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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.

Have questions? Contact the ECC Directly at 727-350-5885

"my favorite part about coming to school is our classroom!"

- Jaxon, VPK Alumni 2015

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 contact Tara our ECC Director at (727) 347-6136. 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. 

"my friends are my favorite part of school!"

-Piper, 2's Class

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

Early Childhood Center
Director

Tara is the Director of Early Childhood Education at TBE. She has been working with children since 2012. Tara holds a National Administrator Credential in early childhood education. She has a wonderful daughter. In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors, attending local markets and festivals, and DIY projects.


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.


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!


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. Kayla was born and raised in St. Petersburg. She enjoys reading, being outdoors & spending time with her son and two doggies. 


SEIRRA

Teacher

Seirra was born and raised in St. Petersburg. She has been working in the preschool field for 4 years, with most of my experience being with two-year old’s! She finds that the key to early childhood education is creating a nurturing and energetic environment while also having new and innovative ideas! When she is not at work Seirra enjoys trips to Disney (my second home!) or spending time with my husband and fur babies.  


kayleigh

Teacher

Kayleigh recently relocated to Gulfport, Florida from Cleveland, Ohio with her fiancé and our 4 cats! Kayleigh has an Associate of Arts degree, along with many years of experience teaching in early childhood education centers. In her spare time, she enjoys reading books, seeing family, and crafting with her Cricut.  

 

Terri

Teacher

Terri has been at TBE since 2007, from office work to classrooms. She found her niche in the younger division. Terri has her Child Development Associate (CDA) Program for Birth-Five Credentials. She revels in the fact that every day is a new adventure full of learning, growing and exploring with the children. In her free time, she enjoys movies, reading, traveling, home remodeling projects, and supporting local musicians with her husband and son.


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.


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 fiancé, two dogs and cat. In her free time, she enjoys reading, kayaking, and going to the beach.


JENNIFER

Teacher

Jennifer has been working in early childhood education for over 6 years. She graduated with a associate’s degree and is currently working toward a bachelors in elementary education. Ms. Jennifer has a wide range of experience from infants to VPK. She has two boys who are 6 and 1. In her spare time I love to go on bike rides and explore new parks with my family.


alexis

Teacher

Alexis has been at TBE since 2022 and has been working with children since 2010. She is currently working on her B.A. in Early Childhood Education at St. Petersburg College. In her free time, she enjoys going to theme parks with her husband, going to local markets and festivals, reading a good book, baking and spending time with family.

ecc is looking for another incredible team member!

"School is my favorite because of challah on shabbat! and paint!"

-  Caroline & Tazia, 3's Room

Tue, March 19 2024 9 Adar II 5784