students to lead us! By building upon their interests, together we have the power to create a learning environment where each student can flourish.
How does this look in practice? We create a classroom environment where children are actively exploring and creating their own knowledge. We plan and implement meaningful experiences to ensure children feel loved, safe, and empowered to learn new things, become increasingly independent, display social-emotional competence, and build healthy and positive relationships.
Teachers play the role of engaged facilitators to scaffold children’s learning. Threading our program together are the Jewish values at our core and the four pillars that guide us in all areas of learning; Play, Community, Curiosity, and Heart & Justice.
A Day in the Life
Hours
**Extended day hours available from 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. and from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
The Hive
Infant Care Center
We are thrilled to announce the opening of The Hive as of February 2023!The Hive is a full-time infant and toddler program serving the youngest members of our community between the ages of six weeks to 2 years of age, operating year-round Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Part-time scheduling is not available for The Hive.
With our 4:1 “bee” to teacher ratio, young learners are cared for by a team of loving and highly trained professionals who are eager to partner with you on this journey. Our experienced teachers will nurture your child's development and meet their changing needs with compassion and care.
The Hive Highlights:
- Dedicated crib room
- Low VOC paint
- Natural and environmentally friendly materials
- MERV-13 air filters
summer Program
Our Early Childhood Center offers Camp Olami, an arts and adventure summer camp program with monthly themes for enrolled children. Priority enrollment for the summer is enjoyed by children who are enrolled for the subsequent school year. July will focus on Earth/Adama and August will focus on Water/Mayim. We will explore the possibilities of these themes, all under the umbrella of and enriching Jewish Early Childhood Education curriculum, through music and movement, stories and plays, light, art (including clay, glass, paint & recycled materials), science, cooking, group games and, most importantly, play.
Our intentional summer experience invites the children to explore, investigate, encounter and have fun while engaging in activities that excite them and spark curiosity. Nestled in an urban environment, our campers will explore nature, play with open ended materials and create projects that emerge from their interests. Each Friday we will have a Shabbat celebration and “Fun Friday” activities.
Contact us to learn more about Camp Olami this summer!
ECC Staff
Educators
As experts within their field, each of our educators are background checked with education
credentials verified, and comes to us with a variety of qualifications including:
• Infant and Toddler or TK Education
• First aid and CPR Training
• Strong professional recommendations
• Parent Communication skills
• A loving and kind demeanor
Registration is now open
Choosing a preschool is an important decision for your entire family. We make getting to know our school a personal experience. Schedule an in-person tour today. After touring, you will receive a registration link and will be guided through the enrollment process. Once complete, your child's first school experience is set to begin! We look forward in welcoming your family to our unique community. We thank you for allowing us to join you in providing for the care, love and nurturing of your developing child.Annabelle Krischer, Admissions Manager
Hear from our Families
“Westside JCC Preschool is a hands-on, supportive environment that has enriched the lives of our entire family. The teachers and staff bring thoughtfulness, experience, and kindness to every interaction and our children have thrived in their care. Playfulness is nurtured, diversity is celebrated, and our children’s connection to Judaism has deepened. Thanks to WJCC, our children graduated from preschool curious, kind, and confident - ready to be good friends and engaged community members.”
-Anna Zupon, J Los Angeles Board Member and Preschool Parent
If you are unable to make one of the scheduled tours, please contact our Early Childhood Center Admissions Manager, Annabelle Krischer, at akrischer@thejla.org or via phone at 323-556-5277 to set up a time to visit the campus.