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ECC Summer Session

Dear friends, 

 

We are writing to share some exciting news about a new summer program we will be offering to the congregation and community. For decades, we have been hearing from families who want to be part of our Early Childhood program and can’t, because they needed full-time care for their child. This year, we introduced a full-day option and have a class of students who stay until 5:30, and we expect more new families next year who plan to take advantage of the full day as well. However, a nearly four-month summer break still creates a barrier to many families who wish to be part of our school. 

 

With that in mind, we are thrilled to announce the launch of an ECC Summer Session:

A program that blends the best of what our ECC has to offer (including our teaching staff!)

with the best traditions of our award-winning camp!

 

We know this is a big change, so our staff and lay leadership have been working closely together to plan and develop this program. We are so thankful for all the feedback and ideas we have received from our ECC Parents Association and families, our Camp Committee, and the temple staff and board. Working together, and in anticipation of the questions that will inevitably arise as we navigate this new experience together, please find an extensive FAQ below – it can also be found on our Camp and ECC webpages.

 

We will look forward to continuing the conversation with you as we roll this out and launch our first Summer Session in June 2025! Please do not hesitate to contact Rene or the ECC office if you have any questions. 

 

Sincerely, 

Jessica Ingram, Executive Director

Megan O’Briant, Camp Director 

Rene Shiohama, ECC Director

Cantor Sydney Michaeli, Clergy Liaison to Youth

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  • Who can enroll in the 2025 ECC Summer Session?
    Any child who will be turning 3 or 4 by September 30, 2024.
  • How does the ECC Summer Session interact with Camp Rodef Shalom and their 4’s program?
    Camp Rodef Shalom will no longer be offering a 4s program. Instead, our traditional camp program will begin with rising kindergartners (turning 5 by September 30, 2025). We know that 3 and 4-year old children have very different developmental needs than older children, and we want to continue to offer the safe and nurturing learning environment that students and families in our ECC are accustomed to.
  • What does this mean for the registration process? 
    Camp registration opens on December 16 - if you are registering a child entering kindergarten or an older grade, your registration process will not change. If you were planning to enroll a 4-year old, you will be able to indicate that on the camp application, so we can ensure your place in the process. Summer Session registration will begin on January 6 as part of the ECC priority registration, which includes Temple members and current students. Any Temple member or returning camp family who is NOT currently a student in the ECC but reached out through the camp application process, will also receive registration materials on January 6 from the ECC office. Given the space limitations within our building each summer, registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority will be given to TRS members, ECC families and returning camp families. We will also be considering the need to build a Summer Session with consistent staffing and stability for our students. Therefore, priority will be given to families selecting a longer day and/or greater number of weeks. Placements for the Summer Session will be confirmed during the week of January 13. After the priority enrollment period, admissions decisions will be made on a rolling basis.
  • How many weeks does the ECC Summer Session run? 
    Families can choose to enroll for 5, 6, or 8 weeks.
  • What are the hours of the Summer Session? 
    Children can attend until 12 noon or 2pm, Monday - Friday.
  • Are before and aftercare available?
    Yes, before care is available between 8-9am. Aftercare is available either from 2-3pm or from 2-5:30pm. You must register for these programs at the outset so that we can ensure appropriate staffing. Drop-in is only available from 8-9am or 2-3pm.
  • My child still naps- how will that work? 
    In accordance with licensing requirements, children enrolled from 9-5:30 will be offered a nap/rest after lunch (between 1-3pm). Rooms will be equipped with cots, shades, and soft music to create a restful environment. We also offer quiet areas for reading, puzzles, etc. for children who do not nap.
  • What does tuition include and not include?
    Tuition covers the cost of staff, programming and equipment, and snack. Families are expected to provide their own lunch, and nap/rest blanket, etc.
  • Does my child need to be toilet trained? 
    No, toilet training is not required. Our philosophy is to partner with families an support each child’s transition to toilet independence on their own developmental timeline.
  • Who will staff the Summer Session?
    We plan to have an ECC lead teacher and assistant teacher in each classroom.
  • What are the costs? 
    Using our Camp Rodef Shalom rates as a starting point while providing the same level of high-quality care year-round in our ECC, we are creating a pricing structure that offers a number of options to those joining us in the summer. Rates will be posted soon.
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