West Orange–The Metrowest JCC has added a Science Exploration Center for children enrolled in the Early Childhood Program. The Center features both indoor and outdoor classroom space, hands-on learning stations, a garden, and much more.

JCC MetroWest Science Coordinator Donna Cohen, an educator with 28 years of experience, creates bi-monthly lesson plans featuring a combination of classroom and applied learning. Students will have the opportunity to tend to a real garden helping them learn about why we plant and in turn teaching them to become healthier eaters. In the spring children will experience the life cycle of butterflies and chicks by nurturing them in the classroom. Outside discovery play and exploration of nature will teach children about nurturing and caring, patience and discovery, beauty and life.

Current and prospective Early Childhood Program families can visit the new Science Exploration Center during the Early Childhood Open House session on January 15. Morning and evening visitation hours are available, 10 a.m.–11 a.m. and 7 p.m.–8 p.m. The Open House is an opportunity to discover all the unique features of JCC MetroWest’s Early Childhood Program including a full gymnasium, swim lessons, Spanish, Music, Hebrew, and now a Science Exploration Center. Tours of the Science Exploration Center and school are also offered by appointment.

The JCC MetroWest Early Childhood program is open to children 14 months to 5 years old. The program works to teach that learning is everywhere, weaving it into the children’s day in a nurturing, friendly, and safe environment that will prepare them for the academic challenges ahead. The program builds self-awareness and self-esteem through a special ethics and values curriculum in an enriched environment full of language, reading, math, science, art, music, and fun.

Katy Strulson is the JCC/Director of Children and Family Engagement Division.

By Katy Strulson