Great Beginnings™

3–6 MOS, 6–12 MOS, 12–18 MOS, 15–21 MOS
The North Shore’s best music and movement program has expanded. Great BeginningsTM has encouraged children’s development through hands-on, interactive learning for over 25 years. Parents and children share, explore and socialize in a safe, developmentally appropriate classroom under the guidance of caring, involved instructors. While children gain skills, moms meet new friends!

Buffalo Grove: Jacob Duman JCC at Woodland Commons
Chicago: Florence G. Heller JCC on Wellington
Northbrook: Bernard Weinger JCC
Skokie: Mayer Kaplan JCC Children's Center

Infant's Hour

0–6 MOS, 6–12 MOS
Infant’s Hour is a special time for parents or caregivers to interact with their children through music and movement. Infants will have an important opportunity to gain awareness of other children while adults make new friends! Jewish learning is also introduced through song.

Chicago: Florence G. Heller JCC on Wellington

Music with Aimee

12–18 MOS, 18–26 MOS, 26–36 MOS
Music w/ Aimee is the 'next step' for infants who are beginning to explore their surroundings by crawling and walking. Together with a parent or caregiver, children enjoy the music and movement activities of Infant's Hour with some added fun! Jewish learning is expanded upon throughstories and picture books. A snack is included.

Chicago: Florence G. Heller JCC on Wellington

Toddler Time & Toddler Time Shabbat

18–24 MOS with Parent/Caregiver
Experienced early childhood professionals facilitate age-appropriate exploration of art, music, stories, Jewish learning, outdoor and water play activities. This well-balanced and enjoyable introduction to preschool was created with the healthy development of children in mind. Activities promote social connection while engaging both children and parents/caregivers.

Buffalo Grove: Jacob Duman JCC at Woodland Commons
Chicago: Florence G. Heller JCC on Wellington
Flossmoor: Anita M. Stone JCC
Glencoe: JCC at Am Shalom
Northbrook: JCC at Beth Shalom
Skokie: Mayer Kaplan JCC Children's Center

Little Travelers

18–24 MOS & 24–36 MOS with Parent/Caregiver
This unique two-day program includes one day on a themed field trip and the other in a preschool/camp classroom. Children, along with their parent/caregiver, explore art, dramatic play, music, Jewish learning and social interactions. Experienced teachers and specialists emphasize community and teach children to interact with one another in a group setting.

Buffalo Grove: Jacob Duman JCC at Woodland Commons
Chicago: Florence G. Heller JCC on Wellington
Glencoe: JCC at Am Shalom

On My Own

24–36 MOS and Parent/Caregiver Remains
in the Building for the First Week
Summer offers young children a great opportunity to successfully separate from a parent/caregiver. Children engage in exploration and discovery through activities including art, music, outdoor play, Shabbat celebrations and more. Developmentally appropriate independence and social skills are fostered while children become more secure and develop early self-reliance skills.

Buffalo Grove: Jacob Duman JCC at Woodland Commons
Chicago: Florence G. Heller JCC, Bernard Horwich JCC
Glencoe: JCC at Am Shalom
Northbrook: JCC at Beth Shalom
Skokie: Mayer Kaplan JCC Children's Center

Little Scouts

3+4 YEAR OLDS
This summer experience taps into children’s sense of wonder and provides exciting daily adventures. Children will experiment and learn during age-appropriate indoor and outdoor activities. The daily schedule includes arts, music, stories, nature study, outdoor sports, games and water play. Children will “scout out” answers as they explore captivating themes under the guidance of a nurturing, experienced teacher and an assistant per group. The children engage in a spirited Shabbat celebration and everyone comes together during Family Night for a taste of “Summer Fun.”

Buffalo Grove: Jacob Duman JCC at Woodland Commons
Chicago: Florence G. Heller JCC, Bernard Horwich JCC
Glencoe: JCC at Am Shalom
Northbrook: JCC at Beth Shalom
Skokie: Mayer Kaplan JCC Children's Center

Three-Day Threes at JCC’s Apachi Village

For Children Turning 3 Years Old APR 1–SEP 1, 2009
This new and exciting program combines the structure that some younger campers need with the opportunity to explore within a traditional camp environment. Designed in coordination with JCC’s Apachi Village at the Bernard Weinger JCC, this program offers unique opportunities for campers to participate in camp favorites such as water play, art activities and Shabbat celebrations along with the safety and security of a classroom home base, an ECS teacher and two counselors by their side and programming that supports them as they begin to establish further independence. Potty training is not required.

This popular program fills quickly. To inquire about options for older 3-year-olds through 5-year-olds at JCC Apachi Village, call This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it at 224.406.9200.

Available at: Bernard Weinger JCC

Separation Station

24–36 MOS w/ Parent/Caregiver
Children are encouraged to explore and discover through their senses while guided through separation from their parent/caregiver. Toddlers become familiar with preschool and camp routines and age appropriate activities that meet their growing abilities, interests and needs. Children attend independently when separation has been achieved. This camp class is recommended for children who have not yet separated but will be attending preschool on their own in the fall.

Chicago: Florence G. Heller JCC