Mission & Philosophy

The Early Childhood Program of Germantown Jewish Centre provides high-quality Jewish education and child care, enriching both the families served and the congregation. The original Nursery School was expanded in 1980 to a full-day program which emphasizes learning through doing in an environment where individuality is nurtured and respected. At the same time, the program develops a sense of community and friendship. Our talented, dedicated, professional staff provides age-appropriate activities that stimulate the development of the whole child.We encourage children at varying developmental stages to interact and learn from one another. Our staff, school and families are mutually supportive and strive to maintain a caring community and a stable “home” for our children.

Learning outside
Learning and experiencing Jewish culture and tradition are central to our program. Holidays are celebrated through classroom activities, family programs, and synagogue events. Children learn Jewish values through discussion, song, story, drama, and puppetry. We are proud to be located in the midst of the beautiful and diverse Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia. We are committed to teaching and promoting respect and understanding of all persons.The Early Childhood Program of Germantown Jewish Centre is a nonprofit center licensed by the Department of Public Welfare of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We are open to all; however, priority for admission is given to synagogue member families.

The Germantown Jewish Centre Early Childhood Program is a special place for young children from 6 months of age through 5 years of age and for their families. Through the lens of Jewish culture and tradition, our children learn about themselves, and the world around them.

The Early Childhood Program is a Jewish Preschool that offers Half-Day and Full Day Programs as well as Early and Late Day Care. We are open to all, with priority admission given to synagogue member families. Our dedicated and talented staff are committed professionals. The preschool environment, created by our outstanding staff, is warm, nurturing and creative. The staff takes interest in all of the children and a family atmosphere is created throughout the school. We believe that every moment is a teachable moment and we are committed to instilling this belief in our children.

The preschool follows the yearly cycle of the Jewish holidays. Each week is highlighted by the Friday Shabbat celebration. Jewish culture, traditions and values are woven into our curriculum. Through Mitzvot (commandments), Tzedakah (charity) and Tikun Olam (repairing the world), the children learn to respect themselves, others and the world they live in.

Learning about the torah with rabbi adam.
Germantown Jewish Centre Early Childhood Program is dedicated to encouraging children to:
  • Develop self-esteem; know that they are loved and that they have a special place in the world.
  • Respect all people and value their differences
  • Have a strong identification with Judaism and the Jewish people
  • Develop cognitive, social-emotional, language, and physical skills
We encourage families to become:
  • Partners with the school in the education of their children
  • Participate in our school community
  • Our program stresses “learning through doing” using a multisensory approach and emphasizes the importance of play. We understand that children’s work is play. The teachers utilize many learning styles to engage the children and allow for individual differences. Through this approach the staff assists in the development of cognitive, social-emotional, language, and physical skills.
The curriculum consists of the children learning:
  • Shape Recognition
  • Numbers
  • Letter Recognition
  • Color Differentiation
  • Color Differentiation
  • Spatial Concepts
  • Motor Skill Development
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Science, Units-Dinosaurs, Space, Ocean, Animals
  • Weekly Hebrew
  • Weekly Music/Yoga Classes