The Worcester JCC’s Early Childhood Center Continues to Grow

Amid the sprawling Jewish Community Center (JCC) campus on Salisbury Street in Worcester, you can feel the energy and the curiosity emanating from the youngest learners. The JCC’s Early Childhood Center blends the warmth of Jewish tradition with a modern play-based approach that helps the youngest learners grow with confidence, joy, and an understanding of all traditions.

The JCC Early Childhood Center’s program supports children’s social, emotional and cognitive development through play-based, hands-on learning. The preschool program welcomes children starting at 2.9 years of age, infants 3 – 15 months and toddler programs from ages 13 months to 2.9 years.

According to the website, learning is a dynamic process during which children construct their own knowledge through play and active exploration of and with their environment. The curriculum is developed through observing and understanding each child’s individual skills and interest level.

A typical day in the childhood center at the JCC balances learning, play, and exploration. Children participate in group activities, swim to get children accustomed to the water and the expectations around water safety, hands-on-projects and are exposed to “specials” like art, music STEM/STEAM, and sports. Preschoolers have the bonus of choosing add-ons to the curriculum such as cooking and sports (additional fee).

“We are truly fortunate to have access to such an amazing space,” Director of the JCC Early Childhood Center Barbara Borowska-Behpouri, M. Ed said. “Our classrooms regularly utilize the gym, indoor and outdoor pools, indoor racquetball courts, outdoor courts, and the auditorium. It is important for both children and teachers to have opportunities to leave the classroom environment and take advantage of these wonderful facilities.”

In today’s ever-shifting world the center believes it is important to be inclusive to all while still maintaining cultural traditions. The focus is on teaching kindness, respect and community through stories, celebrations, and everyday classroom experience. Emma is our Jewish Coordinator on staff who ensures cultural traditions connect with day-to-day life and are inclusive for families of all backgrounds. 

The JCC’s Early Childhood Center feels strongly about partnering with families and making sure their goals for their child are heard and met. Families are encouraged to participate in the classroom, and each classroom provides several home to school activities to engage families to further their child’s early learning development at home. 

The staff at the center is highly trained and regularly participate in professional development.

The ECC administration observes staff in the classrooms and aim to provide training opportunities that best support their growth and development and encourage staff to pursue trainings that align with their interests.

The program’s greatest strength, according to Borowska-Behpouri, is the experienced and dedicated staff. Their staff has years of expertise and education in early childhood education and deep understanding of child development.

The team collaborates closely, continually updating their professional knowledge through ongoing training, and models the values of learning responsibility and respect. This allows the JCC to provide a high-quality program where children feel supported, challenged, and inspired every day.

The JCC’s Early Childhood Center is accepting applications for the 2026-2027 school year, and they are excited to be expanding and adding additional classrooms to meet demand. For more information go to www.worcesterjcc/early-childhood. 

The JCC also offers summer camp experiences and programs that are now enrolling for all ages, and they are registering for spring classes for all. Visit www.worcesterjcc.org to learn more.

Mention this article during your tour of the ECC and receive family pool passes to enjoy this summer at our brand new outdoor pool!

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