Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC)

New York City parents are faced with a daunting challenge in their second year of parenthood-selecting the right nursery school!

The Early Childhood Learning Center at Temple Israel addresses two needs at once. We offer the very finest early childhood education available in New York City-in a facility specifically designed for young children, with access to outdoor play terraces from each classroom. In addition our nursery school also comes with all of the services and programs of a vibrant, exciting Reform congregation.

Modeled on the Bank Street philosophy, our school provides a warm, nurturing environment emphasizing individual and small group activities. Each light, airy classroom is tailored to the size and needs of its students. All rooms open onto a common hallway in the middle, with a terrace playground on either side, each appropriate to the size and skills of the children. Our staff includes specialists in music, and movement, and our students develop a profound love of learning which continues to serve them well as they go on to the very finest on-going schools in our city.

The Early Childhood Learning Center, like Temple Israel as a whole, approaches Judaism as a tradition and heritage to be celebrated by everyone who wishes to participate. Friday mornings include a brief "Shabbat" ceremony, with the rabbi present to teach traditional blessings and songs. Holidays and festivals are acknowledged with art, music, food, and inter-generational activities in the Temple. The congregation holds special "Tot Shabbat" services to introduce our youngest members to the joys of Judaism.

Our facilities accommodate a maximum of 86 boys and girls, ages 2.4 through pre-kindergarten.

The Early Childhood Learning Center is a vital and integral part of the Temple family. Preference is given, whenever possible, to members of long standing, and the limited space in our school is reserved for those families who wish to become a part of Temple Israel.

The families of our congregation take great pride and joy in watching our pre-schoolers grow, and there is a very special sense of continuity and community when a "graduate" of our nursery school goes on to celebrate a Bar or Bat Mitzvah or a wedding in our sanctuary.

Please call our Nursery School Director, Nancy-Ellen Micco at 249-5000 x101 if you have any questions.

Applications for the 2008-2009 school year may be requested on Monday, October 1st at 9am. You must call the school at 212 249-5000 in order to receive an application. Your request cannot be e-mailed.