It is our sincere hope that we will be able to remain open throughout the winter. However, there may be conditions that force us to close for safety reasons.Our policy regarding closings is determined by a number of factors:

1. If the Federal Government is closed for any reason, the preschool will be closed.
2. If Montgomery County Schools are closed for weather emergencies, Temple Emanuel Early Childhood Center Temple Emanuel will also be closed for the first day only. After that, the decision to close preschool will be based on safety conditions of the areas surrounding Temple Emanuel. If road conditions are hazardous, we will close the preschool. A decision will be made by 6:30 am and a message will be on our phone-line at 301-942-2000.
3. When Montgomery County has a delayed opening, Temple Emanuel Early Childhood Center will open at open at 9:00 am.
4. If we begin to experience inclement weather during the day, we will endeavor to remain open. Should we determine that it is necessary to close, will notify parents and try to give you two hours in which to arrive. It is important for you to arrange to pick up your child as soon as possible, as chances are that weather conditions will continue to deteriorate

These policies will also pertain to other emergency conditions such as hurricanes, power outages or problems with the building. When appropriate we will use a "phone tree" to communicate with parents.

• The Temple Emanuel Early Childhood Center is committed to providing an exceptional early childhood education for all of our children.  We are dedicated to exposing our children to the richness of Jewish values and traditions, while respecting the diversity of our families.
• We believe that our children benefit from a strong relationship between family and school.  Our program is based on the spirit of “community” where children, parents and staff feel a strong sense of partnership and belonging.
• We recognize the unique qualities of individual children and feel that children learn best by being active, experiential learners.  We provide a rich environment where children have the opportunity for discovery and growth.  We encourage the love of learning and the development of an inquisitive mind.
• We believe that children deserve to grow at their own rate in a warm, nurturing and supportive environment. 
• We believe that all children and their families should be treated with dignity and respect at all times.

The "atelier," or art studio, is an essential part of a school inspired by the philosophy of Reggio-Emilia. Much more than a place where children and teachers “make art” the "atelier" is a place for exploration, creativity and a way for children to express their thoughts and ideas. It is an integral part of the cognitive and symbolic expression involved in the process of learning. Natural, unexpected and recyclable objects that are all around us open up a world of discovery for our young children. We would be delighted if you could help us by collecting and donating your “treasures.” What a simple way to contribute to our Temple Emanuel Early Childhood Center community!

Click here to see the studio material supply list.

Children are viewed as “strong and powerful…as unique, having rights rather than simply needs…having potential, plasticity, the desire to grow, curiosity…and the desire to relate to other people and to communicate.”   (Rinaldi, 1993)

The Hundred Languages of Children
This term refers to the wide range of ways that children can communicate and represent their understandings, feeling and creative selves.  These languages can be the written and spoken word, drawings, paintings, sculptures in clay and other materials, block construction, light, dance, music, movement and more.

Collaboration
Collaboration between and among all of the members of the school provides the support for teachers, children and parents to carry out the work of the school.  Teachers and children collaborate on projects through large, small, and individual groupings and discussions.  This allows for the co-construction of knowledge.  Here at Temple Emanuel Nursery School we are also fortunate to be part of a community that also contributes to the collaborative work of the school. 

The Project Approach
Projects are a group activity, planned by the teachers and a group of interested children.  Projects have no specific time limit and are revisited daily in addition to other classroom activities.

Documentation
Documentation shows the process and the product of the children’s work.  It includes samples of their work photographs, drawings and transcriptions of their words.  It is displayed in the school as a way for children to inform the learning community about the work of the children 

The Environment as a Third Teacher
The environment is thoughtfully developed to include welcoming and pleasing touches, such as flowers, plants, and a variety of materials that are arranged and organized to be visually pleasing as well as accessible to children.  The environment includes areas that encourage active exploration and creativity as well as areas that encourage active exploration and creativity as well as areas that encourage reflection and connection.

Temple Emanuel has designated two funds to support the Early Childhood Center. They are:

• Early Childhood Center Fund—Supports additional needs of  the Temple Emanuel Early Childhood Center
• Playground Fund—To maintain the new playground

Click here for information about donating to these and other Temple Emanuel funds.

One of the unique features of Temple Emanuel Early Childhood Center is our emphasis on working together as an educational team.  We have co-teachers in every class and all have a high level of education and training.  Our entire staff values continued learning and professional development.  Most important of all is our deep commitment to young children and our belief in their competence.

Madeline Lowitz Gold, Director of Temple Emanuel Early Childhood Center has 25 years of experience in Jewish Early Childhood Education.  She is a graduate of Ohio State University and also has a background in writing and editing.  She is on the board of the National Network of Jewish Early Childhood Educators and an active member of the National Reggio Emilia Alliance.  She has participated in numerous training seminars including the Jewish Early Childhood Seminar in Reggio Emilia, Italy.

Jill Barefoot, a graduate of the University of Miami, has a strong background in science and anthropology.  As an experienced PreK teacher she has used that experience to help children question, explore and discover answers through experiments and investigations.

Joanne Goldman brings over twenty years of early childhood experience to our program.  She has a degree in Early Childhood Special Education from Old Dominion University.  She has a strong Judaic and creative background.

Ricki Gottlieb, an experienced preschool teacher, is a graduate of the State University of New York with a degree in Art History.  Her visual arts background and creativity helps our team collaborate on visual documentation.

Julie Goren recently moved to this area from Canada where she received her degree in Education and Human Ecology from the University of Manitoba.  She is currently working on her Masters Degree in Education. In addition to her preschool teaching experience she has been a special events coordinator and an active volunteer in the Jewish community.

Sarah Grumet has been a teacher in a Reggio-based preschool for several years and her strength is in creating a strong community environment in her classroom.  A graduate of the University of Maryland, she worked in Jewish summer camp programs, been a volunteer for social justice organizations and performs in theater groups.

Ashley Jaffe is a graduate of Charleston College where she received her degree in Theater Education with a focus on working with young children.  She has worked in local Jewish camps and early childhood programs and directed a youth center in Israel.

Nancy Kleinman, our Atelierista (Arts coordinator), earned her BFA from the University of Denver and studied at the Cleveland Institute of Art, where her interests included painting, ceramics and photography.  She did post graduate work at the Art Center College of Design in California and participated in National Reggio conferences and seminars. Her journey has taken her from being a graphic designer to becoming an arts educator. Her philosophy is to encourage learning that is child centered and discovery based.  Nancy has established a model atelier and is a part of all of our children’s daily lives.

Syril Kline is a long-time educator and is a graduate of the University of Maryland.  She has a strong background in music and has experience with teaching every age level from toddlers to adults. She is also a writer and has collaborated on materials used for teacher training.

Gary Mayes, our Pedagogista (curriculum coordinator), received his degree in education from the University of Cincinnati and a BA from the College Conservatory of music. In addition, he has an MFA with an emphasis in music education.  Gary has had a number of years of experience as a Head Teacher and Curriculum Coordinator in Reggio-based preschools. He has participated in a national seminars and conferences focusing on the philosophy of Reggio Emilia.  In turn, he has created innovative professional learning materials and led teacher- training and mentoring programs.  Gary is the leader in our team approach to collaborative planning and learning.

Jane Mellman has her Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology from NYU and has been active in the professional community of Jewish early childhood educators for a number of years.  She has studied in Reggio Emilia, Italy and is excited to be part of a program that has a curriculum inspired by that philosophy of learning.

Rabbi Sarah Meytin received her undergraduate degree from University of Mary Washington, her MSW from the University of Pennsylvania and was ordained as a Rabbi from Hebrew Union College.  Most recently, as assistant director of Jewish Community Relations Council she worked directly with the Early Childhood Directors Council.  While doing that work she realized that her great love was working with young children.  In addition to her Judaic background, Sarah brings to us that commitment of working with young children and families.

Vas Pournaras is a graduate of James Madison University where he was a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and worked with at risk-teens and low-income families.  He also has training in conflict mediation.  Vas has a strong background working in a Reggio-inspired preschool and has helped train other team members on how to document children’s learning through portfolios, visual and written materials.

Rachel Siegel received her degree in Sociology from The George Washington University.  She has worked for Jewish Social Services and recently moved from Boston where she did intergenerational program for the Jewish Housing Council.