Welcome to the Ohr Shalom (Summit JCC) Early Learning Center (ELC)! Our program was established in 1968 to provide a nurturing and creative atmosphere, while meeting the needs of our families in a safe and secure environment.

 

For over 50 years, our program has been a pillar in the Summit community and has had a continued reputation for excellence. We recognize the importance of the early years of a child’s development and growth and strive to instill a love of learning. In recognition of this important time in a child’s life, we offer programs based on the best early childhood practices.

 

We believe that children actively learn in a program which emphasizes a “hands on” experience, through structured play.

 

I hear and I forget

I see and I remember

I do and I understand

 

Children are more likely to develop skills when they are having fun, but also when the skills have significance for them; hands-on learning aims to provide for both of these characteristics of learning.

 

We use learning practices that allow for social, emotional, cognitive and physical growth that help meet the developmental needs of each individual child.

 

We believe a low child to teacher ratio allows for further individualized attention at every age level. Our curriculum is designed to foster our children’s building blocks of knowledge by encouraging them to become active thinkers as they experiment, problem solve and engage in play alongside their peers.

 

We also further children’s academic progress by complementing the NJ core curriculum.

 

Our children are exposed to a rich Judaic environment as they learn about traditions, customs and celebrations. We pride ourselves on building community by teaching children to be active citizens in our society through tzedakah (charity) and taking care of our world through the school’s participation in the synagogue’s GreenFaith program.

 

The goal is for our students to leave the school well prepared to take on new academic and social challenges as confident learners.