We had exciting and successful programs in 2009-2010 led by our talented facilitator, Amy Brier.

Program highlights include:

• 12 programs, including 3 High Holidays services
• High Holiday programs were well attended: 15 families on Rosh Hashanah Day 1; 10 families on Rosh Hashanah Day 2; 12 families on Yom Kippur. An average of 5 families attended the remainder of our programs.
•  Friday evening programs were followed by a meal to allow families to celebrate Shabbat together.
•  There were several programs during which the children learned about Jewish holidays and traditions through hands-on activities, including making challah, making groggers, and decorating Afikomen bags.

Based on feedback from parents and our observations, we believe the program is successful and should continue with the following recommendations:

• Friday evening and Sunday morning programs worked well for most of the families so we should continue to schedule programs for those days and times.
• Parents have enjoyed sharing a meal with the other families following the Friday evening programs so we will continue to offer meals after our Friday night programs.
• Parents want this connection to TBE and other Jewish families with young children. While they view the Kol Yeladim program as a positive experience, some families are feeling somewhat isolated from the rest of the congregation. We would like to pursue ways to integrate families with young children into regular services and other programs at the Temple.

The Early Childhood Committe includes Kim Shur (chair), Helen Blatt, and Jeffrey Schwartz, with special thanks to Amy Brier and Dov Goldberg.  If you would like to be involved in the work of this Committee, please contact Kim.