Early Childhood Center

  • ECC toddler playing on recess toy

  • “Many Kenwood kindergartners have attended pre-k at Temple Israel before arriving at our doors. I have always found Temple Israel graduates to be grounded in compassion, emotionally sound, and academically prepared. The Temple Israel graduates remember their preschool years and teachers with fondness. I can count on Temple Israel students to be leaders in my kindergarten class from the first day."

    -Cathy Sullivan, Kenwood Kindergarten Teacher

  • ECC toddlers examine torah scroll

  • "My experience at the ECC at Temple was both magical for my son and nourishing for me as a parent.  My son could not wait to go to ECC at every opportunity - he would ask when he can go next; picking him up he was full of warmth, spirit and enthusiasm for his learning and friendships - many of which have persisted for 6 years after leaving ECC!  As a parent I watched him grow as a person, learn not only what would be considered ’school subjects’ but more importantly how to be himself and a mensch.  He transitioned to a competitive independent school with ease and I believe ECC is much of the reason for the comfort he felt moving into a new environment and being ready to flourish there as well."

    - Joshua Marrow, former ECC parent

  • ECC toddler smiles at doll

  • "We could not be more grateful for the care our children have received over the last five years. From guiding our daughter through Pre-K, to supporting our son’s growth the past two years, Temple Israel has been instrumental in building their social skills, establishing routines, confidence and independence. Beyond those things, we have found a truly supportive community that has helped our family transition after moving from out of state and build friendships that will last long past our children’s time at ECC."

    - Austin Brown, current ECC parent

  • ECC toddler graduation day

  • "We put all three of our kids through the ECC, and we'd do it again without hesitation. One of our children has special needs, and what struck us most wasn't the accommodations — it was that inclusion isn't a policy here, it's just the culture. The diversity of families and kids is the whole thing. That's what makes it work for every kid, not just ours.

    The ECC is Reggio-inspired, which matters. But really what we keep coming back to is the community. They still celebrate National Down Syndrome Day every year, with the whole school wearing silly socks, even after our son Judah graduated. That's the kind of place this is." -Lenny and Shalva Gale, current ECC parents

  • ECC tots dance in sanctuary

Now accepting applications for Camp Haverim
Summer 2026 and the 2026-2027 School Year 

Camp Haverim Session 1 (June 1 - July 3)

Camp Haverim Session 2 (July 13 - August 14)

The 2026-2027 School year (August 31 - June 4)

Click here to learn more!
Naeyc Logo, program accredited

Our classrooms are full of music and play, exploring and trying, laughing and dancing, building and creating. Work and play are one in early childhood, so our classrooms are set up to be places where children make choices and engage in hands-on learning while our teachers enrich and extend their endeavors. Teachers reflect regularly to plan experiences that are geared toward the children’s needs, abilities and interests.

Temple Israel’s ECC is a NAEYC accredited, Reggio-inspired, diverse Jewish preschool where children and families build Jewish identity, culture, and values.

We are proud to have a 4-star Parent-Aware rating—the highest rating possible.

To learn more, contact ECC Director, Sharon Rosenberg-Scholl, at 612-374-0374 or sharon@templeisrael.com.

Prospective Parents

How to Apply

Curriculum Summary
Our curriculum includes four main components: Everyday Structure, Judaism, Anti-Bias Education, and Reggio Emilia-Inspired Education.

Current Program Information

Variance Explanation
Our license is for children ages 16 months to pre-kindergarten; however, we can apply for a variance which allows us to provide care outside of that age range for an individual child.

Financial Assistance Options

Apply for an Early Learning Scholarship
Our families who qualify can apply.

Immunization Statement
Temple Israel requires learners to be up to date on immunizations, except in rare cases of medical exemption. Families are required to provide documentation each year that their child is immunized according to the Minnesota Department of Health Immunization Schedule and up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations to the greatest extent currently possible.

Help Us Spread the Word:
Early Childhood Summer Camp Openings at Temple Israel

Dear Temple Israel Members,

We are delighted to be gearing up for another joyful summer of connection and community at Camp Haverim, the ECC’s summer camp. We currently have a few camp spaces still available and would be so grateful if you would share this email with families who may be looking for a meaningful summer experience for their children.

Our summer camp offers a welcoming, inclusive, and engaging environment rooted in community and connection for children ages 16 months through those entering Pre‑K. Some of the activities children can look forward to include:

  • Water play on our nature playground

  • Celebrating Shabbat together

  • Weekly music class with Shana Banana

Click here to learn more about Camp Haverim!

Thank you for being part of our Temple Israel community and for helping us connect with new families. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Quick links for current families

2025-2026 ECC Family Calendar‍ ‍2025-2026 Family Handbook‍ ‍Weather Closing Policy ‍ Outside Play Policies

 For more information

If you would like more information about our ECC, please contact Sharon Rosenberg-Scholl.

Sharon Rosenberg-Scholl
Early Childhood Center Director

Call Sharon
Call Sharon