Engaging the Youngest Members of Our Community
Bender Early Childhood Center
The Bender Early Childhood Center (ECC) is an inclusive and nurturing learning environment for children of all backgrounds and faiths. We lay the foundations for a lifelong connection to our Greater Washington community by encouraging students to develop their identities, explore their interests, and become the best versions of themselves.
A Nurturing Preschool Learning Community
We foster a positive environment where students discover their interests, and parents explore their roles as caregivers. Families actively participate in our school community and find meaningful ways to connect with the Jewish community through Shabbat and holiday celebrations. Through shared experiences of Jewish customs and traditions in the classroom, Bender ECC families explore their own values, regardless of their background.
ECC At a Glance
- Reggio-Emilia Play-based curriculum
- Class Options 12 months- 5 years old
- Flexible schedules including early-drop off and after care
- Small class sizes
- Allergy-friendly environment
- Bender JCC Family Membership included
- Development support for all students
Our Programs
The Bender ECC offers 10-month and 12-month program options for children 1 – 5 years old. Our core school day is from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with aftercare from 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM. Bender ECC parents value the convenience of having their family’s educational and enrichment activities all in one place. Our year-round enrichment program, available after school and on school-out days, offers popular activities like art, dance, gymnastics, music, and sports.
| Age and Program | 10-Month Annual Tuition | 12-Month Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Toddler program (12-24 months) | N/A | $27,744 |
| 2 Year Old Program (2-3 years) | $22,150 | $26,580 |
| 3 Year Old Program (3-4 years) | $20,700 | $24,840 |
| 4 Year Old Program (4-5 years) | $20,700 | $24,840 |
| After Care | $2,750 ($275/month) | $3,330 ($275/month) |
We offer a 5% sibling discount, applied to the eldest child’s tuition, for all families who have enrolled multiple siblings simultaneously in the Bender ECC.
Bender ECC families must enroll their child in a Bender ECC program prior to applying for financial assistance.
Please include any information you feel is relevant that may not be reflected in the application in your personal statement. For example: Recent job change or loss, out-of-pocket medical expenses, medical conditions that may impact a parent’s ability to work, or caregiving needs for children or parents that impact your family situation.
Interested in the Bender ECC?
Our Campus
The Bender JCC campus is our preschool classroom. At the Bender ECC, we believe that a dynamic, inspiring, and engaging learning environment is key to our students’ development. Our exceptional campus – featuring spacious classrooms, a natural playscape playground, indoor and outdoor pools, an art gallery, and a gymnasium–provides students with daily opportunities to grow their cognitive, fine-motor, and social-emotional skills.
Membership Included
Your child’s Bender ECC tuition includes a Bender JCC membership for your entire family! Families may initially come to the Bender ECC for our exceptional education and outstanding facilities, but they quickly discover why the Bender JCC is considered the “best kept secret” in Montgomery County–there’s always something happening here! After drop-off, Bender ECC parents often head to the Weinberg Health and Fitness Center for a workout, catch up on work in the café, or meet friends by the pool.
Support the JCC
We rely on donors to help make many of our programs and services possible, such as inclusion, gallery exhibits, senior programs, ESOL classes, literary events, young family outreach, and much more.
