Building Hours:(January 22, 2025) – The Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley (JCC) is excited to announce the completion of its newly remodeled and expanded classrooms, marking a significant step forward in enhancing early childhood education. The expansion includes an additional classroom, an updated Media Center, an outdoor pavilion, and the creation of a Sensory Room which is designed to support a diverse range of learning and neurodivergent needs. With these additions, the JCC will be able to serve 20% more children in the upcoming school year, offering greater access to top-tier early education for families in the region.
This expansion project began in 2022 with generous funding from the Kline Foundation, Trexler Trust, Post Foundation, ESSA Bank and Trust, the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, and several local private donors. The project reflects the JCC’s ongoing commitment to providing an exceptional educational environment for young children that fosters academic achievement and emotional well-being.
The newly expanded classrooms are designed to accommodate children from infant care through pre-kindergarten. Each classroom features age-appropriate furniture, learning materials, and play spaces specifically crafted to stimulate creativity, curiosity, and social engagement. The spaces aim to create a nurturing, inclusive, and safe environment for children to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
"We are thrilled to welcome more children into our state-of-the-art renovated and new classrooms," said Eric Lightman, Executive Director of the JCC. "The early years are absolutely critical to a child’s overall development. By providing high-quality early education, we are setting our children up for lifelong success, both in school and in life."
In addition to the classrooms, the new Sensory Room, made possible by a generous donation from Lehigh Valley Health Network, provides a controlled, safe environment for children who may benefit from sensory stimulation. The room is designed to help children self-regulate, relax, focus, and engage their senses in a therapeutic way. The addition of the Sensory Room underscores the JCC’s commitment to inclusivity and to meeting the unique needs of all children in their care.
“Creating spaces where every child can succeed is a central part of our mission," said Lightman. "The Sensory Room is a great addition to our program and will serve children who may need additional support to regulate their emotions or focus during the school day."
The JCC is dedicated to empowering children to become confident, curious, and compassionate learners. With a team of skilled educators and a focus on individualized care, the center provides a comprehensive, well-rounded educational experience.
Enrollment for the upcoming school year is now open. For more information, parents and guardians interested in securing a spot for their child can visit www.lvjcc.org, contact 610.435.3571, or stop by the open house at the JCC on Sunday, March 9, 2025 from 10:00 am until 11:00 am.
ABOUT THE JCC OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY
The Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley is a non-profit community center dedicated to building community through educational and recreational programs inspired by Jewish values. We offer a broad range of programs for children and adults of all ages, open to everyone in the local community regardless of background. Our mission is to create vibrancy, meaning, and connection in the lives of our members and the broader Lehigh Valley community.
Contact:
ERIC LIGHTMAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
610.435.3571
[email protected]
