Pozez JCC- Beth El Early Childhood Learning Center

The ECLC is an early childhood education center located in Alexandria, VA. It is a partnership between Pozez JCC and Beth El Hebrew Congregation (where it is housed). We are a full-time, year-round program serving children 16 months through 5 years. We operate Monday-Friday 8:00am- 5:30pm.

The Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) at Pozez JCC-Beth EL is a nurturing, safe, developmentally appropriate learning environment, which is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach to education. Our curriculum incorporates Jewish values while being universally inclusive. We believe that every child is capable, competent, and has the right to be respected as an individual. Our philosophy is based upon the belief that we have the ability and responsibility to nurture each child’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth through interactions and experiences that foster a zest for life and a love of learning. We offer a child-centered program which is inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach. We believe that “care” and “education” are inseparable and view each child as a feeling, thinking, and creative individual whose growth we nourish. We believe a child’s positive self-esteem is paramount to emotional, social, physical, and intellectual development.

The philosophy involves an emergent curriculum that builds on the interests of the children. Topics of study are chose though discussions/observations of the children, community or family events, interest of children and teacher directed provocations. The curriculum provides hands on learning experiences, areas for children to experiment with the natural world and real life problem solving with opportunities for creative thinking and exploration.

An integral part of the program is building a foundation for a positive Jewish identity. This is accomplished by observing Jewish holidays through song, creative movement, cooking and crafts as well as reciting blessings in Hebrew. 

If you are interesting in more information please give us a call.