Early Childhood

The Early Childhood Education program at the Stroum Jewish Community Center of Greater Seattle is inspired by the work and philosophies of Reggio-Emilia, Italy. In the 1940s, parents in Reggio-Emilia started new schools where children would be encouraged to express their thoughts and emotions in a variety of ways. These "Hundred Languages of Children" allow students to communicate and grow through their drawings, paintings, sculptures, dancing, music-making, stories, and play.

Children are encouraged to display their ideas in multiple ways to help them understand and learn. More about the Reggio-Emilia philosophy >>

SJCC Mercer Island and Seattle Early Childhood Education programs offer morning and full-day programs on a school-year, summer and year-round basis.

Our Jewish setting, celebrations and activities promote Jewish values and encourage students to learn about Judaism. Shabbat is celebrated every Friday with song, stories and challah.

Children enjoy weekly specialists in Judaic culture, music, art, movement, storytelling, yoga (at our Seattle facility) and swimming in our indoor pool (for older children at our Mercer Island facility). In addition, enrichment classes are offered at both campuses; they include Spanish, Mandarin, sculpture, ceramics, guitar, yoga, ballet, sports skills, martial arts, swimming, creative dance, and soccer.

Our Mission is to provide a diverse Jewish setting that constructs possibilities for the emergence of each child through a collaborative learning process. Children are encouraged to test their theories of the world so as to develop a love of learning, a strong sense of self-reliance and a strong foundation for critical thinking. We are guided by the richness of Jewish tradition and values, as well as developmentally appropriate educational approaches.

Open houses for prospective families are held in January and February. New family registration is open each February.

Please feel free to contact ECS Director-Mercer Island Helene Azose at HeleneA@sjcc.org or 206-388-1994 or ECS Director-Seattle Eli Warshal at EliW@sjcc.org or 206-526-8073.