The J Expands Full Time Childcare Offerings at B’nai Jehudah Child Development Center

The Child Development Center (CDC) at The J and The Temple, Congregation B'nai Jehudah announced the expansion of its early childhood services with the addition of full-time care for children ages 3 months to 2 years old, beginning in August 2025.

This expansion will allow the center to offer full-time options from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., accommodating more families in the community.

Currently, B’nai Jehudah Child Development Center offers part-time classrooms for children ages 1 to 5 and recently introduced full-time infant rooms. This upcoming expansion to full-time care for infants and toddlers will allow more families to take advantage of The J’s renowned programs, helping to meet the growing demand for early childhood education and care in the area.

“We are so excited to be able to offer members of the community access to a high-quality early childhood environment,” said Machaela Whelan, Director, Child Development Center at The J. “The partnership with B’nai Jehudah has allowed us to offer more families the opportunity to experience our wonderful, Jewish preschool and we look forward to many more opportunities in the future.”

This new offering will also create additional capacity for younger children, helping to support the transition to older classrooms within The J, providing a seamless educational journey for children from infancy through early childhood.

“With immense joy and gratitude, we announce the exciting transformation of our preschool into a full-time program,” said Rabbi Stephanie Kramer, senior rabbi at The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah. “This marks a new chapter in our community’s growth, one that reflects our shared dedication to nurturing the next generation with the values, wisdom, and love of our Jewish tradition. As we embark on this journey, we are filled with excitement for the endless possibilities ahead and the success that lies in building a strong foundation for our children. May this new step be a blessing for all, as we continue to grow together as a vibrant and thriving community.”

Both programs offer a nurturing environment where children grow, learn, and thrive while engaging with Jewish traditions and values. With the expansion of full-time care for infants and toddlers, The J's CDC is poised to provide even more families with access to high-quality, comprehensive early childhood services.

The CDC programs offer a high-quality early childhood education program for children ages 3 months to 5 years. Rooted in Jewish traditions and values, the CDC provides a nurturing, supportive environment where children can grow, learn, and develop essential life skills. With an emphasis on both academic and emotional growth, The J’s CDC fosters a community of caring, self-confident, and compassionate children.

The partnership between The J and B’nai Jehudah began in August 2017 with the shared objective of providing outstanding early learning opportunities for children through pre-kindergarten. The CDC’s play-based learning environment welcomes all children to learn, play and grow at an individualized pace in a warm, loving environment rooted in Jewish values and traditions.  

Those interested in joining the waitlist for full-time infant care at B’nai Jehudah can contact Machaela Whelan directly at [email protected]. or 913-327-8051. More information about both the CDC at The J and B’nai Jehudah CDC can be found online at www.thejkc.org.