As I sit here and wonder how the summer could have possibly flown by so quickly, I begin to anxiously anticipate the upcoming school year and what is in store for my 3 children- Levi (8 ½ ), Sawyer (6), and Alexa (3).  For the first time ever, they will be in 3 different places, […] Learn More ›

Look deep, deep into nature and then you will understand everything better. — Albert Einstein Children enjoy the outdoors in all kinds of weather! Of course, we know that fresh air and exercise are good for our bodies, but research is mounting to prove that direct involvement with nature is as important to children as […] Learn More ›

I recently went away to a professional conference for a whole 4 nights and 5 days.  Imagine that! Almost one week away from my 3 little ones (ages 8, 5, and 2), whom I’ve barely ever had the courage to leave before. I had a million excuses as to why they couldn’t exist without me: […] Learn More ›

Be a Role Model for your Children Children are like sponges; they are constantly taking in the information they see and hear around them, and they’re watching everything you say and do. They see how you handle stress, how you treat other people, and how you manage your emotions. Children often grow up to have […] Learn More ›

Written By: Margie Pines Reflections on an Education Cohort in Reggio Emilio, Italy As part of a select group of eighteen Jewish Early Childhood educators from the Chicagoland area, JCC Chicago sent three teachers from “Z” Frank Apachi Early Childhood Center to the beautiful city of Reggio Emilio, Italy for a learning experience of our […] Learn More ›