“Grandfriends” Transcends Generations
After seven years as a lead teacher at JCC Chicago ‘Z’ Frank Apachi Early Childhood, I stumbled upon a life altering national intergenerational fellowship opportunity envisioned by Ideal18 and funded through a generous grant by the Covenant Foundation. They were seeking classroom educators and administrators in Jewish early childhood who were intent on becoming activists […] Learn More ›
Jacob Duman Early Childhood Center Furthers Its Commitment to Inclusion
In Summer 2021, Jacob Duman Early Childhood Center at Lake County JCC had the great privilege to welcome the Axelrod family. Jordan and Ryder, twins, were toddlers at the time. We learned that both parents, Jenny and Corey, were hard of hearing and members of the Deaf community. Their primary language was American Sign Language […] Learn More ›
Chew on This: Strategies for Responding to your Child’s Biting
Getting a call from your child’s teacher, only to learn that they have bitten one of their peers or have been bitten by someone, can be alarming for parents. Not knowing how to react or what to do can often leave you feeling helpless. It is important to understand that biting is a normal developmental […] Learn More ›
Our Second Home, Our Community, Our Family
Three years ago, I was a “first time parent” sending my son to daycare and I experienced a plethora of emotions. I had a million questions and thoughts running through my head. Will the daycare center love him? Will the teachers understand what he wants and needs? Do they know that he must sleep with […] Learn More ›
No Need To Fear, The J Is Here
It was March 16, 2020. I got an email from the Florence G. Heller JCC: “School will be closed for the next 3 weeks.” Panic set in. Two full-time working parents with two adorable, BUSY kids and no family in town – how would we survive the next 3 weeks without the J? Florence G. […] Learn More ›
Becoming Miss Barnett
Teachers have always had a great impact on me, but there is one teacher in particular who has had the most profound influence on my life. That teacher is Mrs. Barnett, a preschool teacher from JCC Chicago Early Childhood at Am Shalom – and she just happens to also be my mom. I grew up getting […] Learn More ›