Ethical Start preschoolers take advantage of the varied multi-media enhancement program for some hands-on development. What do you get when you combine cutting edge technology and the latest developments in early childhood education with time-honored Jewish values?

An Ethical Start featuring "Peer K. Explorer," JCC Association's multi-media curriculum, staff training and community enhancement program.

The Milton and Betty Katz Jewish Community Center in Margate is proud to be one of just a few early childhood centers in the country implementing An Ethical Start. The program teaches social skills that are so important in early childhood education. Values such as responsibility, dignity, kindness, community and respect are explored through teachable moments, and a vocabulary is shared between parents and teachers for raising young children with an understanding of these values. Using the An Ethical Start curriculum, enables children to make exciting discoveries about themselves and about each other.

An Ethical Start has already made a difference to children and families in communities across North America. Lisa Mandel, a parent at the Shaw JCC in Akron, Ohio, says, "It's such an important job as a parent to teach your child the values that stay with them forever and help them make correct decisions for their entire lives. And An Ethical Start helps with that by providing catch phrases and buzz words that parents can learn to use and children can understand."

The An Ethical Start curriculum has as its focus the classic Jewish text Pirke Avot, the Ethics of The Fathers and its maxims translate into direct practical advice for daily living. Just as Pirke Avot, is the traditional guide to Jewish ethics, the lovable character Peer K. Explorer will be the children's guide into a world of Jewish learning that is authentic, engaging, and challenging.

Through the study of the Jewish text Pirke Avot, a community forms, and children, teachers, and parents begin to experience the wisdom an ancient text can offer for every day life. The learning is supplemented by a CD of original songs based on the teachings, six beautifully illustrated children's books, and a wonderful doll along with extensive teacher training and professional development.

The JCC has extended an invitation to the community to experience the program at its state-of-the-art preschool and early childhood center conveniently located in Margate. Call or stop by for a tour. Contact Elyse Smith, Early Childhood Director, Milton and Betty Katz Jewish Community Center Wachovia Early Childhood Program, 822-1167 ext. 130, esmith@jccatlantic.org.