Issuu

Where friends connect, play, and learn

Informational Brochure

“Wonder is the beginning of wisdom” -SOCRATES

From the moment children are born, they begin to learn. The Sarah and Irving Pitt Early Childhood Center provides a safe, nurturing environment where children receive an outstanding learning experience, where their natural sense of wonder flourishes, and where every day is filled with opportunities that help them build self-confidence and develop the tools necessary for academic and personal growth. Our curriculum allows for learning through exploration, inquiry, and engagement. Children are offered daily experiences that develop their language and communication, cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills. We understand that children are constructivist learners who benefit from purposeful play, open-minded materials and our educators’ knowledge. Supporting children in their earliest years is an investment in their future. The educators of the Pitt ECC are dedicated to nurturing and respecting each child and understanding his or her unique abilities, making certain that everyone has the chance to succeed. We are honored to be partners in providing your children with the very best opportunities as they grow and discover themselves and the world.

Pitt ECC Highlights ◦ Rated and assessed through Great Start to Quality ◦ Open to everyone regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or ability ◦ Year-round programming for infants, toddlers, and preschool ◦ Greater number of school weeks than other programs – open 49 weeks per year

◦ Private security system with key card entry ◦ Weekly Shabbat celebrations ◦ Large romp-and-roll room with climbers and riding toys ◦ Nut-free facility ◦ Communication with parents through e-newsletters and digital parent communication platform

◦ Holiday and family programs ◦ Culturally diverse ◦ Need-based financial assistance available ◦ Access to a full-size gym, and grounds with much more, that allows for exploration, play, and hands-on learning

◦ Three age appropriate playgrounds

Defining Qualities of the Pitt ECC

Everything in One Place

The Pitt ECC is part of The J – Detroit, which means that children have access to some of the area’s most outstanding cultural, recreational, and educational facilities – all under one roof! This includes access to The J’s full gym for sports, games, and exercise; time at our outdoor playgrounds designed for every stage of a child’s development; events at The Berman Center for Performing Arts; joint programs with JFamily and JCC Day Camps. Our Values

The Pitt ECC is committed to the Jewish values of chesed (compassion), kehillah (community), tikkun olam (repairing the world), ruach (spirit) and hachnassat orchim (welcoming guests), all of which are woven into the fabric of our programming. We Make It Work for You

The Pitt ECC offers flexible scheduling that allows you to build a program to meet your family’s needs. Please see information about our full-day and extended half-day options. Our Educators

All educators must meet the highest standards of professionalism and integrity and have a love of teaching and children. Staff members are trained in First Aid and CPR, and educators participate in ongoing professional development and training in secular and Judaic education.

Our Sheva Learning Framework The Sarah & Irving Pitt Early Childhood Center utilizes Sheva, a framework developed by the JCC Association of North America. Sheva is a proven learning tool to support character growth of a child in their early years, rooted in Jewish – and universal – values and traditions. Seven Core Elements of Sheva

1. Children as Constructivist Learners 2. Early Childhood Directors as Visionaries 3. Early Childhood Educators as Professionals 4. Families as Engaged Partners 5. Environments as Inspiration for Inquiry 6. Discover: CATCH as Sh’mirat HaGuf (taking care of our bodies) 7. Israel as a Source and Resource

Seven Jewish Lenses

1. Masa: Journey (Reflection, Return, and Renewal) 2. Tzelem: Elohim/Divine Image (Dignity and Potential) 3. B’rit: Covenant (Belonging and Commitment) 4. K’dushah: Holiness (Intentionality and Presence) 5. Hit’orerut: Awakening (Amazement and Gratitude) 6. D’rash: Interpretation (Inquiry, Dialogue, and Transmission) 7. Tikkun Olam: Repair of the World (Responsibility)

Pitt ECC Year-Round Programs Infants

We are the leaders in the community for infant care

◦ Ages birth – 12 months ◦ 1:4 staff-to-child ratio ◦ Two, three, or five full day options

Toddlers ◦ Ages 12 months – 2 years ◦ 1:4 staff-to-child-ratio ◦ Two, three, or five full day options

Young Preschool ◦ Ages 2-3 years ◦ (Toilet training not required) ◦ 1:4 staff-to-child ratio – ages 2-2.5 ◦ 1:8 staff-to-child ratio – ages 2.5-3 ◦ Extended Half Day/Full Day options ◦ Two, three, or five day options

Preschool ◦ Age 3 by September 1 ◦ 1:8 staff-to-child ratio ◦ Extended Half Day/Full Day options ◦ Two, three, or five day options

Pre-Kindergarten ◦ Age 4 by September 1 ◦ 1:9 staff-to-child ratio ◦ Extended Half Day/Full Day options ◦ Two, three, or five day options

6600 W Maple Rd. West Bloomfield, MI 48322