ENROLLMENT

Shalom from the ECP Senior Director!

Welcome to the Zeifman Family Early Childhood Program (ECP). The ECP is a warm, friendly school where infants through PreK aged children receive an exciting, creative, and nurturing foundation to grow intellectually, socially and spiritually. We offer excellent teacher-to-student ratios, a professional and caring staff of early childhood teachers and a wonderful facility that offers a wide variety of indoor and outdoor spaces for children to enjoy and explore.

The ECP sees each child as a unique and precious gift entrusted into our care. Children are provided with many experiences to inspire them to learn about the world around them. Our skilled teachers know when to actively supervise and when to inconspicuously watch and provide warm guidance as they lovingly encourage the children to broaden their horizons. Emphasis is placed on encouraging each child’s innate inquisitiveness and thirst for knowledge.

We believe each child learns best in an environment that is rich with hands-on experiences. Children are encouraged to use their senses to explore, experiment and use their imagination to the fullest. Each day ECP children become builders, chefs, scientists, dancers, musicians, artists and friends. We emphasize fun and meaningful Judaic experiences, where children celebrate Jewish holidays, honor Shabbat, and learn good human values as they participate in performing good deeds and community projects.

Preschool is a time for children and their families to strengthen their connection to others and build community. In partnering with our families, our goal is to provide ECP children with a strong academic and social foundation that encourages a life-long love of learning and to help children and their families form friendships that last a lifetime.

We are delighted that you are part of our Shalom Austin ECP family. We look forward to working together and watching your children blossom.

L’Shalom (in peace),

Dana Baruch

JOIN OUR WAITING LIST

The ECP is known for its excellence – classes typically fill up fast!

Waitlist Guide

To join our waitlist for the 2024-2025 academic school year, please read through our 2024-2025 Waitlist Guide:

Waitlist Guide

Waiting List Prioritization

The waiting list is prioritized by date received and as follows:

Children of Shalom Austin employees
Siblings of currently enrolled students or graduated students who have maintained their Dell JCC membership
Children from Jewish families who are either ECP Affiliates or Dell JCC members
Children from non-Jewish families who are ECP Affiliates or Dell JCC members

JOIN THE DELL JCC

The Zeifman Family Early Childhood Program is part of the Dell Jewish Community Center.
All families must have a Dell JCC Family Membership to enroll.

Membership Options

Dell JCC Family Membership

Many people choose to start their Dell JCC Family Membership while they are on the ECP Waiting List to give their children priority and to enjoy our many amenities and member discounts while they wait for a spot to open.

Learn More Here!

ECP Affiliate Membership

The ECP Affiliate Membership also gives your children priority but does not grant you access to the Sports & Fitness complex at the Dell JCC. ECP Affiliate families are welcome at ECP-sponsored events while they are on the waiting list. Once your family is officially offered a spot in the ECP, you MUST immediately become Dell JCC Family Members.

To sign up for an ECP Affiliate Membership, email Valerie Sar Shalom at valerie.sharshalom@shalomaustin.org.

TUITION & BILLING INFORMATION

The school year at the Zeifman Family Early Childhood Program is now year-round for infants through rising Pre-K children.
Holiday Packages may be purchased separately.

ECP Billing

Tuition is calculated automatically during the online registration process and will be divided into the appropriate number of payments based upon parental choice. Many parents choose a 12-month payment plan that begins on August 1st of each calendar year; however, parents may also choose to pay the annual tuition in one payment at the time of registration or on August 1st of each calendar year. The infant through 3s group is a 12 month-month program, while the Pre-K group is a 10-month program.

For questions or information regarding billing, please contact Janet Schreffler at (512) 735-8062 or janet.schreffler@shalomaustin.org. For tuition questions, please contact the ECP Front Office at (512) 735-8100.

Dell JCC Membership Billing

All ECP families must have a Family Membership or Single Parent Family Membership to attend the ECP. When graduating or if you must leave the ECP and cancel your membership for any reason, please note that you must give a 60-day notice to the Membership Department at membership@shalomaustin.org prior to the next billing date.

Per our Membership policies, your Family Membership or Single-Parent Family Membership will be automatically dropped for non-payment if payment lapses for more than 60 days, which means your child will also lose their spot at the ECP.

For more billing information, please feel free to contact the Assistant Membership Director Miriam Mosher at (512) 735-8026 or miriam.mosher@shalomaustin.org.