Gilson JCC Early Learning Center (Sharon)
Empowering Your Child to Learn and Grow
At the Gilson JCC Early Learning Center in Sharon, we believe in the power of child-centered learning with a Jewish foundation.
We’re now enrolling for 2024-2025!
Discover where the fun and learning happens by scheduling an in-person or virtual tour with us. You can reach us by phone, at 781.795.4900, or by email, at sharon-elc@jccgb.org. We’re located at Temple Sinai, 25 Canton Street, in Sharon.
Our Programs
From 15 months to five years old, we offer complete programs for:
- Toddlers
- Preschool
- Pre-K
Year-Round Learning and Fun!
To accommodate busy families, we offer part and full-day, and part and full-week programs, with extended hours available (until 6pm).
Sharon Summer Program
Our program offers a broad range of carefully designed, age-appropriate activities including: Arts exploration, science, STEM, and so much more! To learn more and register, email sharon-elc@jccgb.org.
Our Early Learning Center Philosophy
At Gilson, we focus on being responsive to children’s interests, creating meaningful learning experiences for them. Our educational approach is Reggio-inspired — we strive to foster a sense of curiosity in all of our students, while incorporating our rich Jewish culture, traditions, and values. We value co-constructed, child-directed learning, inviting creativity, and freedom.
Our philosophy allows children of all ages and stages of development to explore multiple domains of learning through the lens of their own curiosity.
Our Jewish Heritage
We celebrate our Jewish heritage daily and help children gain an understanding of Jewish values in a pluralistic and inclusive Jewish environment. Our curriculum features Jewish songs, blessings, Shabbat and holiday celebrations, stories, dance, and exposure to the Hebrew language.
We are proudly Jewish, but our community is open to all — above everything, we celebrate diversity, and teach our students to treat everyone with dignity, kindness, and respect.
Play, Laugh, Climb!
Our state-of-the-art natural playground is designed to provide developmentally appropriate play spaces for toddlers and preschool-age children. It features a working garden, a huge sand play area, large grassy areas for outdoor actives, an abundance of nature, and more — all of which encourage children to engage with nature and discover new things.
Children have opportunities to explore their surroundings, engage with each other and with nature, and learn through hands-on experiences in a safe and stimulating environment.
Enriching Your Child’s Education
In addition to our core curriculum, we offer your children enriching programs during the school day to keep them engaged, such as:
- Music
- Enrichment Classes
- Discover CATCH (an early childhood program that promotes body awareness, love of physical activity, and healthy eating.)
- …and More!
Connect to Your Child’s Learning Journey
We understand that entrusting your children to us is a big decision. To help you stay reassured that they are in good hands, we partner with Kaymbu, an app that gives families a personalized look into the classroom through photos, videos, and notes. We send regular classroom updates, including photos and child-specific reports.
With Kaymbu, you can stay connected to your child’s educational development and feel more involved in their learning and growth.
Experienced Educators
Our educators view themselves are lifelong learners, constantly engaging in learning opportunities. The combination of education, experience and passion enriches educators’, children’s and families’ lives.
Our educators seek to create and embrace learning opportunities for personal and professional development, provoke, wonder, nurture curiosity and engage the intellect of the children and their families. They understand that observing and listening to children and families is both skill and art, requiring continuing growth and vigilance.
Our educators are viewed as professionals and are an integral part of JCC Greater Boston.
Beyond the Classroom
JCC Gilson Early Learning Center families receive a free JCC Greater Boston family membership — a $2,000 value! The JCC provides a plethora of opportunities to connect with a community of families with young children.
If you’re looking for a top-quality preschool where children are active and engaged learners, look to the Gilson JCC Early Learning Center in Sharon. Join us to find more than a school — join us to find a community
Meet Our Educational Leaders
At the Gilson Early Learning Center (ELC) in Sharon, your child will have the advantage of teachers who are highly qualified and experienced in the field of early childhood education. Just as important, your child will be lovingly cared for by teachers who are dedicated, inspirational and fun. Like our students, our educators are always growing! They take advantage of every opportunity for mentoring and professional training. Many are sought after as early childhood education leaders on a local and national level.
Co-Director, Gilson JCC Early Learning Center
Lauren Jonas
Co-Director, Gilson JCC Early Learning Center
Lauren has been with JCC Greater Boston since 1998, starting as an after-school group leader and eventually co-director of our Gilson JCC Early Learning Center. She has experience in planning and implementing after-school and vacation programs, and has taught toddlers, preschoolers, and transitional kindergarten students. She emphasizes play-based learning, a social thinking curriculum, and building community, to create a warm and welcoming environment that promotes Jewish values, spirit, and a love of learning.
Lauren holds a bachelor’s from the University of Massachusetts and is passionate about helping children reach their full potential.
Co-Director, Gilson JCC Early Learning Center / Child Development Specialist
Lisa Ciborowski
Co-Director, Gilson JCC Early Learning Center / Child Development Specialist
Lisa has been with JCC Greater Boston since the early nineties, dedicating 15 of those years as a transitional kindergarten teacher. In June 2015, she assumed the role of co-director at the Gilson JCC Early Learning Center in Sharon. Additionally, she has served as our child development specialist for 15 years, providing support to children with physical, emotional, or developmental challenges and advocating for parents by connecting them with available community resources.
Lisa’s primary focus is creating a warm and enriching learning environment for children and their families. She holds a bachelor’s in special education from Boston College.
Administrative Assistant, JCC Early Learning Centers
Cindy Berchuck
Administrative Assistant, JCC Early Learning Centers
Cindy joined the team at the Gilson JCC Early Learning Center in 2015, and since then, she has been in charge of managing the daily operations of several of our early learning center locations. Cindy oversees enrollment and record-keeping, and is available to provide assistance to parents around enrollment and schedule changes.
Assistant Vice President, Early Childhood Education
Indira Herscovici
Assistant Vice President, Early Childhood Education
Indira has an extensive background in early childhood. She joined the Brookline/Brighton JCC Early Learning Center in 1997, and assumed the role of supervising director in 2011, where she was responsible for program quality and content across all JCC Early Learning Center locations. In 2014, she was appointed director of early learning center operations, and now serves as assistant vice president of early childhood education at JCC Greater Boston.
Indira actively participates in the Greater Boston Director’s Council of Early Childhood Jewish Educators and is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in early childhood education from Lesley University. Her knowledge, experience, and dedication make her an invaluable asset to JCC Greater Boston’s early learning centers.
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