Encapsulating what the Stoler Early Learning Center means to Us

By Yael & Sam, current ELC parents

In 2022, our family was in a tough position when it came to childcare. Our second child, our only boy, has always been very charismatic, goofy, and smart; however, he was struggling socially, behaviorally, and was not being challenged in his daycare. As a result, he was frustrated and that frustration trickled down to impact our family life. I knew he needed a change. We as a family needed support.

I had heard about the JCC ELC through close family friends, and they encouraged me to reach out to Dani Frye, ELC Director. After a long conversation with Dani and touring the preschool, we were sold! The environment at ELC was unlike anything else the community had to offer. It is worth the 20-minute drive from Pikesville!

My son started at ELC with the famous Miss Alex in the 2-year-old program. I will never forget how Miss Alex changed my son’s life and the life of our entire family. Miss Alex showered our son with love and warmth. She built up his self-confidence, taught him on his level, and challenged him. Our experience that year was not without challenges. Not everything was “rainbows and unicorns” (as my sister always says). However, the teachers and administrators worked with us and taught our son to thrive.

My son stayed at the JCC until he graduated preschool and if they would have had a kindergarten class the following year, we would have continued! When it came time to look for schools, the ELC staff aided us in choosing an appropriate school for kindergarten.

Our ELC family is “home” for our son and truthfully, our entire family. Every teacher, nurse, administrator, and security guard know my son by name. He frequently sees his former teachers and runs over to them for a hug. Watching your child feel like a “celebrity” walking down the halls of school is a parent’s dream. I vividly remember my son crying the evening after his preschool graduation because he can’t imagine school without Miss Pam and Miss Serena. I believe this feeling was mutual with many staff members at the ELC towards my son!

In 2024, when I was pregnant with my third child, the ELC worked with my son and several of “soon to be big siblings” with the difficult transition into their new roles as big brothers and sisters. After my daughter was born, I knew that I could turn back to our ELC family. The Infant and Toddler program made the transition back to work seamless. I can go on and on about Yehudit, Chana, Nikki, Miss Jackie, and Diamond. They have and continue to shower our miracle baby girl with so much love. She now runs into their arms on a daily basis.

When it came time to choose a camp for my son, I knew that heading back to the JCC was the best move. This summer, they have been working with my son and our family to provide him with an amazing camp experience. When any challenges arose at J Camps, I turned to the staff at ELC for support. Dani herself took time to help my son. Going above and beyond for all the children in the preschool, no matter if they are current or former students, is unparalleled.

I will never be able to thank the teachers and administrators at the ELC for all support they have provided. They have and continue to give back to our family in more ways than one. The love and warmth you feel walking the halls of ELC are palpable. Thank you JCC ELC family! We love you all!