With roots going back to the 1950s, Lil Goldman Early Learning Center has been a paragon of early childhood developmental learning for more than 70 years! Founded by and named for a true pioneer in early childhood education, Lil Goldman provides “an enriched environment in which sensory awareness, cognitive growth, and language development can flourish within a Jewish framework”. Lil Goldman operates on the belief that early childhood education affects the long-term outcomes of children’s lives and that children learn best through experience.

Photo courtesy of Lil Goldman Early Learning Center

An emergent play-based curriculum is the foundation for the Lil Goldman experience. Emergent play builds upon each child’s own strengths and interests and taps into their natural sense of awe and curiosity. With a track record of 70 years, this approach has proven successful. It is so successful, in fact, that expecting parents put their child’s name on the enrollment waitlist before their babies are even born. According to the school director, Melessa Johnson, “I sometimes know a couple is pregnant before their own parents know.”

With programs for children ranging in age from two months to Pre-K, Lil Goldman helps build a child’s educational experience from the earliest days. Current total enrollment at Lil Goldman is around 75 students. Student-to-teacher ratios are kept low, with two teachers per six children in the infants and one teacher per ten students in the Pre-K group. This allows teachers to focus on each child’s needs and communicate effectively about each student with his or her parents. Speaking of communication, teachers at Lil Goldman provide parents daily, often real-time, updates and photos of their kids’ progress and interactions.

As mentioned, the Lil Goldman educational experience is established within a Jewish framework, meaning that the curriculum and calendar reflect Jewish holidays and teachings, but Lil Goldman is a non-secular school. In fact, most students and teachers aren’t Jewish.

Aside from school activities, Lil Goldman hosts a vibrant and fun summer camp each year with options for two-, three-, or five-day-per-week camps. There is an active and robust Parents Club and plenty of other entertaining and educational activities throughout the year.

Enrollment for next Fall opened earlier this month, and summer camp enrollment starts in March. For more information, please visit the school’s website at lilgoldmanschool.org.

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