Rabbi Joseph Weinberg ECC | WHC Primary School | Edlavitch Tyser ECC

:: The Edlavitch Tyser Early Childhood Center at the Temple ::

The ETECC provides preschool programming for children ages 18 months to five years. We are located at the Washington Hebrew Congregation in northwest Washington, DC.

In our preschool, our children are encouraged to be creative and curious. Through a unit approach, which varies at each age level, our teachers select tasks and materials that focus on the individual needs of their class within the basic structure of our curriculum. Thus integrating subject areas into the total learning situation of a classroom. Broad curriculum areas include science, social studies, readiness skills, language arts and mathematics concepts. Health and safety, nutrition, music and art appreciation, the Jewish home and festivals are some of the units through which our curriculum is implemented. All programming is specifically designed to be developmentally appropriate.

School Environment

Our recently renovated building includes a brand new children's media center. Children play and learn in bright, well-equipped classrooms. We have new playgrounds with ample shade, and large, safe open spaces for indoor play.

Special Events

Our children enjoy a wide variety of special events and programs throughout the year. These include weekly Shabbat experiences with their class as well as with their grade, visits to the Sukkah, Hanukkah festivities, Purim parades. Our children also participate in several community service activities including the Fannie Mae Walk for the Homeless, fundraising for the Carrie Simon House - a shelter for homeless mothers and their babies, and school supply drives for the Abram Simon Elementary School in Washington, DC.

Families have the opportunity to participate in many activities including Shabbat Sing, Birthday celebrations, Thanksgiving feasts, Hanukkah workshops, Passover Sederim and chaperoned field trips (beginning in the 3's).

Educational Support Staff

On-site staff, including reading readiness professionals, speech and occupational therapists and a special needs consultant are available to work with classes, small groups and individual children and parents.

:: Our Programs ::

:: Tune In To Toddlers for children 18 - 28 months old and their parent/caregiver

This first introduction to our school is offered once per week on Tuesdays or Thursdays from 10:00 - 11:30.

The program has a socialization and language focus. Children are introduced to a school setting through crafts, music and large muscle activities. This is a delightful way for parents to interact with their children as they begin to explore the world around them.

:: Mid Year Twos for children who will turn two between September 1st and December 31st.

This program begins in February and is offered twice per week: Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday from 9:00 - 11:30.

Our youngest Twos attend without their parents in this special class which runs from February through June. Our exceptionally small size and low teacher-student ratio make this program a very successful "first step" into preschool.

:: Two-Year-Olds for children who will turn two by September 1st.

This program is offered two or three days per week: Monday/ Wednesday/Friday or Tuesday/ Thursday from 9:00 - 12:00.

Optional Programs:

:: Lunch Bunch: We offer this program Mondays - Thursdays from 12:00 - 1:00. Children may enroll in our "lunch bunch" during their regularly scheduled class days.

:: Three-Year-Olds for children who will turn three by September 1st.

This program is offered threes days per week Monday/Wednesday/Friday (with an optional fourth day on Thursday) or five days per week (Monday - Friday) from 9:00 - 12:00.

Optional Programs:

:: Enrichment program: Children who are fully toilet-trained may enroll in our Enrichment program one to four days per week (Monday - Thursday) from 12:00 - 2:15. Children will bring a complete lunch and will have the opportunity to experience Art, Cooking, Drama and Science classes as well as additional indoor and outdoor play time.

:: Four-Year-Olds for children who will turn four by September 1st.

We offer half-day (9:00 - 12:00) and full-day (9:00 - 2:15 on Monday - Thursday; 9:00 - 12:00 on Friday) programs, five days per week.

Optional Programs:

:: Enrichment program: Children who are enrolled in our half-day program and are fully toilet-trained may enroll in our Enrichment program one to four days per week (Monday - Thursday) from 12:00 - 2:15. Children will bring a complete lunch and will have the opportunity to experience Art, Cooking, Drama and Science classes as well as additional indoor and outdoor play time.