Our People
OUR SCHOOL | OUR PROGRAM | OUR PEOPLE | FAQ'S, POLICIES, ENROLLMENT
ABOUT | PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT | LEGACY | DIRECTOR | TEACHERS |
PARENT INVOLVEMENT | CLERGY | ADVISORY COMMITTEE
About
Teachers at the E.B. Hirsh Early Childhood Center are committed to fostering a learning environment where children always know that they are respected members of the community and valued as individuals. We are certain that is how children should begin their early childhood learning.
Professional Development
As part of our collaboration with the Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore, our educators enjoy professional development opportunities through the JCC Association’s Sheva Center’s innovative empowerment program focused on seven core elements:
- Children as Constructivist Learners
- Early Childhood Directors as Visionaries
- Early Childhood Educators as Professionals
- Families as Engaged Partners
- Environments as Inspiration for Inquiry
- Discover CATCH as Sh’mirat HaGuf (taking care of our bodies)
- Israel as the Story of the Jewish People
The Legacy of E.B. Hirsh
We strive to honor the determined spirit and developmental values espoused by E.B. Hirsh and her colleagues. More than a quarter century ago, she challenged Baltimore Hebrew Congregation to create a wonderful learning environment for young children and their families, a place to nurture and teach. E.B. Hirsh was committed to giving our young children a stimulating environment in which to grow, one built on multisensory exploration, respect, and caring. We are proud to be part of the legacy of E.B. Hirsh
Director
Jennifer Platt
Jen Platt began working at the E.B. Hirsh Early Childhood Center in August 2011 as one of the original teachers in the Infant Program. Jen was selected to participate in the Center for Jewish Education’s First Community of Practice, and she was runner-up for the Grinspoon Award for Excellence in Jewish Education. Jen was awarded the 2019 Darrell Friedman Fellowship and is currently completing her master’s degree in Leadership in Jewish Education and Communal Services from Baltimore Hebrew Institute at Towson University.
“From the moment I stepped into E.B. Hirsh Early Childhood Center for my interview, I knew this was a special place. I want everyone who enters the building to experience the love and sense of community we have here at the E.B. Hirsh Early Childhood Center.”
Assistant Director
Adriane “Andy” Brooks
Coming soon.
Teachers
Our teachers have completed all of the required early childhood education courses and continue to keep current on developments in the field. They are all credentialed by the state of Maryland. We are a staff of warm, caring individuals who facilitate our children's learning, guiding them as they achieve and build confidence through their successes in all areas of learning and play. We participate in professional development training relating to best practices in early childhood education.
Parent Involvement
Parents play an active role at The E.B. Hirsh Early Childhood Center, helping to make our school an important part of their child’s early years.
Open Door Policy
Our open-door policy allows parents to observe their child’s class throughout the year. Communication between home and school is paramount and weekly class updates and monthly newsletters are sent home to our families. Parents are also kept apprised of their child's daily activities via daily conversations and/or reports with teachers. Parent-Teacher meetings are scheduled twice a year.
Parents are encouraged to speak with the administration at any time. The office door is always open and our director and assistant director greet families every morning at drop-off. Parents are welcome and encouraged to stop by to share ideas, ask questions, discuss issues, request parenting advice or just for a chat.
The E.B. Hirsh Early Childhood Center families are also included in synagogue-wide programs.
Parent/Teacher Association (PTA)
All parents are invited to join the PTA. Parent volunteers participate in school projects, committees and special events. The PTA is actively involved with fundraising and organizing special programs for the E.B. Hirsh Early Childhood Center. We organize the annual Shabbat Dinner, Truck Day, Pizza Friday Lunch and Challah Orders. Let us know how you would like to become involved.
Clergy
Because of our connection to BHC, the Congregation’s clergy are intimately involved in school life. In addition, BHC’s Rabbis and Cantors join us weekly at our Kabbalat Shabbat program as well as for other holiday celebrations throughout the year.
Advisory Committee
The E.B. Hirsh Early Childhood Center is fortunate to have a very active and supportive Advisory Committee consisting of educators, parents, and Baltimore Hebrew Congregation members committed to the quality and success of the Center. The role of this committee is to serve as a resource to the administrators, teachers, and parents for development, management, and programming of the E.B. Hirsh Early Childhood Center.
