Becker Early Childhood Center is an integral part of Congregation Emanu El. Housed in its own wing, Becker places a high value on education and the community spirit of the synagogue. Rabbis and professional staff participate in many pre-school activities. The children continually share the traditions of the synagogue, such as Kabbalat Shabbat and Jewish Festivals. Special events are planned for each significant holiday, and often parents are invited to attend such celebrations.

Each child at Becker has a place to explore the world in a group setting designed especially to meet their own emotional, cognitive, and physical need. The uniqueness of our programs can be found in the day to day interactions among staff, children, and parents. To the children it feels like family; to the parents it feels warm and reassuring.

The staff of Becker is highly qualified and dedicated. They bring to the school academic degrees, early childhood certification, experience, and an interest in providing the best developmentally appropriate Judaic and secular pre-school program. The pupil-teacher ratios are kept low to ensure that each child's needs are recognized and met.

Our school is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and is licensed by the Texas Department of Human Services. Our teachers attend workshops, conferences, and college classes to keep abreast of advances in early childhood education.

Our variety of programs which includes year-round programs, supplementary programs for gymnastics, computer, dance available as options, and extended day, if needed, are designed to help children develop self-confidence by valuing the individuality of each child, encouraging respect, kindness and tolerance, and providing a caring, learning environment.

Mother's Day Out
provides a safe, nurturing environment for what is often a child's initial separation from parents. In carefully planned classrooms children may comfortably begin to socialize: learning to cooperate, taking turns, sharing, following directions, and developing listening skills. Daily adventures, new experiences, play and affection provide a positive first exposure to school.
Age: 15-24 months      
Time: 9-12 and/or 2:30
Days: 2 (T&TH), 3 (M,W,F), or 5 (M-F)

Toddlers
introduces early literacy experiences to instill a life-long love of books, while nurturing skills and building self-confidence. Through storytelling, even very young children can begin to explore creative writing, dramatization, poetry and rhymes.
Age: 2 years      
Time: 9-12 and/or 2:30      

Days: 2 (T&TH), 3 (M,W,F), or 5 (M-F)

Nursery
Children in their 3's enjoy early literacy experiences such as storytelling, dramatization, sharing daily news, illustrating the connection between oral and written language. Scientific exploration and artistic expression are encouraged and field trips make real what is learned in the classroom while sparking curiosity about the outside world. Every child has the opportunity to become comfortable with using the computer as a resource and developing early computer skills. Children explore their world through centered activities. Hebrew classes are twice weekly.
Age: 3 years      
Time: 9-12:30 and/or 2:30      

Days: 3 (M,W,F) or 5 (M-F) days/week

Pre-K
continues to combine fun and intellectual stimulation with confidence-building and development of social skills. In addition to these most important features, children are introduced to pre-reading skills and encouraged to become increasingly familiar with letters, sounds, math symbols and basic concepts. Hebrew classes are twice weekly.
Age: 4 years      
Time: 9-12:30 and/or 2:30      

Days: 5 days/week

Bridge
Bridge class prepares the younger five year-old for a successful transition from pre-school to elementary school. Children sit in chairs at the table, helping them to establish "their space." Each child is responsible for his or her own supplies, encouraging independence and self-reliance in an appropriate and strong academic environment. The children are encouraged to express their ideas and feelings in creative ways. Reading and study habits, math concepts, and all forms of artistic expression are integrated into the curriculum. Hebrew classes are twice weekly.
Age: 5 years      
Time: 9-2:30      

Days: 5 days/week

Intersession
During winter and spring break, and in the summer between school and camp sessions, child care is provided during these times so that parents may continue to work without scrambling to find a baby-sitter. These days are relaxed and full of play in an environment that the students have grown to love and feel comfortable.

Optional Programs

• Extended Care -
  Age: 2-5 years
  Time: 8:00-9:00 am and/or 2:30-5:30 pm
  Days: Mon-Fri
• After Lunch Bunch -
  Age: 15 months-4 years
  Time: 12-2:30 pm 1-5 days/week
  For younger children--an opportunity to nap. For older children, exciting and challenging special programs, such as science, drama, cooking, gymnastics, Hebrew, and arts and crafts. Computer & dance classes are offered as options.
• Summer Camp Program -
  Age: 15 months-5 years
  A "camp" setting provides for water play, snow-cones, picnics, and special events.
  

Parenting Center Programs     
The parenting center is open during school hours on the second floor of Becker. Parents and children are welcome to visit at anytime and make use of the toys, books, and other resources available. From time to time throughout the year, a variety of creative programs are offered such as:

• Grandparent's Shabbat - an annual Shabbat Morning experience where grandchildren can bring their grandparents to celebrate Shabbat and enjoy a fun-filled morning of Shabbat activities.
  
• Kid & Dad Olympiad - a morning activity created especially for kids & dads, offered annually on a Sunday morning
• So, You're Having a Jewish Baby - a 2-part mini-series offered twice a year, for parents-to-be
• Baby Break - an informal drop-in class for parents & baby from birth to 14 months
• Parenting for Life: An Education Series - evening programs throughout the school year offered on a variety of parenting topics. This is for adults, however, child care is provided and supper is available. For reservations or information contact Becker Early Childhood Center, 713-535-6400.
  

View the entire Parenting Program Series