Early Childhood Center in Downtown Buffalo
Best Program in Western New York
Early Childhood Center & Preschool
Our NAEYC-accredited early childhood program 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!
JCC Buffalo's Preschool Program in Downtown Buffalo
Our NAEYC-accredited Early Childhood Center at the Holland Family Building at 787 Delaware Ave. Buffalo, NY 14209 has 15 classrooms for children from 6 weeks old through pre-K. Enrichment opportunities are included in our weekly schedule: music, creative movement, gym, swimming (3’s & 4’s), and a story teller (4’s). This program operates year-round, and has many community partnerships. We offer after school care for preschool children who attend other schools in the city.
We partner with: Aspire of WNY, the Foster Grandparents Association (Catholic Charities), and several local colleges.
The Tree of Life Playgrounds offer a park-like setting here in the heart of the city. There are 3 outdoor playgrounds, with separate, developmentally appropriate equipment for each age group, allowing the children to spend many happy hours outdoors. Come over and see our tree house and water play features! On the days the children must stay inside, our Indoor Playground, Odem Forest, has no equal in Western NY.
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!
Barbara Stone Reden
Senior Director of Early Childhood Services
Barbara holds a Master's Degree in Education and New York State Teacher Certification (nursery school through 6th grade). In addition to over 20 years at the JCC’s Holland Family Building, Barbara has experience as a classroom teacher in public and private schools (nursery school through 6th grade), Camp Director, and Early Childhood Director at the JCC’s Benderson Family Building. Under Barbara’s leadership, the Early Childhood Center at the Holland Family Building has established a stellar reputation in the community for providing the highest quality of Early Care and Education as defined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Barbara believes that young children thrive in a nurturing and enriched environment that challenges them. This combination encourages the children to become lifelong learners. Barbara is on the board of Western New York AEYC and is actively involved in Quality Stars NY and the local Infant Toddler Leadership Circle.
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. These fee-based classes are offered onsite.
Dance, Instrumental Music, Theatre, Swimming lessons, Soccer Shot, and Spanish.