Contact PBJC ECC CO-DIRECTORS:
Lisa Lerman and Jill Buckler
ecc@pbjc.org / 973-244-9800 x212
Welcome
Welcome to PBJC's Early Childhood Center (ECC), a state-licensed program located in a secure, modern facility that is easily accessible to all! Our highly regarded Preschool is highlighted by an experienced, loving and professional staff, a curriculum designed for Kindergarten preparation that includes music, art, science, movement, physical education, cooking, journaling and other specialty classes. Our creative and dynamic programming is open to children of all faiths. At PBJC ECC, we encourage children to become independent, self-confident and inquisitive learners!
Prospective families are invited to schedule a tour! We would love to show you our wonderful, secure, modern facility, meet our staff and learn more about our highly-regarded programs!
Our Philosophy:
PBJC offers a unique program in Early Childhood Education. Our philosophy is to provide young children with a rich and stimulating environment that is warm, loving, and supportive of each child’s own rate of learning and development. A safe environment is provided that reinforces children’s natural curiosity and allows them to experience challenges and successes, while at the same time, gaining self-awareness and independence.
The children are exposed to a variety of age-appropriate learning activities to meet their emotional, social, intellectual, and physical developmental needs. It is through this supportive, non-pressured environment that each child will acquire a solid sense of security, positive self-esteem, and a long-term enthusiasm for learning.
We fulfill these goals through carefully planned theme-related programs and activities, developed by a professional and caring staff.
We are committed to building a strong sense of community among parents, teachers, and children.
Curriculum Overview & Program Description
Our curriculum is designed to encourage children to become independent, self-confident, and inquisitive learners through active play. Every child is an individual who learns at his/her own pace. Your child’s program will vary, based on the number of days and hours per week that he/she attends Pine Brook Jewish Center Preschool
Our curriculum is developed to expose each child to various experiences. In addition, our curriculum builds from year to year, providing your child with continuity and a strong knowledge base during his/her years at Pine Brook Jewish Center ECC. Concepts and skills are introduced, which are appropriate to each child’s own learning priorities and pacing.
Age-appropriate hands-on activities are planned according to a calendar of themes, which provide children with meaningful learning experiences. An enriching Judaic framework enhances the entire curriculum.
Children and their parents will all have an opportunity to “Meet the Teachers” before the first day of school. All parents will be able to share specific information and concerns about their child at this initial time.
PBJC ECC programs include core classes for children ages 18 months through 5 years of age, including:
- Early Care (from 7:30 a.m.) and Extended Day (until 6:00 p.m.) Giggle Zone options for all ages
- Full-Time Giggle Zone care available for all ages any time their core class is not in session
- 18 month-old programming 2 mornings/week (9:30 – 11:00) January – June
- 2 year-old programming 3 half days/week
- 3 year-old programming 4 full days/week (until 2:15 p.m.)
- 4 year-old programming 4 or 5 full days/week (until 2:15 p.m.)
- Optional after school enrichment classes
Licensing:
The State of New Jersey Department of Children and Families licenses the PBJC ECC. Teachers are required to follow licensing procedures.
Our Facility:
Our indoor and outdoor facilities were planned with the needs of young children in mind. Our large, spacious rooms, offer many opportunities for creative play, arts and crafts and quiet activities. Bathroom facilities are close by and most have sinks right in the rooms.
Our newly renovated outdoor playground offers learning through discovery and play, with equipment to support fun and exciting opportunities for physical development. In the event of inclement weather, our large indoor gym, with its bikes and other riding toys provides a space for large-motor activities.
FAQ's
Q: I am not a member of your synagogue. Can I still enroll my child in your program?
A: Absolutely. Although we give priority class placement to synagogue members first, we welcome non-members to our program at all age levels.
Q: My family is not Jewish, can we still send our child to your program?
A: Absolutely. PBJC Nursery welcomes families of all faiths.
Q: What are your school hours?
A: We are open 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Monday – Friday in the Giggle Zone and from 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 pm for our core classes.
Q: What kind of curriculum does your program offer?
A: Our curriculum is designed to encourage children to become independent, self-confident, and inquisitive learners through active play. Every child is an individual who learns at his/her own pace. Our curriculum is developed to expose each child to various experiences. In addition, our curriculum builds from year to year, providing your child with continuity and a strong knowledge base during his/her years at PBJC ECC.
Concepts and skills are introduced, which are appropriate to each child’s own learning priorities and pacing. Age-appropriate hands-on activities are planned according to a calendar of themes, which provide children with meaningful learning experiences. On all age levels, there is an emphasis on seasonal holidays and celebrations, as well as thematic programming on a variety of subjects, including but not limited to the alphabet, numbers, colors and shapes.
Q: How old does my child need to be to enroll in your program?
A: We offer preschool classes for children ages 18 months – 5 years old. PBJC Preschool follows the Montville Township School District age cutoff of October 1st. This means 2 by October 1st, 3 by October 1st and 4 by October 1st.
Q: How many children are in each class and what is the student/teacher ratio?
A: We allow for a maximum of 12 children in each of our 2’s classes, a maximum of 14 children in each of our 3’s classes and a maximum of 16 children in each of our 4’s classes. There is a lead teacher and assistant in each classroom.
Q: Does my child need to be potty trained to enroll in your program?
A: We accept children in the 2 year old class in diapers, however, while we do not require it, we strongly encourage all children to be toilet trained by the time they enter the 3 year old program. Please note that our staff will not potty train your child – this is the responsibility of the parent. The staff, however, will in fact support and reinforce what is being taught at home.
Q: What time does morning drop off begin?
A: For children enrolled in our full-time Giggle Zone morning care program, our doors open at 7:30 a.m. The remainder of the students arrive between 9:00 and 9:15 a.m. We have a drop-off service at the main entrance from 9:00-9:15 a.m. We encourage all children to utilize this service.
Please pull your car up past the front steps, stop your car, turn it off, and unbuckle your child from his/her car seat. There are staff members, as well as the Director, waiting outside to assist your children into the school. Parents who wish to park and walk their child inside should do so between 9:00 and 9:15 a.m.
Q: Who provides lunch?
A: We are a dairy school only (no meat or shellfish permitted). We offer an optional daily lunch program for an additional fee.
Q: What are the payment options?
A: You have two options 1.) you may pay in full in August and receive a 2.5% discount or 2.) you may pay quarterly – a bill will be sent to you each quarter. We ask that you pay your tuition promptly either by check or credit card.
Q: Do you offer a summer program?
A: Yes, we offer an on-site, eight week summer camp program.
