Goldberg Early Childhood Center
Welcome to the Goldberg Early Childhood Center
At the Goldberg Early Childhood Center, we build a love of learning and a community that lasts a lifetime. From the infants to the oldest Pre-K students, we encourage independent thinking and decision-making that prepares our graduates to be responsible leaders when they leave our doors. If you’re looking for a collaborative partner in your family’s early childhood educational journey, come and join us in creating the future.
Statement of Guiding Principles
The Goldberg Early Childhood Center is a safe, inclusive, and respectful space built on a foundation of Jewish values that guide our everyday learning and decision-making. Our children are capable, motivated, and independent learners who explore their innate curiosities through joyful play and investigation as they seek to make meaning of the world around them. By providing tools and materials that create a flexible and engaging environment, our school invites each child to ignite their own unique sense of wonder.
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Jewish Values
Our Jewish Values sit at the foundation of everything we do in our school. Our core values are:
- Chesed/ Kindness: We have opportunities every day to perform large and small acts of kindness
- Kehillah / Community: Building a community begins and ends with including and caring for everyone
- Shmirat Ha-guf/ Self-Care: Keep your body and mind healthy through mindful choices
- Tikkun Olam/ Repair the World: Show how much you love the world by helping to keep it clean and working towards fixing problems you may find.
- B'tzelem Elohim / Uniqueness: We are all unique and valued beings created in the image of G-d.
Our Staff
Education and learning is a lifelong pursuits and at the GECC, our teachers take them very seriously. In addition to attending conferences and seminars, our educators engage in weekly reflective supervision meetings and monthly staff development. Our commitment to our teachers, students, and parents is to continually grow as a learning community so that we can provide the latest research-based best practices for every child’s early childhood education.
We are so happy that you are interested in being part of the #bestschoolfamilyever! Below you’ll find a step-by-step checklist that will guide you from scheduling a tour to enrollment. When you participate in one of our small group tours, you’ll have the opportunity to view the full facility and the amazing opportunities available here as part of your J Membership. If you have any questions about navigating the application and admissions process, please contact our Office Manager, Emily Fifty at efifty@jccdallas.org
Step 2
Contact our Office Manager, Emily Fifty at efifty@jccdallas.org for an enrollment application.
Step 3
After we receive your application, our team will review and notify you regarding space availability in the school.
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Step 5
Ensure all payment forms have been received by our Office Manager and you've completed your Camp Doc paperwork.
Step 6
Start your journey with the best school family ever!
curriculum
education & Details
Our curriculum is firmly rooted in research-based best practices, demonstrating that a play-based, emergent curriculum fosters deep and meaningful learning experiences. By allowing children to guide their own learning, we create an environment where their natural curiosity flourishes. Our educators prioritize observing and listening to children, gathering valuable insights into their preferences, strengths, and challenges. This ongoing feedback process enables our educators to create a responsive learning environment, where intentionally designed experiences promote engagement through meaningful play, facilitating exploration and discovery.
At the heart of play-based learning is the understanding that children learn best when they are actively engaged in hands-on experiences. This approach empowers children to take the lead in their learning journeys, nurturing a sense of independence and intrinsic motivation. Our GECC Educators play a vital role as facilitators, guiding children as they navigate their interests through play. By providing a variety of open-ended resources and opportunities for imaginative exploration – such as dramatic play areas, sensory bins, light tables and art materials – we help children deepen their understanding of concepts. Engaging in this process allows our educators to meet children where they are developmentally and support each unique child in their social, emotional, and cognitive development.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Packing a lunch for your child can be daunting even without Kosher rules. Here are some things to remember: Please avoid sending pork products and shellfish. Also, please avoid mixing lunch items that include dairy and meat in the same meal. For example, packing a turkey sandwich or chicken nuggets with cheese or yogurt is not a Kosher-style lunch. If you decide to send meat, there are good options to send as sides: fruit and veggies.
Many parents find it easier to send all vegetarian lunches, so we have compiled a list of popular lunch items (though there are many, many more out there!). Please call or email with any questions or if you have a new idea to add to the list!
- Applesauce, sliced fruit, or a fruit cup
- Bagel with cream cheese/spread
- Bean or vegetable burrito
- Breadsticks
- Cereal with milk in a separate container
- Cheese and crackers or cheese sticks/string cheese
- Cheese quesadillas
- Egg or tuna salad
- Eggs – scrambled, hard-boiled, or in an omelet
- Fish sticks
- Fresh fruit/fruit salad
- Hummus and pita
- Mac-and-cheese (or another pasta item brought in a thermos, such as spaghetti)
- Muffins
- Pasta – with sauce or as a salad with cheese, egg, tuna, and/or veggies
- Peaches or bananas in sour cream, yogurt, or cottage cheese
- Pizza or pizza bagels
- Raisins
- Sandwiches: cheese, almond/cashew/nut/sunflower, peanut butter & jelly (or bananas or celery), hummus, tuna, egg salad, cream cheese (with cucumber or jelly)
- Tofu
- Tofu dogs (“not dogs”) or tofu “chicken nuggets”
- Vegetable soup
- Vegetarian lasagna
- Veggies & dip
- Yogurt
We are vigilant about our sick policy. Children must be symptom-free for 24 hours to return to school. If your child gets sick at school, we will call you and keep them comfortable and well cared for. If a particular illness is diagnosed in your class, we tell parents to look out for it. We are constantly cleaning and disinfecting to ensure a healthy environment.
Safety is always the number one priority in our school; it is on the top of our minds daily. According to our state licensing regulations, teachers and staff are prepared to handle emergencies and practice safety drills with the children.
Yes. Our school year is generally from the middle of August to the middle of May. If you are signed up for the year-round program, you also have coverage during winter break, spring break, and the break weeks between the end of school and camp. If you would like care in the summer, you can enroll your child in Camp Simchah, which is open at the same hours as our school program.
Early enrollment opens for returning families in December. In January, enrollment opens to the public. Please try to enroll early to ensure your space! It is not uncommon for wait lists for the following school year to be started in March. Our families also have priority registration for summer camps, which opens in January.
As a school we learn about and celebrate many of the Jewish holidays, including Rosh Hashannah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Chanukkah, Tu B’Shvat, Purim, Passover, Yom Ha;atzmaut, and Shavuot. We also celebrate Thanksgiving and have class (Toddlers and Twos) and age level (Threes and Pre-K) feasts we would love for you to attend.
We know many families celebrate Halloween and Valentine’s Day at home, but we do not celebrate or do anything for those days at school. Make sure to save those costumes for Purim in the spring though!
On our school calendar you will see some days designated as School Closed/HBP Open and some as School Closed/ECP Open. The Holiday Break Program (HBP) is open on many of the days the school is closed for Jewish holidays and parents of full-time students are eligible to sign-up for an additional charge. The Extended Care Program (ECP) is included in full-time tuition and is offered for weeks school is closed such as spring break, winter break, and before and after summer camp.
Early Childhood Programming
growing together every step of the way
JNurture programs are crafted for parents and children age 0-5 to engage in playful and educational activities together. From interactive story sessions for infants to art sessions for preschoolers, we offer informational talks and courses that cover developmental milestones.
Our aim is to strengthen the bond between parents/caregivers and children in a warm and supportive social setting. You’re never to old to be nurtured.
Fall 2024 programming information is coming soon. Find current events and pricing in the Events section below. For more information, contact Emmaline Rosenthal at erosenthal@jccdallas.org
enrichment
extra-curricular
Many of our departments offer enrichment opportunities designed to fit into our school's daily schedule. From dance, gymnastics and sports to performing arts, swimming and tennis, your child can do it all as part of their day at the J.
class options
DANCE
As part of our enrichment opportunities at the Goldberg Early Childhood Center, we offer dance for boys & girls that teach the basics skills of hip-hop, tap, ballet, and tumbling. Our classes focus on Fun movement to many types of music, rhythm (Clap, stomp, twist, swing, and dancing to the beat), memorization (learning and recalling dance steps in order), group Interactions such as taking turns and coordination. Our classes work on large gross motor skills such as hopping, skipping, galloping, and jumping
For more information contact Suzi McCarthy at smccarthy@jccdallas.org
upcoming classes
MONDAYS
Tuesdays
thursdays
fridays
Gymnastics
During preschool gymnastics classes, boys and girls begin learning the basics. The classes focus on enhancing body awareness and core strength through the utilization of the tumble track, bars, balance beam, floor circuits, and more. Skills learned in these classes benefit children in all sports and activities. These classes are offered to children in our Goldberg Early Childhood Center. Students must be potty-trained.
To sign up, please fill out the youth authorization form and add your child to the correct class waiting list online.
J Athletics Academy Jr.
Building Character one Fundamental at a Time
We are shaping our future through community, activity, and integrity by providing sports programming that focuses on teamwork, fundamentals, and a love for the game.
Come learn to play basketball and t-ball with your classmates and the JCC coaching staff this spring semester. We will have fun and stay active in dribbling, passing, shooting and defensive footwork skills in Basketball. Then we will transition to t-ball and work on our catching, throwing, and batting skills.
upcoming classes
MONDAYS
tuesdays
wednesdays
fridays
J Performing Arts Jr.
Our JPAS JR series is geared toward children 3 – 6 years old. The program is designed to get their feet moving and their imaginations flowing using creative play, music, and theater games all while teaching social skills and building confidence. Learn the basics of the arts in a creative, interactive, and nurturing setting intended to unleash the little theater bug in the youngest of children.
If the JPAS enrichment class you are interested in joining has already begun and online registration is no longer available, please email arobinson@jccdallas.org your request and she would be happy to assist you.
upcoming classes
Little Dramatists Storytelling Adventure
Preschool 3’s
Welcome to Little Dramatists Storytelling Adventure! This enchanting class for children brings stories to life through a blend of reading, acting, singing, and art. Each week, we’ll dive into delightful books, act out scenes, learn related songs, and create sometime even create art projects. This fun, immersive experience encourages imagination, physical movement, and a love for drama and music. Join us for a joyful exploration where stories come alive and creativity soars!
wednesdays
Little Dramatists Storytelling Adventure
Preschool 4-5
Welcome to Little Dramatists Storytelling Adventure! This enchanting class for children brings stories to life through a blend of reading, acting, singing, and art. Each week, we’ll dive into delightful books, act out scenes, learn related songs, and create sometime even create art projects. This fun, immersive experience encourages imagination, physical movement, and a love for drama and music. Join us for a joyful exploration where stories come alive and creativity soars!
wednesdays
thursdays
Swim Lessons
The Lenny Krayzelburg Swim Academy offers weekly swim lessons to the students (ages 3+) of the Goldberg Early Childhood Center. These lessons are built into the GFECC curriculum and use the same SwimRight Method® as the swim academy. This builds a uniform platform for students who may take LKSA lessons in concert with their weekly lessons or may choose to continue their skills after they graduate from preschool.
The lessons are conducted by Coach Lia Oberstar-Brown, a former competitive swimmer who swam with the likes of Lenny Krayzelburg himself. Coach Lia brings years of experience in swim instruction of all ages and has a teaching style that motivates all children to learn.
The LKSA also offers lessons as an enrichment option for GFECC students Monday through Friday, 1 pm-6 pm. LKSA lessons are for ages 2+ and the preschool lessons are ages 3+.
Students can be picked up directly from their classrooms to go to their lessons. After the lesson, students may be picked up by a parent or guardian or returned to their classroom.
To set up lessons or a pick-up, please contact Lia Oberstar-Brown, 214-239-7197 or lbrown@jccdallas.org
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tennis
The Goldberg Early Childhood Center Tennis Program is a delightful introduction to the world of tennis, specially designed for children ages 3 to 5. This program focuses on creating a fun and engaging environment where children can explore tennis through age-appropriate activities, games, and exercises.
upcoming classes
mondays
TIME: 1:00 – 1:30 pm (GECC Room 2)
DATES: January 22 – May 6
MEMBER PRICE: $378
TIME: 2:00 – 2:30 pm (GECC Room 22)
DATES: January 22 – May 6
MEMBER PRICE: $378
tuesdays
TIME: 1:00 – 1:30 pm (GECC Room 1)
DATES: January 16 – May 7
MEMBER PRICE: $378
TIME: 2:00 – 2:30 pm (GECC Room 7)
DATES: January 16 – May 7
MEMBER PRICE: $378
wednesdays
TIME: 1:00 – 1:30 pm (GECC Rooms 9 & 10)
DATES: January 17 – May 8
MEMBER PRICE: $378
TIME: 2:00 – 2:30 pm (GECC Room 21)
DATES: January 17 – May 8
MEMBER PRICE: $378
fridays
TIME: Fridays 1:00 – 1:30 pm (GECC Room 8)
DATES: January 19 – May 3
MEMBER PRICE: $352
sneak peek into gecc
NAEYC Accredited
