Our Mission and Philosophy

The Washington Hebrew Congregation's Rabbi Joseph Weinberg Early Childhood Center (RJWECC), Edlavitch-Tyser Early Childhood Center (ETECC) and Primary School (WHCPS) provide warm, positive environments where children can discover themselves and the world around them. Through “hands-on” activities, we strive to stimulate a child's natural creative interests and to help build a positive self-image in a friendly group atmosphere.

Our preschool and primary programs also provide a solid foundation for fostering a child's Jewish identity through cultural and religious celebrations, Jewish music and story-telling. Shabbat activities are always included in our weekly schedule.

The RJWECC and WHCPS are educational programs accredited by the Maryland State Board of Education and the Board of Jewish Education. The ETECC is an educational program accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Board of Jewish Education and licensed by the District of Columbia.

We are staffed by a professional faculty that includes specialists in art, music, dramatic arts, creative movement, science and computers. All of our teachers are chosen on the basis of their professional experience, devotion and responsiveness to children, maturity and warmth, and their commitment to Jewish religious education. Each of our highly qualified teachers has at least one assistant to aid in implementing our program.  Additionally, our professional religious educators, rabbis and cantors are committed to our programs and work with us and the children to provide the finest environment for deepening their appreciation of their Jewish heritage.