Early Childhood Learning Center
Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the hours of Preschool?
The Preschool morning begins at 9:00 am and ends at noon. Children may arrive at school as early as 7:45 am.

2. What about extended hours?
Late lunch is available daily by prior reservation or drop-in as space allows from noon until 3:30. Extended day is also available from 3:30 – 6:00. There are no minimum or maximum day requirements or restrictions.

3. What days of the week can my child attend ECLC?

4 and 5 year olds attend Monday through Friday.

4. What is your calendar like?
ECLC runs on a traditional school calendar. We are in session from September through June. We close for Jewish holidays, Federal holidays, three professional development days, and two parent/teacher conference days. Child care is available on most of the days we do not have school.

5. Who feeds the children?
We provide a healthy Kosher snack. You pack a non-meat lunch refrigeration and/or warmups. We do however, work with families in this area.

6. Does my child have to be potty trained?
No. We will follow your lead on this important aspect of child development…we are also willing to help you!

7. What are your student to teacher ratios?
We follow state guidelines which stipulate a ratio of 10 to 1 for ages 3 and above. Classes are limited to a maximum of 14 students. All classes will be staffed with two teachers.

8. What is your learning philosophy?
We provide children with a safe, warm, richly textured environment that encourages the exploration of many materials, supports language and social development, and introduces children to a variety of concepts and experiences. We understand that children learn best through play, and we provide adequate time for them to engage in both indoor and outdoor play. Teachers provide many opportunities for art investigation, construction, science discovery, and problem solving.

9. Is the ECLC accredited?
Yes. We are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and certified by the State of Oregon.

10. How does Judaism fit into the ECLC program?
ECLC welcomes all families regardless of religious affiliation. Our classes celebrate the yearly cycle of Jewish holidays and Shabbat. Students are introduced to the basic stories and symbols of the various holidays. Concepts are often highlighted through science, literacy, movement, and art. We welcome Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath, each Friday morning with a family sing-along and candle lighting, and children bake the special Shabbat challah bread in class to share at home on Friday evening. Children are introduced to oral Hebrew language through stories, games, songs, and vocabulary. We also enjoy visits with the residents of the Rose Schnitzer Manor and Robison Home.

11. What about Parent/Teacher communication?
Teachers post weekly lesson plans, and write a weekly letter home to parents describing the week’s activities and highlights. Daily notes are available. Parent-teacher conferences take place twice yearly, in the fall and spring. Parents are welcome as volunteers in ECLC classrooms.

12. How do you manage security?
The outside doors are locked and monitored. Parents gain access via a numeric code. The MJCC perimeter is fenced, and the ECLC outside play area is surrounded by an additional fence. We employ a security guard who is on site when children are here. All staff wear identifying badges and visitors report to the office to sign in and receive a visitor’s badge.

13. Do the children see specialists?
Students attending ECLC five days a week participate weekly in music and movement classes designed especially for young children, enjoy art with the ECLC art specialist and stories and puppet theater with our Jewish Cultural Arts specialist. Students attending two or three days a week enjoy specialists on the days they are here.

14. Do the children nap?
All children who stay for Late Lunch and Extended Day do rest and/or nap. Children rest quietly on nap mats. Those who do not sleep may engage in quiet activities after a period of quiet rest.

15. What is the tuition?
Click here to download 2007-08 ECLC Pricing

16. Do you have scholarships?
Financial assistance is available. Contact Linda Singer in the PJA office at 503-244-0126 for forms and additional information.

17. How do I apply for admission?
Complete an Application for Enrollment, and return this form along with a $50 application fee and photo of your child to the ECLC office. New students are accepted on a space available basis. See the ECLC Admissions Process page for further information. Click here to download 2007-08 ECLC Enrollment Form


18. Whom should I contact for additional information?
Contact Ashlea Barde or Erika Saiers, ECLC Director
503-535-3536. esaiers@portlandjewishacademy.org

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