Shalom Children's Center for Early Childhood (2s & 3s)

Kate Donaldson, Director

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2012-13 Calendar

2013-14 Calendar

2012-13 Rates (Effective August 15, 2012)

Shalom Children's Center is the 5-star early childhood program of the Asheville Jewish Community Center, providing quality early childhood education for children beginning at age two.

We believe that these early years of life are the most vital for human beings to develop into compassionate, thoughtful, confident, and creative citizens of the world. Jewish tradition says that what is learned when a child is very young is absorbed in the blood. At the JCC, we understand that young children learn best when they are loved

and engaged in a rich array of direct, hands-on experiences.

Shalom is the Hebrew word for "peace," and we are committed to instilling values in our children that will guide them toward becoming leaders of a peaceful future for all mankind. We celebrate Jewish traditions and draw from Jewish values that teach us to respect and care for the earth and all of its inhabitants. While we seek to affirm our Jewish children's cultural identity and enhance families' exploration of Judaism, we also honor and learn from the diverse experiences and traditions of all who participate in our program.

Children's physical, emotional, and cognitive abilities expand rapidly through the many engaging activities and interactions they experience at the JCC:

• Daily circle time and story time
• Free play in classroom centers
• Physical education in our gymnasium and on the playground
• Intergenerational programming with visiting "Bubbies"
• Weekly gardening in our award-winning children's educational garden
• Weekly activities with visiting music, science, ceramics, and Judaic specialists

For more information about JCC early childhood programs, contact Kate Donaldson at ext. 109 or email kate@jcc-asheville.org.

Times of Operation

Our school year runs from mid-August through May, with an additional summer program that runs from June into early August. Full-time hours are from 7:30 a.m. through 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Part-time options include half days (7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.) Monday through Friday, and full days or half days on Monday, Wednesday and Friday or Tuesday and Thursday. Shalom Children's Center and Hilde's House close for several holidays, a winter break, teacher training days and classroom set-up days at various time throughout the year.

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.