Making a Mensch

Young children learn best through active exploration and play. At the Gordon JCC Early Learning Community (ECLC), we are a DHS 3 Star Rated Facility with a Reggio Emilia inspired program, using an emergent curriculum with hands on learning in art, music, science, literacy and math readiness. What seems like great fun to a child is actually a carefully planned approach to help develop the skills to get your child ready for kindergarten. We embrace character-building, joyful and inclusive rituals and celebrations, and a values-based environment through a Jewish lens and believe that creating community means participating with those who are different from oneself. We welcome families of all backgrounds.

Our program is part of the JCC Association of North America's Sheva Center, where the Discover: CATCH program was created.  There are seven core elements that make up the foundation for our program: Children as Constructivist Learners; Early Childhood Directors as Visionaries; Early Childhood Educators as Professionals; Families as Engaged Partners; Environments as Inspiration for Inquiry; Israel as a Source and Resource; and Discover: CATCH.  

• Infant, toddler, preschool and pre-kindergarten classes for children 6 weeks to 5 years, with DHS Licensing. We also offer Camp K’Toni, a summer “camp” for children 2 to 4 years.
• Weekly enrichment for each class, including Music, Jewish Learning, Swimming Lessons, and Movement & PE (JCCA CATCH Program), in addition to our full curriculum. Extra activities include indoor tennis, indoor soccer, additional swimming lessons, music and art lessons (at an additional fee).
• Children the chance to explore Jewish heritage through singing and dancing, painting and creating, holiday cooking, story telling and lots of imaginative play. The ECLC celebrates Jewish holidays and includes weekly participatory, musical Shabbat and Havdallah services for the entire family.
• A 2, 3, or 5 day a week program from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm with before care starting at 7:30am and after care closing at 4:30 pm or 5:30pm.
• Twice daily healthy snacks

Our Campus Includes

• An inclusive community center setting that fosters appreciation of all ages, races, abilities.
• Four indoor and outdoor pools (including two pools) for year round certified swim instruction and water play.
• Bright classrooms surrounding two age-appropriate, modern outdoor play areas to further strengthen the bonds of friendship through play.
• A secure, verdant 40 acre campus in the heart of Bellevue, allowing for outdoor exploration by your child.
• Easy access for families living in Bellevue, West Meade, Hillwood, Belle Meade, Sylvan Park, Franklin, Forest Hills & Green Hills.