This past year, Stephanie Leen (one of our fabulous Early Childhood Education teachers and a Judaic Specialist) embarked on a remarkable journey.
She participated in the Boulder Journey School Teacher Education Program which partners with the JCC, offering educators a chance to earn a Master’s degree in Education and Human Development through the University of Colorado Denver as well as an Early Childhood Education (ages 0-8) Teaching License through the Colorado Department of Education.
During the program Stephanie helped to create new dialogues in the local community by developing a contextual curriculum that encompasses a process of observing children’s interests, creating intentional learning experiences and cultivating a natural sense of reciprocity with the pulse of humanity. The following video is the culmination of a 7-month-long exploration of partnering with children, families, colleagues and the community, emphasizing the importance of exposing young children to other cultures beyond the walls of their classroom. Please pass this video along to help share the JCC’s pride in being an inclusive organization inside and outside the walls of the preschool and the community.