Early Childhood

Kate Donaldson, Early Childhood Education Director

The Asheville JCC offers numerous opportunities for families with young children to participate in our community.

Early Childhood Education

Our outstanding Early Childhood Education programs, Hilde's House Infant & Toddler Program, Shalom Children's Center for Early Childhood and Shalom Children's Center Pre-K, have received North Carolina's highest rating of five stars, and include some of the most innovative programming available for young children in Western North Carolina.

• Voted #1 childcare in WNC by Mountain Express readers for the fourth year in a row
• Hilde’s House achieved the highest Infant Toddler Environmental Rating Scales scores in North Carolina in 2012
  Summer swimming included for all children 3-5
• Values based curriculum taught through a Jewish Lens
• Maintain highest voluntary enhanced child/teacher ratios
• Strong kindergarten readiness curriculum based on individualized goals for successful transition to Kindergarten
• Free swimming lessons for all rising Kindergarteners
• Well-educated, experienced and friendly staff, with low teacher turnover
• Flexible scheduling options
• Award-winning children’s gardening program, music, and movement
• Weekly Havdalah and Shabbat celebrations
• Earth Fare meal options on Fridays
• Indoor gym for daily exercise

For more information, contact Kate Donaldson at kate@jcc-asheville.org.

We also invite families with young children to participate in our weekly musical Shabbat and Havdalah celebrations, as well as offering numerous Jewish cultural and holiday programs throughout the year. 

Tot Shabbat

Shabbat is a very special day at the Asheville JCC. Tot Shabbat takes place every Friday at 10 am in the foyer.  Enjoy a Shabbat sing-a-long with JCC music specialist Penny White. Tot Shabbat is perfect for preschoolers but all ages are welcome.

Tour our programs

Are you interested in learning more about our Early Childhood programs? You are welcome to schedule a tour! We offer tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays, between 9:00 am and 12:00 p.m. Please contact Kate Donaldson at kate@jcc-asheville.org or call (828) 253-0701.

Thanks to our Shalom Children's Center sponsors:

Thank you to our partner Blossoms at Biltmore Park.