VALLEY BETH SHALOM EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER ANNOUNCES PROGRAM EXPANSION

VALLEY BETH SHALOM EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER ANNOUNCES PROGRAM EXPANSION

ENCINO - The Early Childhood Center (ECC) at Valley Beth Shalom (VBS) is thrilled to announce the expansion of its full-time preschool program to include children turning two at the start of school in the fall. The new two year old program, called “Acorns,” expands the school’s play-based learning model. At its heart is the Discovery Yard, an outdoor space for children to explore, learn and grow. “Giving children the opportunity to use real tools and authentic materials cultivates a sense of competence and confidence even in children as young as two years old,” said Robin Dowds, the ECC’s new full-time Outdoor Classroom Specialist.

In addition to the yard, the Acorn program has two dedicated classrooms with award-winning teachers who specialize in two year old transitions, and have a combined total of 150 years of early childhood teaching experience. With flexible three or five day options, and early and late care, the ECC offers parents many options for their child to transition into preschool.

“The program began a few short months ago, and I am thrilled that we have two full classrooms. The Acorn program was designed to meet the individual needs of our dynamic community and the response has been tremendous,” said Abby Andiman Mars, ECC Director.

The VBS ECC has been nurturing families for over forty-five years. Through a focus on independence, self-help skills and natural exploration, the ECC encourages creativity, inquiry, collaboration and a love for learning. Centered on Jewish values, the ECC enables children to develop a connection to Jewish heritage, rituals and Hebrew language. The ECC preschool also offers weekly specialists in music, art, body movement, and outdoor exploration. In addition to the preschool program, the ECC provides a wide variety of parent and me, grandparent and me and parent education programs for families with children ages 6 weeks through two in the brand new Infant-Toddler and Family Center at VBS.

The Valley Beth Shalom Early Childhood Center is now accepting applications for the 2018-2019 school year.  To learn more visit vbs.org/ecc or call (818)788-0567.