Prospective Preschool Families

Check Out All Our Program Options

In-Person Preschool

Bender Early Childhood Center is currently open for in-person preschool.
Register now to visit us January 11
for an in-person Open House

Applications for ECC 2023-24 school year opens for new families on Monday, January 30

A Place For Families

Jewish values are life values and the Bender Early Childhood Center is the place to raise your children rooted in your values. Our wide range of programs grow alongside your children, enriching their sense of self, enabling them to cultivate lifelong friendships, and equipping them for their unique journey in life.

We support and empower families through our diverse and inclusive programming through our Parenting Center and our Grandparents Center, providing opportunities to connect and build community. Everyone is welcome. Everyone belongs.

All Are Welcome

The Bender JCC embraces and welcomes the diversity of our community and encourages everyone to seek meaning and fulfillment by participating in our rich programming inspired by our Jewish heritage.

We open our doors to everyone, including people of all backgrounds, religions, abilities and sexual orientations, and interfaith couples and families.

Call us anytime at 301.348.3839 or email us at preschool@benderjccgw.org

Learn More About Our Preschool


Join our Director, Rabbi Sarah Meytin to learn more about the newly renovated Bender JCC of Greater Washington Sondra and Howard Bender Early Childhood Center.

Contact the preschool to schedule a virtual tour and learn more about our unique approach to early childhood education, and the programs we offer for children ages 18 months through 5 years. Email us at preschool@benderjccgw.org

Check Out All Our Program Options

A play-based curriculum—founded on Emergent Curriculum and inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach—enables children to become active learners and engaged classroom participants, and interest-based topic studies invite students to explore the world around them. Children are encouraged to express themselves through art and music, and Jewish values, customs, and traditions are integrated throughout the curriculum.

Call us anytime at 301.348.3839 or email us at preschool@benderjccgw.org

Our staff makes a difference and it is our priority to employ experienced and talented staff members that meet our high standards. We provide ongoing professional development to support our staff as lifelong learners. Our talented and dedicated staff is committed to ensuring each child’s happiness, safety, and growth.

If you were to peek into our classrooms, you might see children involved in a community meeting, dressing up, baking challah, immersed in constructing with LEGOs or blocks, looking at books, creating a train village, playing instruments, making signs, or drawing self-portraits.

Our children are fortunate to have access to the wonderful Bender JCC facility, which includes indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a gymnasium, art and dance studios, walking paths, and the Recreation Station.

With two playgrounds, a growing garden, and an abundance of grassy areas, our children benefit from experiences that enlighten and engage outside the classroom. Each day includes learning opportunities outside our four walls, so a warm pair of snow boots and raingear is a must!

We are pleased to offer a program that is rich in Jewish culture, tradition, and values. At the Bender JCC Preschool, we celebrate all of the Jewish holidays as well as Thanksgiving, Presidents’ Day, and Martin Luther King Day. Holiday Care is available on some days when the preschool is closed.

Early Childhood