The Early Childhood Center at The JCCDC
Nursery School and Kindergarten   

A strong sense of self

An ability to get along with others

Give your child the tools to build a happy, successful life.  At the Jewish Community Center of Dutchess building your child’s future is our top priority and our most welcome challenge.

 We believe that children learn through play and exploration. Our enriched environment is designed with your child’s developmental needs in mind.  The children will be encouraged to see, smell, hear, touch, and taste as they learn the qualities of the world around them.  They will run, jump, ride, swing, and climb on our safe and attractive playground.  Other outdoor areas allow for nature exploration, gardening, picnicking, and games.  Classroom experiences include art, music, story time, science, math, reading readiness, gross and fine motor play, dramatic play, cooking, and Jewish heritage.  Weekly enrichments include Gym, Swim Instruction, Music, language and Culture, and Creative Movement.  Families are included through reading programs, holiday observance, cultural enrichments, field trips, swim volunteers, and special celebrations.  After School Classes are also available for the Nursery School students as well as for children from the community.  Classes such as Yoga, Art, Karate, and Story Book Theater can enrich and lengthen your child’s day with something a little different.  We also provide early and late care. 

We recognize that each child is an individual.  From the age of 2  through to the end of the Kindergarten experience your child will be nurtured in a structured program that provides an opportunity to grow in his unique way, while social skills are developed, enabling the child to become an active part of the community.  The children are continuously being evaluated to ensure they are being challenged. 

 Call for an appointment to come in for a tour, and to learn more about our program.

After School Enrichment Classes

A full schedule of after school enrichment classes will be offered this year in ten week sessions.  A class will be offered every day for children ages 3-5 and children ages 6-11.  Classes will include Yoga, cooking, science, art, Karate, Woodworking, Puppetry, Drama, Creative Movement, Sports skills, and more!!  We will also be adding book clubs and board game clubs for both age groups.   Click here for information.