Temple Shalom is expanding its commitment to Jewish life and learning with the launch of a new early childhood center set to welcome its first children in fall 2026.

Designed for infants through preschool-aged children, the Temple Shalom Early Childhood Center reflects the congregation’s long-standing belief that Jewish community begins at the earliest stages of life — with young children and their families.

“This center is about much more than early education,” said Dr. Stephanie Hirsh, executive vice president of Temple Shalom’s board of trustees. “It is about creating a place where Jewish values are lived every day, where families feel supported and where children begin their Jewish journeys surrounded by warmth, curiosity and care.”

A values-driven vision for early learning

The Temple Shalom ECC is built on a play-based, relationship-centered educational philosophy that honors how young children learn best. Through exploration, creativity and meaningful daily routines, children will experience Jewish values such as kindness, gratitude, curiosity, responsibility and care for others in developmentally appropriate ways.

Rather than separating academic learning from social and emotional growth, the program is designed to support the whole child. Teachers will guide children through hands-on experiences that nurture language development, early problem-solving, creativity, collaboration and confidence.

Jewish life will be integrated into the rhythm of the school day. Children will celebrate holidays, experience Shabbat and encounter Jewish traditions through music, storytelling, food, art and community rituals that are joyful and accessible for young learners.

The goal is not only to introduce children to Jewish traditions but to create positive early experiences that build a lifelong sense of belonging in Jewish community.

Learning through nature and community

One of the distinctive elements of the Temple Shalom ECC is its setting. Located on the congregation’s 14-acre campus, the center will incorporate nature-based learning as a central part of the educational experience.

Outdoor spaces, gardens and open areas will become extensions of the classroom, encouraging children to explore, observe and engage with the natural world. Research shows that time outdoors supports creativity, emotional regulation, physical development and curiosity — all essential components of early childhood learning.

Equally important is the opportunity for young families to become part of the broader Temple Shalom community. From holiday celebrations to multigenerational programs, the ECC will serve as a natural entry point into Jewish communal life.

For many families, preschool becomes the first place where friendships are formed — both for children and for parents.

Small by design

Temple Shalom is intentionally launching the ECC with a limited enrollment of approximately 40 children in its first year. Beginning small allows the program to create a calm, nurturing environment while building strong relationships with each child and family.

Teachers will remain with their students for more than one year whenever possible, allowing children to build deeper bonds with their educators and move through early childhood with continuity and confidence.

As the center grows in future years, it will do so thoughtfully, maintaining the intimacy, care and educational quality that define its approach.

Experienced leadership

The Temple Shalom Early Childhood Center will be led by Emmaline Rosenthal, an experienced early childhood professional with a background in Jewish educational programming and community-building.

Emmaline previously directed JNurture, JCC Dallas’ early childhood family programming initiative, and served as director of Camp Simchah, a preschool-aged summer camp. She also played a key leadership role within the Goldberg Early Childhood Center as a pedagogista (pedagogical coordinator) and member of the administrative team, contributing to curriculum, intentional classroom environments, staff development and program operations.

Her work has focused on building meaningful Jewish experiences for young children and supporting families during the earliest stages of their parenting journeys.

Under her leadership, the ECC aims to be a place where children feel seen, supported and celebrated, and where families feel welcomed into a vibrant Jewish community.

Opening fall 2026

The Temple Shalom Early Childhood Center will open in August 2026 and is currently welcoming inquiries and registrations from interested families.

As Dallas continues to grow, Temple Shalom leaders see the ECC as an investment not only in education but in the long-term strength of Jewish communal life.

“Early childhood is where relationships begin,” Hirsh added. “When families find community during these early years, those connections often last for generations.”

For families seeking a values-driven Jewish early childhood experience rooted in community, nature and meaningful learning, the Temple Shalom ECC represents a new addition to the Dallas Jewish landscape.

To learn more or join the interest list, visit https://shalomecc.com

— Submitted by Hadar Greenberg.