Academics

Early Childhood Center

Our developmentally-appropriate, play-based program allows our youngest learners to be actively engaged in their environment as they develop. Loving teachers facilitate interactive learning and provide an enriching and safe environment that gives children opportunities to grow cognitively, emotionally, and spiritually. Judaism becomes an integral part of each child’s world through holiday and Shabbat celebrations and everyday experiences, and our Hebrew specialist spends meaningful time in each class.

Socially, each child grows through interactions with his/her peers in the ECC, as well as with our older students. Teachers are listeners, observers, and questioners guiding children while they explore their interests and thinking. Teachers communicate regularly with parents, and encourage parent participation at many events.

Children make use of our vast facility, including the music and art studios, greenhouse, MakerSpace and gymnasium, where they engage with specialty teachers weekly. In doing so, our students become an instant part of our school community and develop deep pride in being a Hillel student.

Our ECC is the only local Jewish preschool that is both accredited by The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and that has received 4-stars from Great Start to Quality, a Michigan organization that rates child care and preschool programs to ensure Michigan’s youngest children have high-quality early learning experiences. We have met highest standards and best practices for early childhood education on both the state and national level.

Emily Silver '02

“There are many reasons to love Hillel; the strong bond between teachers and students, the curriculum, the strong sense of community. Hillel is a place that nurtures, tends, and strengthens. It allows children to grow roots, academically and personally, blossoming into confident thinkers, leaders, and helpers. Most fundamentally, for me, it is the way Hillel nurtures my children’s Jewish soul, seen in their love, participation, and pride in Jewish tradition. I am proud that my children are part of the 3rd generation of my family to attend Hillel.”