The JCC Early Childhood Development Center
We are filled for the 2024/2025 school year. Waitlist applications are always welcome. Visits must be scheduled in advance. For more information about the JCC Early Childhood Development Center, please contact:
Annabelle Rubinstein ECDC Squirrel Hill | ECDC South Hills
Children grow and thrive in a program enriched with language, reading, math, science, art, music and fun. We believe that discovery and play are young children’s most important “work,” preparing them for the academic and life challenges ahead.
Our Approach
ECDC’s approach to early learning is inspired by the ideas and practices developed in Reggio Emilia, Italy, for the education of young children. This program—based on the principles of respect, responsibility and community through exploration and discovery in a supportive and enriching environment—resonates with the JCC mission. ECDC’s curriculum recognizes each child’s voice and strives to provide a beautiful environment, small groups for children to do their work, and access to a wide variety of learning materials.
Our Core Beliefs and Values
- Children are constructivist learners
- Early Childhood educators are professionals
- Our families are our partners
- Our environment is an inspiration for inquiry
Our Educators Make the Difference
Our talented and dedicated teaching team is committed to ensuring each child’s happiness, safety and development. It is our priority to employ experienced and creative educators who meet our high standards and reflect our value of lifelong learning. Our educators work together as a team to ensure children are engaged in daily, meaningful exploration with one another.
Physical education, music, the arts, Jewish culture and nature are integrated into a child’s day. Skilled JCC specialists offer additional enrichment opportunities for children to develop new skills in aquatics, sports and dance.
More That Makes ECDC Special
- Values-based exploration of Jewish holidays and customs through an age and culturally appropriate lens in every classroom
- Neighborhood and community-based outdoor exploration
- Enrichment classes available, taught by skilled JCC specialists throughout the school day in dance, sports and aquatics
Age Groups and Schedules
ECDC is a year-round early learning center.
We operate from 8 am-5:30 pm every weekday.
- Infants: ages 6 weeks+
- Tots: ages 1- and 2-year-olds
- Toddlers: 2- and 3-year-olds
- Preschoolers: 3- and 4-year-olds
- Pre-Kindergarten: 4- and 5-year-olds
Major funding for Early Childhood programming is provided by the Pittsburgh Jewish Pre-Kindergarten Educational Improvement Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh.
Looking to Join Our Team? Become an Educator Today!
- Competitive Wages
- Fitness Membership
- Health Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Employee Discounts on Tuition and Classes
- Professional Development
EDUCATOR BLOGS
Contact Us
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