JCC of Greater Rochester NY

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Welcome to the JCC's Wolk Early Learning Center!

Our Philosophy and Approach
Studies confirm what we at the JCC have known for years, young children learn best through active exploration and play. What is great fun to a child is actually a carefully planned approach to help develop the social, emotional, physical, spiritual and academic skills so essential for (what kind of) success.
The Wolk Children's Center's hands-on curriculum encourages participation and builds self-confidence. We help children become active participants in school and in life, developing their individual skills and talents, and building the foundation for a lifetime filled with the joy of learning.
"Educate a child in his way, and when he is old he will not depart from it." - King Solomon, The Book of Proverbs

Values in Action

Each day is filled with "teachable moments," opportunities to connect your child's natural curiosity with a new skill, concept or value. Our classrooms are communities for children of all backgrounds set within a Jewish context. As a result, children gain a deeper sense of their identity and an awareness that they belong to a diverse and dynamic community. Our teachers are involved with your child every moment of the day; instructing, interacting, guiding, observing and assessing. We take the time to discover what's unique and special about each child, because children need to feel accepted and valued in order to thrive.

Our Curriculum

We offer a richly varied curriculum that encourages intellectual curiosity, builds self-confidence, and incorporates all areas of a child's development. We believe this is best accomplished through stimulating learning centers, hands-on activities, and a good balance of child-initiated and teacher-directed activities
Children choose from a variety of activities, materials and equipment, taking time to explore, while adults facilitate and stimulate children's thinking. Teacher-directed activities provide experiences to foster social skills and emotional maturity, as well as strengthen cognitive and physical growth.
Sensory, motor, perceptual, and language skills are introduced through developmentally appropriate materials and activities. These activities are planned to emphasize the process rather than the product, instilling a sense of accomplishment and pride.
Children work in small groups, large groups or individually to stimulate healthy social development while also getting "downtime" to process and reflect.
Our progressive curriculum is designed to help children learn more about their world, their heritage and their values. We provide opportunities to develop healthy social attitudes and a positive sense of self.

Families Trust the JCC

Expert Staff
At the heart of our program are experienced, enthusiastic teachers who love children and love to teach. Together with assistants and specialists they combine creativity and care to each child.
Parents as Partners
Our parents are welcomed, informed and encouraged to get involved! We distribute e-mails, newsletters and notes about your child's day and regular parent-teacher conferences. Our teachers and directors are always available to discuss questions about your child or the classroom.
Safe and Secure
The JCC Wolk Children's Center is a secure building with access limited to parents and staff members only. The Center is a state-of-the-art environment where children can explore and experiment both inside and outside the classroom.
Enriched Programming
Complementing our daily core program, children have the opportunity to participate in a variety of enriched programming, including music, science, physical education and aquatics.
A World of Opportunities
Families from all backgrounds enjoy cultural, recreational, social, educational and Judaic programs throughout the year at the JCC. As a Wolk Center family, you will receive special invitations and information about the JCC community beyond the classroom.

Start Out Right: Infants

For children ages 2 months to 18 months
Our state-of-the-art infant classrooms are safe, clean and cozy places for your baby's first experience away from home. Days are full of smiles, cuddles and encouragement from our nurturing staff. Little ones explore stimulating surroundings designed to nurture their social, intellectual and emotional development.
As children progress, we encourage experimentation with the new skills they are developing. They are busy climbing, playing with dolls, trucks and puzzles. Throughout the day, they learn beginning social skills and educational concepts. Singing, dancing, reading and outdoor play truly make this a wonderful beginning school experience.

Next Steps: Toddlers

For children ages 18 months to 36 months
Nurturing teachers provide age-appropriate activities and a balance of active and quiet activities to match and stimulate development. Early literacy is promoted through letter recognition, stories, rhymes, songs and writing. Children enjoy playing in our outdoor courtyard and gross motor room as they learn about themselves and the wonders of their expanding world.
Children learn about themselves, their feelings and about others, as they learn to socialize and participate in group activities. Beginning self-help skills, such as toilet-training, caring for personal belongings and even pouring juice are among the skills your child will develop during this year. Our caring staff provides the balance between a toddler's need for security and their growing desire for independence.

Solid Ground: 3 year olds

For children who turn 3-years-old by December 1
Our three-year-old classrooms are caring communities where children develop self confidence as they develop their new-found capabilities. Our curriculum is rich with language and communication, reading readiness, pre-mathematical concepts, science, art, and music. Exploration and experimentation are encouraged, emphasizing the experience and not the final product. Imaginative play and problem solving experiences go hand-in-hand as we help children navigate through their world.
Our outdoor playground, swimming pool, playgym and indoor equipment provide for gross motor development each day, no matter the weather. We present a safe world where children can develop a positive self-image, self-reliance, social awareness and interaction, imagination and resourcefulness. Children learn about themselves and the world around them in an atmosphere of love, joy, respect and security.

K'tanim

For children who turn 3-years-old by December 1
K'tanim is our program for three and four-year-olds based on Orthodox pedagogical materials. The curriculum incorporates davening, brachot, rituals and Hebrew language activities in combination with developmentally appropriate early childhood experiences. The K'tanim program runs 9am to 1pm or 9am to 4pm, and has a separate calendar that reflects religious Jewish holiday observances.

Getting Ready: Pre-K

For children who turn 4-years-old by December 1
This year we concentrate on preparing children for their next steps into school and life. Social growth and a developmental approach to academics are addressed throughout the year. Children are encouraged to embark on a deeper exploration of concepts, use materials with greater intent and focus, gain awareness and understanding of letters and numbers, and become more articulate.
Their ability to master self-help skills assists in their desire to take risks and try new things. An increased concentration in critical thinking skills, verbal/written expression and fine motor development are emphasized throughout the year. Their more complex thoughts and ideas are woven into the curriculum creating a unique and rich final year in preschool.

What You Need to Know

Open Hours: Monday through Friday from 7:00 am until 6:00 pm.
National Accreditation: National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Nutrition: The JCC maintains respect for kosher dietary laws by asking that children and staff bring only meat-free foods to the center. We provide healthy snacks each day.
Everyone is Welcome: All children are welcome, regardless of race, creed, color, physical ability, or national origin. At the JCC, your entire family can enjoy everything that make the JCC community a one-of-a-kind place!
Enrollment Guidelines: Families with children currently enrolled at the Wolk Children's Center have first priority for registration. Any remaining spaces will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note: Your family must have an active, continuous family membership to the JCC in order to enroll. A waiting list will be maintained for those children who cannot be accommodated.
Financial Assistance: Families may apply for an adjustment of membership dues. Please contact the JCC's Membership Department at (585) 461-2000 ext. 216 for confidential financial assistance.
Class Size and Ratio: These ratios and class sizes meet the criteria of the NYS Department of Health, the NYS Office of Child and Family Services and the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Ages	Adult to Child Ratio	Maximum Group Size
8 weeks - 18 months	1:4	8
18 months - 36 months	1:5	12
3 year olds	1:7	18
4 year olds	1:8	21

Questions?

Contact us anytime for more information. (585) 461.2000, ext.272.
Thank you for considering the JCC's Wolk Children's Center! Selecting a preschool is a very important decision that will affect your child's development and success. We look forward to celebrating your child's future milestones with you.