May 23, 2023 |  12 Iyar 5783

Envisioning a new future for Early Childhood Education at the JCC  

Every parent remembers that feeling of bringing their child to preschool or daycare for the first time. There is a sense of excitement, nervousness and sheer relief that you’ve found a spot for your child. 

The early childhood education (ECE) program at the JCC has attracted families from all over Vancouver for its Reggio Emilia approach to learning through nurturing curiosity and community. It is this attention to quality care, combined with lack of space, that has resulted in waitlists that seem to never end. 

In December 2022, the JWest project received a $25 million commitment from the Government of Canada by way of the Department of Canadian Heritage to expand the JCC. Taleeb Noormohamed, MP for Vancouver Granville, was at the announcement and shared his story and connection to the ECE, saying, “The JCC has long been a cultural anchor in Vancouver for years and a major community asset in the Cambie corridor. In fact, my child is on the waitlist now for the ECE program at the JCC. What excites me about JWest is that it addresses the biggest issues of the region, including growing childcare waitlists, unaffordable housing and rentals, and lack of senior services.” 

This investment from the federal government is in addition to the $25 million provided by the Province of British Columbia in 2021.  

The place that ties us back to our roots. 

Husband and wife, Dr. Andrei Karpov and Dr. Katherine Milne, understand the struggles of the daycare waitlist journey first-hand, having immediately joined the JCC daycare waitlist at the birth of their now 10-month-old daughter. They see the importance of education and a strong community to the health of individuals, especially during the early developmental stages of early childhood. Dr. Karpov explains further: 

“As physicians, we value education. When our daughter was born, it was important to us that we foster the love of learning right from an early age. When deciding which ECE program was right for our family, the JCC was our first choice as this place ties us back to our roots and connects us to the rest of the Jewish community. We recognized the role community plays in the upbringing of a child. What is so special at the JCC is that families from all [backgrounds and] walks of life play and learn together. It is something truly remarkable to witness.” 

Securing any form of childcare let alone a high quality program like the JCC’s is a challenge for parents across the region. After learning about the JWest project, the Karpovs decided that they wanted to be part of the solution, to ensure that families will not have to face the same challenges in the future. They learned about the expansion of the ECE program in the new JCC and subsequently decided to support the project philanthropically. On behalf of the community, we thank them for their gift and continued leadership.  

A look at the future of early childhood education at JWest.  

In its first phase, JWest will address the demand for childcare spaces by nearly doubling the available spots of the current ECE program and creating a purpose-built space for children. This expansion will provide families with more opportunities to enroll their children in preschool, daycare, and afterschool programs. From the conception of the project, educators were consulted on all aspects of the new space.  

Director of the Karen & Gary Simkin Family Child Development Centre, Jennifer Trickett, explains: 

“We have put a lot of forethought into what curriculum we are teaching and the space needed to support those programs. One of the many highlights for children is hands-on learning. We love making challah for Shabbat, so we wanted to ensure we have a purpose-built kitchen that supports little chefs. We also teach through gardening, and an expanded garden will help us provide more opportunities to explore. Things like these will further their development and create lasting memories.” 

The new ECE facility has been intentionally designed to provide abundant natural sunlight, lowered counter heights, bathrooms designed for little ones, an expanded teaching garden, and a new playground.  

The ECE program at the new JCC will provide new possibilities and opportunities for educators to expand the horizons of our youngest generations while addressing the need for more childcare spaces. 

For more details about the JWest project visit JWestnow.com.  

Israeli music pioneers Teapacks perform at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre May 14. Article courtesy of The Jewish Independent.

“We will bring a lot of Mediterranean happiness, with a lot of Jewish chutzpah,” Israeli singer-songwriter Kobi Oz told the Independent about Teapacks’ upcoming concert here on May 14. The event at Queen Elizabeth Theatre is the culmination of the community’s many Israel@75 celebrations.

Teapacks will sing about 30 of their hits, spanning their more than 30 years of composing and performing. Plus, said Oz, there will be many “duets with our fabulous female lead vocalist Shani Yizhari, one Arik Einstein cover, one Moroccan song and our version of Hatikvah.”

Teapacks was established some 35 years ago. Named after the correction fluid Tipp-Ex, Oz has explained the choice to be related to the band’s aim to “erase boundaries between people,” but the English transliteration of the name was changed relatively early on to Teapacks to avoid infringing on the trademark. (The Hebrew remains the same.)

Read the full article from the Jewish Independent here.

Celebrate Israel@75!

Over 50 Israel@75 events are happening across the Lower Mainland - on now through May 14th. Experience Israeli arts and culture, food, music, dance, speakers, and more with community. Join us in celebrating at a location near you. 

Teapacks in Concert
Sunday, May 14, 2023
Queen Elizabeth Theatre
6:30 p.m. (Doors open at 5:30 p.m)
Tickets $18
Tickets are selling fast! Purchase yours today!

Jewish Federation 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
King David High School
7:00 p.m.