Suburban Torah’s Iris and Errol Berman Early Childhood Center is starting the new decade with a bang—a new name, new director, a longer school day and extended hours before and after school.

At a rededication ceremony held at the Livingston shul in August, CJ Berman, one of Iris and Errol Berman z”l’s sons, spoke about how the Iris Berman Nursery School had been named for his mother on her first yahrzeit, after passing away in 1992 at the age of 47. “Since my father’s passing in March at age 78, we have been searching for a fitting memorial,” Berman said at the rededication ceremony. “On behalf of my sister Michele and her family, my brother Neil and his family, and also on behalf of Suzy and my family, I am honored to announce that, in his memory, the IBECC is being renamed the Iris and Errol Berman Early Childhood Center. They are indeed together again. May the IEBECC continue to go from strength to strength.” The ceremony also served as an opportunity for parents and members of the community to welcome the school’s new director, Debbie Freesman. Freesman has worked in small and large Jewish early childhood centers and brings a wealth of knowledge about emergent and progressive curriculums to the school.

Current and prospective parents will also be excited about the school’s new extended hours for the coming 2020-21 school year. The school day will be from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (previously 2:00), with before and after school childcare available from 8:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. The school will also continue to offer after school activities, such as sports, cooking and dance. “We recognize there is a changing landscape for working parents, and that many families need these additional hours in order to fit their schedules,” said Rachel Joffe, a member of the school’s board. “We’re excited to expand our programming, and to be able to make a one-of-a-kind IEBECC education available to more students and their families.” For more information or to schedule a tour, please visit suburbantorah.com/IEBECC or call (973) 994-2620.