Phone: 847-634-0363 (ECC Administrative Office)   . Email: bjepreschool@bjechicago.org

Toddler Programs First Steps Age 15mo. (by September 1) accompanied by a parent or caregiver. NEW PROGRAM Weekly program, 1 hr. Activities designed to meet the developmental needs of these constantly on-the-go children include simple art media, singing and movement to records, free play in a fully equipped pre-school room and a simple introduction to the Jewish holidays. New Steps Age 18mo. (by September 1) accompanied by a parent or caregiver.  Weekly program, 1 hr. With the child's parent or caregiver close by for encouragement and support, the toddler begins the discovery of a world of independence within the preschool setting. Exploration of various art media and large and small motor activities in a well-equipped preschool room is provided. Circle times focus on songs, fingerplay, and musical activities set to records. Jewish holidays are an integral part of the program. A family holiday party is held for Chanukah, Purim and Pesach.  Preschool Programs My Own Steps Age 2 years (by September 1); meets 1st semester with parent or caregiver- optional 1 or 2 days each week; 2nd semester without parent or caregiver- 2 days per week. The class offers the two year old a gradual movement into the world of independence within the preschool setting. Exploration of various art media, and large and small motor activities in a well-equipped preschool room is provided. Circle times focus on songs, fingerplays, and musical activities set to records. Jewish holidays are an integral part of the program.  More Steps Age 2.5 to 3 (by September 1) meets twice weekly. A program without parents. Separation is carefully planned so that it can be carried out in an optimum manner for each individual child. Program emphasizes social development and an introduction to all of the Jewish Holiday celebrations. Circle times will gradually help the young child to enjoy songs, felt board stories, rhythm and movement as part of a group.  Kadima (Let's Go Forward) Age 3 (by September 1) meets three mornings per week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, for a full three hour program from 9:00 to 12:00. Separation is carefully planned for each child. This is a balanced program, blending social and cognitive, creative and structured, individual and group activities, all integrated with the full celebration of Shabbat and the Jewish holidays. Social development is highlighted, with an emphasis on problem solving as a means to social competency. Family highlights are an evening family Chanukah party, a Family Pretend Trip to Israel and a Family Shabbat dinner celebrated with a complete kit of Shabbat ritual objects made by each child.  Bonim (Builders) Age 4 (by September 1) meets five afternoons per week, Monday through Friday, for a full three hour program from 12:30 to 3:30. Children continue in their exploration of themselves, their community and the larger Jewish community of which they are a part. There is an emphasis on more extensive group projects as the means to involving children in meaningful cognitive and social learning. The Jewish social values of tzedakah and mitzvot are introduced and integrated into our early literacy and pre-math programs throughout the year. Family highlights are a Hebrew Name Reaffirmation Program, a Havdalah Dinner with each family using the ritual object kit made by their child, and an outstanding Pesach mini-seder developed just for this age child.  Enrichment Programs   Twisters This program is for children also enrolled in our Bonim class. This 1.5 hr, one day per week enrichment class will have your child in constant motion as he explores the world of music and movement. His body will stretch and twist to move like assorted animals, dance to a variety of musical expressions, sing and use many different musical instruments. Movement and games will be coordinated with props such as bubbles, hoola hoops, scarves, and bean bags. Tunnels, balance beams, relay races, story time and parachute play will complete a class of action, music, and fun. Children bring a Dairy Lunch (school provides juice). Mad Science This program is for children also enrolled in our Bonim class. This 1.5 hour, one day per week enrichment class will challenge the naturally curious and eager preschooler to explore and discover the wonders of science and math. Children bring a Dairy Lunch (school provides juice). Let's Pretend This program is for children also enrolled in our Bonim class. This 1.5 hour, one day per week enrichment class is a Drama Class that incorporates Judaic themes into the elementary theater arts experiences of music, movement, pantomime, and improvisation. An informal observation day for the family will be part of each session. Children bring a Dairy Lunch (school provides juice).

BJE Summer Camp Enjoy a summer of fun with our experienced staff and excellent program! Please contact us for an application or for further information at 847-634-0363 or send us an email and we will get back to you. Camp Locations:  Beth Judea in Long Grove B'nai Tikvah in Deerfield Beth Hillel Congregation Bnai Emunah in Wilmette Or Shalom in Vernon Hills Details: Parent-Toddler: 2 day/1¾ hour program, 1 day is a field trip (2 by September 1) 3 Year olds: 2 or 3 days, 10:00-1:00 (3 by September 1) 4 Year olds: 3 days, 9:30-1:30 (4 by September 1)