GROWING
TOGETHER!
At the MARJCC Early Childhood Academy, we nurture every child’s growth through play, care, and Jewish values, creating a foundation for lifelong learning.
Curriculum & Milestones
ECA Life Hub
Start Their Journey At The eCA
About The ECA
The ECA integrates the child-centered, play-based Reggio Emilia Approach with the Sheva Lenses Framework, creating a dynamic learning environment that fosters curiosity, critical thinking, Jewish values, and a deep sense of community.
Registration for the 2025/2026 School Year
Tuition information 2025-2026
Ages
Infant (2-12 Months)
Toddlers (1-2 years Old)
Pre-K2 (2-3 years Old)
Pre-K3 (3-4 years Old)
Pre-K4 (VPK 4-5 Years old)
Kindergarten (5-6 years old)
Curriculum & Milestones
Cognitive Development
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Inspired the Reggio Emilia Approach, a child-centered, play-based philosophy that emphasizes exploration, curiosity, and project-based learning. We encourage children to ask questions, investigate their world, and engage in collaborative problem-solving, fostering critical thinking and creativity. Through storytelling, holiday celebrations, and hands-on projects, we seamlessly connect intellectual growth to Jewish traditions and culture. This approach nurtures thoughtful, capable, and reflective individuals, building a strong foundation for their development as independent thinkers and active contributors to their community.
Physical Development
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Physical development is an essential part of a child’s growth. Our school program includes gymnastics, physical education, swimming, and rikudim (Israeli dance), offering diverse opportunities to build strength, coordination, and confidence. These activities are complemented by meaningful Jewish traditions, such as dancing during celebrations and hands-on rituals like challah baking, which integrate movement with cultural learning. By encouraging active engagement through play, exercise, and tradition, we help children develop a love for physical activity while embracing the joy and energy of Jewish life.
Socio-Emotional Development
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At the ECA, we focus on socio-emotional development by fostering a warm and inclusive environment where every child feels valued and connected. Through activities that encourage sharing, cooperation, and empathy, children build the skills they need to form meaningful relationships and navigate their emotions. Rooted in Jewish values like kindness (chesed) and respect (kavod), we teach children to care for others, celebrate differences, and work together as a community. By supporting their emotional growth and helping them build confidence, we nurture compassionate, resilient individuals who are ready to thrive in the world around them.
Jewish Values
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Jewish values and traditions are at the heart of everything we do, creating a vibrant foundation for learning and growth. Guided by the Sheva Framework and its seven core Jewish lenses, we nurture a deep love for Judaism in our children through joyful and meaningful experiences. Weekly Shabbat celebrations, hands-on holiday activities, and rituals like baking challah, reciting Modeh Ani each morning, and saying brachot before meals bring these values to life in our classrooms. Each Jewish holiday becomes an opportunity to delve into its deeper meaning by exploring big questions and engaging in collaborative, project-based work, fostering a strong connection to Jewish identity and heritage.
Love for Israel
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Our program fosters a deep connection to the state of Israel by incorporating Israeli culture, music, Hebrew, and rikudim (dance) to build pride and understanding. We create experiences that bring Israel to life in the classroom, making it more than just a momentary celebration. Through immersive, multisensory activities that engage sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell, children develop a meaningful and personal relationship with Israel. By weaving Jewish teachings into daily life and celebrating the richness of our heritage, we inspire children to embrace their Jewish identity, engage thoughtfully with traditions, and cultivate a lifelong bond with Judaism and Israel.
Co-Curricular Activities
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At the ECA, we take full advantage of the expansive MARJCC campus to provide a diverse range of enrichment opportunities that inspire growth and exploration. Children enjoy gymnastics in our state-of-the-art studio, swimming in both the indoor and outdoor pools, and physical education that immerses them in a variety of sports and activities. Our program also includes rikudim (Israeli dance), music classes, and Judaica/Hebrew lessons, fostering creativity, physical development, and a strong connection to Jewish culture and traditions. By utilizing the incredible facilities on campus, we create a dynamic, engaging environment where children can thrive in all areas of development.
ECA Children Life
School Hours
Monday to Friday:
8:00 AM – 3:15 PM
After-Care Hours
Monday – Thursday:
3:15 PM – 5:30 PM
Friday:
3:15 PM – 5:00 PM
Co-Curricular Activities
Pre-K 3 – Kindergarten:
- Swimming
- Judaica
- Music
- Gymnastics
- Physical Education (PE)
- Rikudim
Infants – Pre-K 2:
- Music
- Movement
- Physical Education (PE)
After-School Enrichments
SCIENCE-
Day: Thursday 3:15 pm-3:55 pm
Ages: 2-5 years old
Register For Preschool Enrichments
ECA Parents Hub
Lunch
We believe that mealtime is an important part of the learning experience, which is why we offer a healthy, nourishing school lunch program. Our meals are designed to be both nutritious and delicious, with options that cater to a variety of dietary needs and preferences.
Parent Handbook
The ECA Parent Handbook provides essential information about our policies, programs, and daily operations, ensuring a smooth and informed experience for both parents and children.
For the Parent Handbook Click Here
Calendar
We understand the needs of working parents and strive to offer flexibility and support throughout the year. Our preschool is open 173 days annually, providing a consistent and reliable schedule for families. In addition, we offer mini-camps during school breaks and early release on the eve of Jewish holidays (chag eve).
For the ECA Calendar Click Here
Reporting
Reporting Child Abuse, Abandonment Or Neglect
All employees and agents have an affirmative duty to report all actual or suspected cases of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect. Call 1-800-96-ABUSE or report online at: http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/abuse/report/.
Signs of Physical Abuse The child may have unexplained bruises, welts, cuts, or other injuries; broken bones; or burns. A child experiencing physical abuse may seem withdrawn or depressed, seem afraid to go home or may run away, shy away from physical contact, be aggressive, or wear inappropriate clothing to hide injuries.
Signs of Sexual Abuse The child may have torn, stained or bloody underwear, trouble walking or sitting, pain or itching in genital area, or a sexually transmitted disease. A child experiencing sexual abuse may have unusual knowledge of sex or act seductively, fear a particular person, seem withdrawn or depressed, gain or lose weight suddenly, shy away from physical contact, or run away from home.
Signs of Neglect The child may have unattended medical needs, little or no supervision at home, poor hygiene, or appear underweight. A child experiencing neglect may be frequently tired or hungry, steal food, or appear overly needy for adult attention.
Patterns of Abuse: Serious abuse usually involves a combination of factors. While a single sign may not be significant, a pattern of physical or behavioral signs is a serious indicator and should be reported.
Liability Protections: Any person, official, or institution participating in good faith in any act authorized or required by law, or reporting in good faith any instance of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect to the department or any law enforcement agency, shall be immune from any civil or criminal liability which might otherwise result by reason of such action. (F.S. 39.203)
An employer who discloses information about a former or current employee to a prospective employer of the former or current employee upon request of the prospective employer or of the former or current employee is immune from civil liability for such disclosure or its consequences unless it is shown by clear and convincing evidence that the information disclosed by the former or current employer was knowingly false or violated any civil right of the former or current employee protected under F.S. Chapter 760. (F.S. 768.095)
Reporting Misconduct By Instructional Personnel And Administrators
All instructional personnel, educational support employees, and school administrators have an obligation to report misconduct by instructional personnel, educational support employees, and school administrators which affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student. Examples of misconduct include obscene language, drug and alcohol use, disparaging comments, prejudice or bigotry, sexual innuendo, cheating or testing violations, physical aggression, and accepting or offering favors. Reports of misconduct of employees should be made to Romina Naparstek, Early Childhood Academy Director, at RominaN@marjcc.org. Reports of misconduct committed by administrators should be made to Michelle Moyano, Human Resources Director, at MichelleM@marjcc.org.
Signs of Physical Abuse The child may have unexplained bruises, welts, cuts, or other injuries; broken bones; or burns. A child experiencing physical abuse may seem withdrawn or depressed, seem afraid to go home or may run away, shy away from physical contact, be aggressive, or wear inappropriate clothing to hide injuries.
Signs of Sexual Abuse The child may have torn, stained or bloody underwear, trouble walking or sitting, pain or itching in genital area, or a sexually transmitted disease. A child experiencing sexual abuse may have unusual knowledge of sex or act seductively, fear a particular person, seem withdrawn or depressed, gain or lose weight suddenly, shy away from physical contact, or run away from home.
Signs of Neglect The child may have unattended medical needs, little or no supervision at home, poor hygiene, or appear underweight. A child experiencing neglect may be frequently tired or hungry, steal food, or appear overly needy for adult attention.
Patterns of Abuse: Serious abuse usually involves a combination of factors. While a single sign may not be significant, a pattern of physical or behavioral signs is a serious indicator and should be reported.
Liability Protections: Any person, official, or institution participating in good faith in any act authorized or required by law, or reporting in good faith any instance of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect to the department or any law enforcement agency, shall be immune from any civil or criminal liability which might otherwise result by reason of such action. (F.S. 39.203)
An employer who discloses information about a former or current employee to a prospective employer of the former or current employee upon request of the prospective employer or of the former or current employee is immune from civil liability for such disclosure or its consequences unless it is shown by clear and convincing evidence that the information disclosed by the former or current employer was knowingly false or violated any civil right of the former or current employee protected under F.S. Chapter 760. (F.S. 768.095)
