For many years there was a thriving Jewish Early Education Center housed at the Jewish Community Center of Dutchess County. There were classes for 2-, 3- and 4-year-old children in both nursery and daycare settings as well as a full-day kindergarten. Additionally, there was a thriving after school enrichment program with a diverse array of classes. At it’s peak, more than 70 students were enrolled, representing more than 60 families regardless of religious affiliation.
When the JCC closed, there was a void in the community for a program of this caliber. For more than five years, a very dedicated group of volunteers, including representatives from the Federation, local synagogues, and clergy, have been working to bring a Jewish early childhood program back to our local area.