Director
Jessica Halal
(631) 421-3224 Ext. 24
Jessica Halal
I believe in the children of today. They are the ones who will take care of our Earth, invent the IPhone 55, and create the next “Amazon.” It’s important for us to surround children with love and support as well as provide opportunities for curiosity and creativity. In doing so, we can help them become emotionally healthy adults who are confident and have strong critical thinking skills. It is up to us to support the next generation of humans.
I received my Master’s Degree in Social Work at New York University. From there I practiced both clinical therapy, case management, and school social work. Through my work with families I understood the importance of working with both child and parent as a unit in order for progress to be made.
Melville Jewish Center has been my second home for many years. First as a parent, then as a teacher, and now as a Director. I am honored and proud to be in this position. As always, Am Yisrael Chai!
Liaison
Allison Katz
Melville Jewish Center Early Childhood Program is a warm, nurturing and accommodating environment. It is designed to facilitate the growth of children emotionally, physically, socially and cognitively.
Our teachers are certified early childhood educators who provide a curriculum which embraces developmentally appropriate practices. The curriculum is filled with hands-on, stimulating and enriched activities incorporating math, science, language arts and social science which teach and reinforce all the skills necessary to build strong foundations for future learning. In addition, we provide a foundation for a strong, positive, Jewish identity by incorporating weekly Shabbat celebrations, holidays and Jewish values into our curriculum.
Click here to Meet Our Teachers
Every attempt is made to know the children as individuals and by observation to assess their needs and plan for their growth within the program. Effective communication between parents and our staff is essential and critical to the development and well being of the children.
Two playgrounds and a big indoor gym provide places for our children to develop their gross motor skills. In addition to the beautifully decorated classrooms in the Rabbi and Rochelle Shapiro Educational Center, our students visit our comfortable library which reinforces important literary development.
We offer school and camp for children 18 months through 4 years. In addition we have programs for parents and infants and toddlers.
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