MetroWestprograms
Early Childhood
It's never too soon to start instilling values for life.
What Makes Us Special?
The Sharon & Stephen Seiden Early Childhood Center develops the whole child, socially, intellectually, emotionally, and physically. Our dedicated teaching staff encourages and inspires a love for learning and 21st-century preparation for achievement. We provide everyday experiences to emphasize Jewish values and traditions, enriching the lives of all children. We offer a child-centered curriculum based on the emergent approach, built around the interests, needs, and natural curiosity of children.
Schedule A TourPre-school at a Glance
What We Offer
Facilities
Children participate weekly in swimming in our heated Olympic-sized pools, art studio, gardening, free time on our 3 playgrounds, yoga, and a full gymnasium.
Meal Options
Families have the option to advance purchase affordable and flexible lunch options as well as a weekly challah-to-go. All meals are kosher.
Jewish Learning
Fostering a love for learning in an environment rich in Jewish values and traditions, where all are welcome.
Exceptional Teachers
Our caring, highly trained teachers prioritize your child’s growth, keep you informed, and prepare confident, kindergarten-ready graduates—earning recognition from local leaders for excellence in early childhood education.
Fitness Membership Discount
Early Childhood families are eligible to receive 50% off an adult Fitness Membership.
Community
Benefit from being part of a welcoming, diverse and multi-generational community where children and families make life-long friends.
Early Childhood Programs
Early Learning
(8 weeks to 2 years)
Tiny hands, big love! Our Infant & Toddler programs offer a safe, happy start with caring teachers, sensory fun, and lots of nurturing attention.
Early Childhood Preschool
(2-5 years)
Our play-based curriculum nurtures the whole child and fosters curiosity, learning, and Jewish values through meaningful experiences led by dedicated educators.
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Early Childhood Camp
(2 – 4 years)
Make your child’s first introduction to a summer camp experience a special one! We offer instructional and free swim, outdoor organized sports, arts and crafts, daily kosher lunch, and more.
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West Orange Public Pre K
(3-4 years)
We’re proud to support West Orange Public Schools’ Pre-K through the district’s Early Childhood Education Program. We offer extended day, after-school programs, enrichments & swim.
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Hi! I’m Leslie. I’m here to welcome you to your new second family! As the Director of our school, I know you are choosing more than just a learning environment, you are also choosing a home away from home for your child and your family.
FAQs
The ECC prioritizes a responsive classroom, a “yes” environment, where children are respected and their curiosity valued. Our co-constructed, emergent curriculum allows time and space for children to learn through play. More than that – the educational domains are woven into areas of inquiry that the children are interested in. This creates an individualized learning experience and helps children develop critical thinking skills and empathy. We believe that is the way to lay the foundation for children to love learning. We are inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy of authenticity and thoughtful environments. This creates an individualized learning experience and helps children develop critical thinking skills and empathy.
- Morning Meeting, Hello songs, learning about the day in front of them, hearing from children, and what they want to talk about
- Children go outside and have a healthy snack 2x daily. Most classes have lunch around 12pm and rest or nap after lunch. Their free play is time for teachers and children to engage and play together. Parents of infants partner with their Educarers to set the schedule.
- Infants and toddlers will have 1x weekly Gymboree, Twos and up will enjoy a nature, gym, creative expression is child led. Three’s and up will enjoy all that and weekly swim instruction. All children will enjoy the sing-a-long and Shabbat celebration.
No, you do not have to be Jewish to attend. Our Early Childhood Center is rooted in Jewish values and traditions, which are woven into our daily activities and cultural programs. However, we welcome families of all backgrounds, and our diverse community ensures that every child and staff member feel included and comfortable. We are always happy to honor the home culture and traditions of any student.
Our parents are part of what makes our pre-school program special! We encourage (but don’t require!) parent participation in holidays, provide opportunities to volunteer for various ECC events and schedule fun events that enable families to mix and mingle during and after regular class hours.
Greater MetroWest (GMW) Right Start provides a $1,000 gift voucher toward the cost of tuition for families enrolling their children in a Jewish 2-year-old school program for the first time. To learn more about Early Childhood opportunities for families, visit this site: GMW Right Start – Jewish Federation of Greater Metrowest NJ.
The JCC does have a scholarship fund based on need. Applications are available upon request.
