Early Childhood Center in Amherst
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Western New York’s Premier Early Childhood Center
Our NAEYC-accredited Early Childhood Center in Amherst promotes children’s social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth through a multi-sensory approach to teaching. We believe children learn best in a program that emphasizes creative expression through “hands-on” experiences while becoming confident, independent and respectful members of their classroom community.
By developing partnerships with families, we work toward common goals.
A PLACE TO BELONG!
Our NAEYC-Accredited Program in Amherst
Our NAEYC-accredited Early Childhood Center at the Benderson Family Building at 2650 North Forest Rd. Amherst, NY 14068, has 9 classrooms for children from 9 months of age through pre-K. Enrichment opportunities are included in our weekly schedule: music, creative movement, gym, a storyteller, and swimming (3’s & 4’s).
This program operates year-round, and has many community partnerships. We partner with: Aspire of WNY and the University of Buffalo.
Our varied schedule allows the children to spend many happy hours outdoors. We have water play, a large developmentally appropriate playground and sandbox, fenced grassy field for creative play, outdoor and indoor pools and more. On the days the children must stay inside, our indoor gym, early childhood hallway obstacle courses, weekly dance and gym classes provide ample opportunities for movement throughout the day.
All programs at the JCC welcome and include children with physical, emotional, and educational challenges. By developing partnerships with families, we work toward common goals. Come see us in action!
Betsy Abramson
Early Childhood Director at the Benderson Family Building
Betsy, former Camp Centerland Director, is delighted to be part of the amazing team of teachers in our strong and thriving Early Childhood Center.
Working together, she will continue to ensure that the JCC continues to be the best environment for your children. She believes that “there is nothing more exciting than watching children as they make friends with others, develop new skills and grow to be their best selves!” Her degrees include a BS from SUNY Oneonta in Child Development and Family Studies with a minor in Early Childhood Education, plus an MS in Student Personnel Administration. She also holds a New York State certification for administration of Pre-Kindergarten through sixth grade and has more than 30 years of experience in early childhood education as a classroom teacher and administrator.
Her door will always be open because she believes that communication is very important in all programs, but especially here where you will be entrusting your child’s care and education.
encouraging creativity, curiosity and imagination
A PLACE TO LEARN AND DISCOVER!
Classrooms & Curriculum
Our bright, colorful classrooms are filled with developmentally appropriate toys and equipment carefully chosen to encourage creativity, curiosity and imagination. Cognitive, social/emotional, language and physical skills are developed through interactive learning experiences. Academic content is embedded in everything the children do. All the children love our weekly enrichment classes: dance & creative movement, singing & music activities, storytelling and gym. The 3 and 4-year-olds also participate in weekly swimming classes (on site) which emphasize water safety and beginning skills. Children enjoy playing every day on our spectacular outdoor playgrounds.
Using The Creative Curriculum, which is research based and research proven, the children develop their critical thinking skills and the confidence they need to be successful in Kindergarten and beyond. Our play-based learning philosophy allows our children to create, explore and learn using best practices in early childhood education. To ensure the most effective teaching, our staff are consistently participating in professional development opportunities, as education is constantly evolving.
Additional opportunities for preschool enrichment are offered at this location.
Dance, Engineering for kids, Swimming lessons, Soccer Shots, Spanish, and Yoga!