New Leadership Comes to Our Maryland ECC

Hello, I am Louise Van Schaack, the new Director of the Rabbi Joseph Weinberg Early Childhood Center (RJW ECC). I am honored and excited to begin this new chapter in my career, and already am proud of the deep commitment that WHC has for education throughout each person’s life.

I began my career in elementary education and have over twenty-five years of education experience. Most recently, I taught four- and five-year-olds at the American University Child Development Center. Prior to that I served as the Director of Early Childhood Engagement at Temple Emanuel in Greensboro, North Carolina. My transition from N.C. to D.C. followed my daughter’s acceptance into American University. Family is very important to me and connecting with the families in the ECC and throughout WHC is a priority.

Early childhood is a time where foundational connections are made. Some of them are lifelong. Helping imbue children with a love for learning early in life is a huge part of why I chose the field of education. It is magical to observe children gaining new skills and developing new interests. Their connections to the world around them are inspiring, and partnering with families during this critical time is so meaningful.

While studying at the University of Vermont, I discovered the Reggio Emilia approach, which is founded on the belief that children are competent and capable.  Teachers are co-learners in a Reggio Emilia setting. Children are encouraged to construct knowledge and develop skills through exploration and collaboration with grown-ups.

Through this system, coupled with Jewish values and other research-based approaches to education, children gain a love of learning that sets a foundation for the rest of their lives. Reasoning is taught through sharing; trusted adults wondering along with children leads to logic. Giving children time to explore provocations for sustained periods of time develops their attention spans, leading to successful focus and other invaluable life skills. By encouraging children to be curious about the world around them, they are prepared to enter kindergarten with the tools needed to succeed and thrive.

I love the idea that adults can learn from children and with children.  Empowering children to make decisions leads to confidence and builds self-esteem. Self-esteem develops when children feel secure. In a safe environment children are not afraid to make mistakes (a crucial life skill regardless of one’s age!). This is where they learn to ask questions, share their feelings, and grow. Creating this environment starts with connecting with families.

Connection, to me, is rooted in the appreciation that each family is unique. Equally (if not more importantly) — I believe deeply that each child is created in the image of God, and is unique.  Each child has different learning abilities and reaches milestones in their own time.

Celebrating individuality is another wonderful part of working with young children.  As children enter more formal learning environments, their individualism often turns into normality, which is more encouraged in academic settings.

An early childhood center is the perfect place for each child to express their individuality in whatever way makes them feel special, holy, and whole! I welcome the children who feel the need to wear costumes on a regular basis. I know there are days when I would love to wear my pajamas out into the world. Experiences that children have early in life play a crucial role in development. Teaching children empathy, problem solving, and effective communication impact their development. Growing these skills are the most important part of early childhood education. Once a solid foundation is built, all the other learning happens more easily and more joyfully.

In addition to connecting to families, learning about family traditions and sharing them is another wonderful part of working in the early childhood world. Sharing joy and celebrating growth is a meaningful component to my experience as the director of an ECC.

I hope as the director of the RJW ECC, we can grow the school to become a top choice for Jewish early childhood education. I am confident the nurturing environment that already exists within Washington Hebrew Congregation will easily guide this goal. I look forward to connecting with families within the ECC and beyond.

There’s still time to register your child for the 2024-25 school year at one of our ECCs!

Visit whctemple.org/ecc for more information or to schedule a tour.

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