Early Childhood Center

About the Early childhood Center

We believe that all children at the Temple Beth-El's Early Childhood Center benefit from a warm, supportive environment that includes opportunities for children to grow & develop emotionally, socially, cognitively & physically through a variety of experiences. Children at our ECC are surrounded by loving & experienced early childhood educators who are committed to excellence and exposing children to age-appropriate activities. Our approach is designed to embrace the natural curiosity of the child. The primary goal of our program is to provide a sound learning environment that will help each child reach their fullest potential.

At the Temple Beth-El Early Childhood Center we often use a project approach, expanding into themes that come directly from the children’s expressed interest. Throughout the month, a Judaic & secular thematic approach to programming is incorporated into the curriculum. We recognize that our children’s growing awareness of their Jewish identity is an integral part of their personal development, and therefore, we provide numerous, age appropriate developmental Jewish experiences. These are related to the celebration of Shabbat, holidays & everyday life practices.

Enrollment Information

Enrollment space is limited! To begin your child's placement in one of our Early Childhood Center classes please contact us about availability. There are forms that will need to be completed as well as a non-refundable registration fee even to be added to the waitlist. Please click below to contact our Bookkeeper/Registrar, Tracy Nash or you can call the ECC directly at (727) 350-5885. We are unable to accept walk-in appointments but would be happy to schedule a time for you and your family to have a tour of the campus and meet the staff.

VPK

School doesn't start in kindergarten anymore! The Early Childhood Center at Temple Beth-El offers a state-of-the-art program with special features. A comprehensive, literacy-based curriculum incorporating "Doors To Discovery", "Creative Curriculum", which is a developmentally appropriate practice for quality preschools recognized by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, theme related Jewish activities, low child-to-teacher ratio, engaging enrichments such as yoga, gymnastics and music and the same warmth, caring & nurturing experiences to which your child has (or will) become accustomed to at Temple Beth-El all within 540 instructional hours.

Available to ALL children who turn 4 on or before September 1st, residing in Florida

It's easy as 1, 2, 3...
1. Visit www.vpkpinellas.net and complete the online application. You may also call VPK Pinellas at 727-400-4411 for technical assistance.
2. Make sure all required documents are uploaded.
3. Visit Temple Beth-El to formally enroll and present your Certificate of Eligibility (which will be emailed to you once you complete the VPK Pinellas registration process online)

Staff

tara o'donnell

Early Childhood Center
Director

Ardra Green

Early Childhood Center
assistant Director

Ardra has been at TBE's Early Childhood Center since 1999. She grew up in St. Petersburg and loves to go fishing, bike riding and do anything outdoors. She is family oriented with 2 great kids and 4 beautiful grandchildren. She enjoys home decor and is always redecorating! She holds a Birth-Five Credential and Directors Credential Level I. Ardra is constantly seeking and updating classroom ideas and practices.

CLICK HERE to contact Ardra
or call (727) 350-5885.

Ms. cynthia

Teacher

Cynthia has been working at TBE since 2020. She has been working with children since 1994 ranging from infants to school-aged children, with her main focus on infants. Cynthia has her Infant & Toddler National Child Development Associate Credential. She grew up in Jacksonville, FL, and moved to St. Petersburg in the early 1980's. She loves spending time with family and devoting time to the sick, homebound and those less fortunate.

Ms. Allison

Teacher

Allison has been at TBE since 2021 and has been working with children for almost 25 years. She earned her B.S. in Elementary Education from Appalachian State University. Allison began her career as a Developmental Specialist working with children birth to three with disabilities. Her love of learning has continued as she has taught Kindergarten for 10 years and Pre-K for 10 years. she was born and raised in St. Petersburg, her son just graduated from USFSP and she loves to go boating with her husband and beagle!

Ms. KAYLA

Teacher

Kayla has been at TBE since 2021 and has been working with children since 2015. She earned her A.A. in Early Childhood Education
& Care from American Military University. She is also in the process of finishing her degree in Elementary Education. Kayla was born and raised in St. Petersburg. She recently moved back to the area after 10 years of being an Active Duty Army spouse with her son and two doggies! she enjoys spending time with her family.

Ms. Roxana

Teacher

Roxana is new to our ECC family and started her journey as a teacher, in her hometown of Mumbai, India. She moved to Massachusetts to further her education. She then taught the hearing impaired in Michigan for 15 years. Most recently, she taught at a preschool in Gulfport for 3 years. Teaching children has brought Roxana immense joy and fulfilment. She hopes to share that joy with the children at Temple Beth-El. Her other great loves are her family, books, and music. Roxana's undergraduate degree is in psychology and English literature. Her graduate degree is in the education of the hearing impaired. She has done DCF training from birth to fix years.

Ms. Terri

Teacher

Terri has been at TBE since 2007, from office work to classrooms. Everyday is an adventure in the classroom! Terri has completed all her Early Childhood hours through DCF and is currently continuing her education. She is married and has a wonderful son, Joshua.

Ms. Alice

Teacher

Alice has been working at TBE since 2007. She has one daughter and a wonderful
son-in-law with 3 grandchildren. She is actively involved in her church, working with children from 3-18 years old where she orchestrates the theater, praise dance and stomp. Her biggest pride and joy is watching the kids perform.
She loves shopping, spending time with her family and spoiling them too! She holds a
Birth-Five Credential.

Ms. Jennifer

Teacher

Jennifer is new to TBE as of 2021. She's been working with children since 2018. Jennifer earned her Early Childhood Professional Certificate from Saint Petersburg and Miami. Her interest include fishing, reading, music, exploring, and playing video games. She also enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and volunteering for children's ministries.

Ms. claudia

Teacher

Claudia earned her B.A. in Psychology at
Le Moyne College in Syracuse, NY. Throughout her college career, she had the opportunity to work with kids and fell in love with teaching and helping them reach milestones. She started working as a preschool teacher in the fall of 2020. She was born in Cuba and moved to NY when she was 10 years old. She currently lives in St. Petersburg with her boyfriend, Connor, her cat, Cleo, and her dog, Cali. In her free time she enjoys reading, kayaking, and going to the beach.