Yale study lauds early-education model used by two local JCCs

A new study by the Yale University Child Study Center found that the “whole school change” approach of the Jewish Early Childhood Education Initiative strengthened families’ Jewish engagement, increased participation in parenting programs and adult Jewish education, and promoted strong school community values.

Included in the initiative were two local schools, Oshman Family JCC’s T’enna Preschool in Palo Alto and the Osher Marin JCC’s Early Childhood Education Center in San Rafael.

Yale researchers selected JECEI because its early-childhood programs were characterized by healthy relationships, the capacity to successfully promote children’s learning and development, and the engagement of families in school improvement, according to an article in the Early Childhood Education Journal.