Located in the heart of Maitland since 1973, our Richard S. Adler Early Childhood Learning Center is more than just a school, we are a community, family, and a place where families and their children thrive.
If you are interested in a high-quality program you’ve found the right place.
Choosing a preschool is an important decision for the entire family. Therefore, we make getting to know our school a personal experience. Schedule a virtual tour with our Director and fill out our Get To Know You Form to begin the process.
We look forward to meeting you!
Schedule a Tour TodayAt the ECLC we pay close attention to your child’s growth including social, emotional, creative, and character development. We offer a variety of programs for different ages to help your child reach their full potential. We are working on creating good global citizens who provide community care in all aspects of early education.
We advocate for our students to become independent thinkers who approach life with curiosity and determination.
Using a Sheva-inspired approach based in curiosity and self-discovery, approach to early childhood education our teacher’s design an emergent, integrated curriculum based on the shared interests of the students & teachers.
As we prepare our students to transition to elementary school and beyond, we begin this development with relationships. Our teachers’ top priority is to establish a trusting and collaborative bond with both the students and parents in their class.
Our teaching philosophy that has been developed through an environment rich in Jewish values and full of glowing heart and abundant smiles.
Research shows that children learn and retain more information when it has value to the many hands-on activities.
With a dance studio, gym, heated pool, tennis courts, children’s library, Shayna’s Village, and four playgrounds. Parents, this is a one-stop-shop for all your family care needs.
Warm, loving, certified and highly trained teachers, many of whom have been a part of our team for decades.
The ECLC is more than just childcare – it truly is a learning center. From the day your child first enters the building they are welcomed into a family of loving educators who work hard to meet your child’s needs. Every staff and teacher at the JCC loves what they do, and it is clear every day as they instill Jewish values as well as social and emotional growth into each and every child. When you send your child to the JCC ECLC you aren’t just a member of an institution, you’re a member of a community.
Jessica Levine ECLC ParentThe JCC ECLC has been our second family since 2017. It’s not easy leaving your children in the care of others but when you know they are safe, happy, and thriving it makes it easier . The teachers and staff go above and beyond for our children , we couldn’t imagine sending them anywhere else.
Samantha Sugerman ParentWhen we enrolled our daughter into the ECLC, it was the first time we had put her well-being in the hands of anyone other than close family. To say that we were nervous would be the understatement of the year. When we picked her up after that first day, we were shocked that she was disappointed that she had to leave, and her enthusiasm for being there has only increased throughout the year! In that time, her social skills, speech, and positive behaviors have exploded beyond our expectations. We directly attribute this to the incredible staff at the ECLC who put forth so much effort into creating a healthy and safe learning environment for all the children put under their charge. Equally wonderful is the communication between parents and staff. We have a direct line of communication to her teachers at all times, and administrative staff give frequent updates to the goings ons at the ECLC. We feel truly blessed to have a place like the ECLC.
James Bevan ECLC ParentThe preschool is AMAZING. My Daughter literally begs to go to school. Mrs Welch is a total sweetheart. They also offer “enrichment classes”, yoga, swimming, dance, basketball. They eat three times a day, go outside to the playground everyday, have the best updated fun toys/ I’m always getting some Cool craft Holme. Mrs. Judy is an absolute angel! She makes my day everyday. The sweetest lady you will ever talk to. The registrar is also a joy to talk to and genuinely a sweetheart. I love it love it love it. This is the preschool moms dream about taking kids to. Your babies are in very good hands and you can feel safe while you work that they are having a blast!!!!
Kayla M.If you are looking for a warm, inviting, and loving childcare center for your little one, then run, don’t walk, to tour the ECLC. The teachers and staff at the amazing ECLC have been family for nine years now and I cannot imagine a more special place to send them. When my drop my children off in the morning I know that they will learn, and have fun, and be loved.
Andrea Linderman ECLC ParentThe ECLC has been a wonderful place for our children to learn and grow. Our children have gained the tools to think more critically and embrace their emotions. We’re truly grateful for everything the teachers and support staff do to prioritize our girls. Starting a new program in the midst of a pandemic was challenging, but we’ve never felt more safe.
Lauren Zelek ECLC ParentAs an anxious new mom in her first daycare experience (during a pandemic!), the JCC has been such a blessing to our family. From initial discussions, to getting us prepared, to a seamless first week and so far over 8 months of fun, love, learning and safe care for our little one, we are so pleased with everyone at the J! Our little man loves going in every day and we hope to be there for many more years!
Michelle Segal ParentAll four of our children started in the infant room at the JCC. And we consider each and every one of their teachers to be our co-parent. Our kids have learned about respect, patience and compassion through the examples of their wonderful educators. We are eternally grateful for the love you have given and the confidence you have bestowed on our children.
Kiki Johnson ParentMy wife and I interviewed multiple centers across the Winter Park / Orlando area-they varied in affiliation and curriculums; and we knew the JCC was the place for our child as soon as we took our initial tour. There is a sense of family, community, and safety that allowed us to rest easy knowing that our lil’ guy was in great hands of caring educators with tremendous tenure; so much so that we registered our next child without a second thought. The JCC provides an environment that allows for growth, development, and fun! We couldn’t be happier.
Josh Mustachi ParentThe ECLC has not only provided a wonderful environment for my son to learn and grow. It’s also where he’s met his lifelong friends and where we as new parents have met our best friends
Chelsea Aaron ParentThe ECLC is an interactive learning environment, Judaically and secularly, where the classroom is organized around the children being actively engaged. The children are immerse into a community that has been around for several generations, which inculcate Jewish values and traditions, opportunities to be creative, strengthening their identities, and surrounded by teachers that love/care for every student. The ECLC in Orlando is home for our children to grow and create foundational values; as well as, a place that unites families, teaches Tikun Olam (healing the world) with a concept of treating everyone equally, and bringing joy to our community.
Isaac Greenberg ECLC ParentWe love the JCC ECLC! The teachers and staff made us feel welcome and safe from the very beginning when we toured the campus and continue to do so. The curriculum encourages and challenges the children. There are flexible hours so you can choose what fits your family’s schedule. Extracurricular activities offered on campus make it so convenient for you and your child. We feel so lucky to be a part of the ECLC family!
Christine Clarke ECLC ParentKaren Duncan has been a part of the JCC’s Early Childhood Learning Center since 1992. She started as a classroom teacher before moving into a supervisory position. In 2007, she helped renovate and rejuvenate the former parenting center, turning it into Shayna’s Village.
As director of the Village, she is committed to helping parents and their children move through all of the phases of early childhood with dignity and respect, using best practices as the guide.
She finds joy in teaching and creating classes, but one of the best parts of her job is watching lifelong friendships develop in Shayna’s Village classes. Children and parents who meet in Shayna’s Village tend to remain friends for years and then eventually return as new parents and grandparents, keeping the cycle of friendships going. She feels honored to be a witness to those deep-rooted connections.
Karen Duncan was awarded the Harriet Weiss Legacy Award in 2021.
All activities require either an annual Village Pass or a JCC membership. A time each week for you to spend with your little ones, enjoying activities at no cost.
Story Time 10:30-11:00 am
Snack Time 11:00-11:15 am
Musical Shabbat 11:15-11:45 am
In this class, the children will learn beginning keyboard skills. Each week they will practice as a group on their own individual keyboard. All keyboards will be provided. They will also play a variety of musical games and explore a variety of other instruments!
This trademarked class will teach you fun activities like infant massage, baby yoga, and additional techniques to do with your babies so they get all the benefits of tummy time.
Learn guitar in the village from guitar instructor extraordinaire, Ron Duncan. Open to kindergarteners through adults. Private or semi-private lessons. Contact Ron at 407-792-9337 for fees and scheduling.
In this one-of-a-kind class, the children will be introduced to guitar, rhythm, singing, and music theory in a group setting. This simple approach will improve your child’s fine motor skills, social interactions, confidence, and stage presence. Guitars are provided for each class.
In this class, the children will learn kitchen basics and to follow a recipe. They will learn about “sometimes” vs. “anytime” food while they create nutritious foods and delicious treats.
Each week in this class, the children will get to experience a different area in the Village. They will enjoy the following activities: art, cooking, science, music, gardening, literature, and drama.
In this class, the children will find their calm with yoga and explorations in our garden. They will learn all about nature’s ways as they plant and tend to the garden and explore all the other parts of the outdoor classroom.
Enjoy a 30-minute interactive concert that includes lots of music, movement, and instruments! Please register in advance.
Enjoy complimentary challah with your child, while socializing with other families! Please register in advance.
Come snuggle and read stories together in this open library time. Enjoy guest storytellers. Please register in advance.
This class will help children prepare for K4 and Kindergarten. Through songs, stories, competitive games, and role-playing, the children will practice how to speak up for themselves and be the kind of person everyone wants as a friend.
Messy play and experimenting help children understand scientific concepts better. In this class, the children will explore scientific ideas through hands-on activities, using all of their senses.
Is your little one almost ready for school, but you’re not quite ready to let go just yet? This class will give you the best of both worlds! The class is structured like a preschool class. During the first two weeks, the parent/caregiver and child attend together. Next, parents stay on the sidelines. For the last two weeks, the children attend by themselves.
The children will unleash their creativity as they participate in creative activities of all kinds: visual art, dramatic play, and music.
The children will gain independence and confidence in this class as they begin to follow a school routine that is filled with learning activities, gross motor activities, and snack!
For the health, safety, and welfare of both staff and students, the Richard S. Adler Early Childhood Learning Center follows all State of Florida vaccination requirements for students entering our school. Documentation of compliance with these requirements shall be provided to the school for all students upon entry into the school. The school will monitor ongoing vaccination compliance for children 2 months to 2 years. This follows the standards and policies of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control, and the American Council on Immunization and Prevention. There are no religious exemptions to this policy. Medical exemptions will be reviewed by the director with medical consultation as necessary.
Storybook Theater
Dive into fairy tales from around the world. Weekly lessons will explore diverse cultures’ fairy tales and folklore to teach relevant themes in a creative, fun, and interactive environment. Participants will engage in improv, movement, puppetry, and music activities that nurture imagination and empathy through the world of storytelling. Fairy tales include: The 3 brothers and the Golden Apple (Bulgaria), Bunbuku Chagama (Japan), and The Legend of Coqui (Puerto Rico)
Each week the children will learn all about the benefits of three Rs of the environment: recycle, reuse, and reduce. The children will spend time in our outdoor classroom and participate in all kinds of activities that support a healthier environment.
Each week in this class, the children will discover the world of art as they learn about and experiment with different art media. They will also create a portfolio to store all of their projects.
In this class, the children will decorate a treasure box and add items they create to it each week as they study a variety of topics from rock and minerals to dinosaurs.
Toddlers will begin to learn about basic kitchen principles, such as pouring, mixing, and spreading. The children will enjoy being a part of the cooking process, especially when they get to eat what they make!
Director of Racquet Sports/Head Coach
Vladimir is a former top ranked player and a junior champion of Serbia, NCAA Division 1 player for a Championship team at the University of Florida, a professional player who competed on the ATP Tour for more than 16 years and a Davis Cup player for Serbia alongside Novak Djokovic. Vladimir graduated from the University of Florida where he played at the top of the lineup. During his collegiate career he was ranked as high as number 1, made the NCAA tournament first team and SEC tournament team, was SEC player of the week, and made Dean’s list as well as academic honor roll. He held a professional ranking at the age of 16 and throughout his career, he won 5 professional titles, competed in the biggest events in the world, and reached ATP ranking 192/368 singles and doubles. Throughout his career he competed against, and holds wins over, some of the best players in the world like Mariano Puerta (ATP 5 and French Open finalist), John Isner (ATP 8), Jiri Vesely (ATP 35), Kei Nishikori (ATP 4), Ryan Harrison, Janko Tipsarevic, Benjamin Becker, Sergeiy Stakhovsky, Dusan Lajovic and many more.
Vladimir comes from the same tennis club in Serbia that produced numerous professional players and he trained under the same developmental program as some of the greatest players in the history of tennis like Novak Djokovic. Upon Vladimir’s retirement from professional tennis, he transitioned into a new role as a coach, hitting partner, and adviser to some of the best players on tour. The list of clients he worked with includes Jelena Jankovic (WTA 1), Ana Ivanovic (WTA 1 and Grand Slam winner), Sabine Lisicki (Wimbledon Finalist), Andrea Petkovic (WTA 9), Ivo Karlovic (ATP 14), and Natalia Vikhlyantseva (WTA 54). In the past several years, Vladimir coached a number of junior players who became nationally ranked, received athletic scholarships into some of the most prestigious universities in the USA, reached the Orange Bowl Finals, and won Eddie Her. His proven training process, along with his work ethic, is being implemented into his academy in Orlando.
Vladimir is USPTA Level 1 Elite Professional, USTA Safe Play Coach, USTA ROGY and High Performance Coach and ATP/WTA Touring Coach.
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