Introducing the New Ruben & Susy Halfen Academy
A New Era of Early Childhood at the MARJCC

Introducing the New Ruben & Susy Halfen Academy
A New Era of Early Childhood at the MARJCC

Start Their Journey At The Ruben and Susy Halfen Academy

The Ruben and Susy Halfen Academy integrates the child-centered, play-based Reggio Emilia Approach with the Sheva Lenses Framework, creating a dynamic learning environment that fosters curiosity, critical thinking, Jewish values, and a deep sense of community.

ABOUT US

Jewish
Values

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Jewish values are at the core of who we are. We nurture children to live and breathe a proud Jewish life filled with meaningful experiences through the many lenses of Judaism, all while fostering a deep love for Israel.

Play
Based

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We believe that learning leads to play, and play leads to learning. Through hands-on exploration and joyful discovery, children naturally develop essential skills and knowledge, making every moment an opportunity for growth in a fun, engaging environment.

Child
Centered

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We believe each child is an active participant in their own learning journey. Through careful observation and thoughtful interaction, we identify what sparks your child's curiosity and passion, using these interests as a foundation for personalized learning. This approach empowers children to explore, question, connect, problem-solve, communicate, and reflect, creating a dynamic and meaningful educational experience that nurtures their natural curiosity and fosters deeper understanding.

Warm & Loving
Environment

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We create a warm and loving environment where every child feels safe, comfortable, and valued. By fostering strong, supportive relationships between children and teachers, we ensure that each child feels secure and loved, allowing them to learn, grow, and express themselves freely in a nurturing community.

Jewish
Values

Learn More

Jewish values are at the core of who we are. We nurture children to live and breathe a proud Jewish life filled with meaningful experiences through the many lenses of Judaism, all while fostering a deep love for Israel.

Play
Based

Learn More

We believe that learning leads to play, and play leads to learning. Through hands-on exploration and joyful discovery, children naturally develop essential skills and knowledge, making every moment an opportunity for growth in a fun, engaging environment.

Child
Centered

Learn More

We believe each child is an active participant in their own learning journey. Through careful observation and thoughtful interaction, we identify what sparks your child's curiosity and passion, using these interests as a foundation for personalized learning. This approach empowers children to explore, question, connect, problem-solve, communicate, and reflect, creating a dynamic and meaningful educational experience that nurtures their natural curiosity and fosters deeper understanding.

Warm & Loving
Environment

Learn More

We create a warm and loving environment where every child feels safe, comfortable, and valued. By fostering strong, supportive relationships between children and teachers, we ensure that each child feels secure and loved, allowing them to learn, grow, and express themselves freely in a nurturing community.

AGES

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2-12 months
Infant
Loving care and early stimulation in a safe and warm environment.
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1-2 years
Toddlers
Safe exploration and development of basic motor skills.
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2-3 years
Pre-K2
Introduction to structured learning through play.
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3-4 years
Pre-K3
Development of fundamental academic and social skills.
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4-5 years
Pre-K4 (VPK)
Comprehensive preparation for kindergarten.
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5-6 years
Kindergarten
Complete kindergarten program with certification.

Ruben and Susy Halfen academy Children Life

School Hours

Monday to Friday:
8:00 AM – 3:15 PM

Co-Curricular Activities

Pre-K 3 - Kindergarten:

  • Swimming
  • Judaica
  • Music
  • Gymnastics
  • Physical Education (PE)
  • Rikudim

Infants - Pre-K 2:

  • Music
  • Movement
  • Physical Education (PE)
After-Care Hours

Monday - Thursday:
3:15 PM - 5:30 PM

Friday:
3:15 PM - 5:00 PM

After-School Enrichments

SCIENCE-

Day: Thursday 3:15 pm-3:55 pm

Ages: 2-5 years old

Register For Preschool Enrichments

Ruben and Susy Halfen Academy Parents Hub

Lunch

We believe that mealtime is an important part of the learning experience, which is why we offer a healthy, nourishing school lunch program. Our meals are designed to be both nutritious and delicious, with options that cater to a variety of dietary needs and preferences.

Lunch Menu Sample

Parent Handbook

The Ruben and Susy Halfen ECA Parent Handbook provides essential information about our policies, programs, and daily operations, ensuring a smooth and informed experience for both parents and children.

For the Parent Handbook Click Here

Calendar

We understand the needs of working parents and strive to offer flexibility and support throughout the year. Our preschool is open 173 days annually, providing a consistent and reliable schedule for families. In addition, we offer mini-camps during school breaks and early release on the eve of Jewish holidays (chag eve).

For the ECA Calendar Click Here

Curriculum & Milestones

Cognitive
Development

Encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity through project-based learning connected to Jewish culture.

Physical
Development

Builds confidence, strength, and coordination through physical activities enriched by meaningful Jewish traditions.

Socio-Emotional
Development

Fosters empathy, cooperation, and resilience in an inclusive environment guided by Jewish values of kindness and respect.

Jewish
Values

Instills love for Judaism through traditions, celebrations, and hands-on experiences connecting children to their heritage.

Love For
Israel

Cultivates pride in Israel through immersive cultural, linguistic, and artistic experiences that deepen the bond with the land.

Co-Curricular
Activities

Enriches education with diverse programs in sports, arts, and Judaic studies, fostering creativity, growth, and Jewish culture.

Cognitive Development

Encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity through project-based learning connected to Jewish culture.

Physical Development

Builds confidence, strength, and coordination through physical activities enriched by meaningful Jewish traditions.

Socio-Emotional
Development

Fosters empathy, cooperation, and resilience in an inclusive environment guided by Jewish values of kindness and respect.

Jewish
Values

Instills love for Judaism through traditions, celebrations, and hands-on experiences connecting children to their heritage.

Love For
Israel

Cultivates pride in Israel through immersive cultural, linguistic, and artistic experiences that deepen the bond with the land.

Co-Curricular
Activities

Enriches education with diverse programs in sports, arts, and Judaic studies, fostering creativity, growth, and Jewish culture.

Reporting

Reporting Child Abuse, Abandonment Or Neglect

All employees and agents have an affirmative duty to report all actual or suspected cases of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect. Call 1-800-96-ABUSE or report online at: http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/abuse/report/.

Signs of Physical Abuse The child may have unexplained bruises, welts, cuts, or other injuries; broken bones; or burns. A child experiencing physical abuse may seem withdrawn or depressed, seem afraid to go home or may run away, shy away from physical contact, be aggressive, or wear inappropriate clothing to hide injuries.

Signs of Sexual Abuse The child may have torn, stained or bloody underwear, trouble walking or sitting, pain or itching in genital area, or a sexually transmitted disease. A child experiencing sexual abuse may have unusual knowledge of sex or act seductively, fear a particular person, seem withdrawn or depressed, gain or lose weight suddenly, shy away from physical contact, or run away from home.

Signs of Neglect The child may have unattended medical needs, little or no supervision at home, poor hygiene, or appear underweight. A child experiencing neglect may be frequently tired or hungry, steal food, or appear overly needy for adult attention.

Patterns of Abuse: Serious abuse usually involves a combination of factors. While a single sign may not be significant, a pattern of physical or behavioral signs is a serious indicator and should be reported.

Liability Protections: Any person, official, or institution participating in good faith in any act authorized or required by law, or reporting in good faith any instance of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect to the department or any law enforcement agency, shall be immune from any civil or criminal liability which might otherwise result by reason of such action. (F.S. 39.203)

An employer who discloses information about a former or current employee to a prospective employer of the former or current employee upon request of the prospective employer or of the former or current employee is immune from civil liability for such disclosure or its consequences unless it is shown by clear and convincing evidence that the information disclosed by the former or current employer was knowingly false or violated any civil right of the former or current employee protected under F.S. Chapter 760. (F.S. 768.095)

Reporting Misconduct By Instructional Personnel And Administrators

All instructional personnel, educational support employees, and school administrators have an obligation to report misconduct by instructional personnel, educational support employees, and school administrators which affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student. Examples of misconduct include obscene language, drug and alcohol use, disparaging comments, prejudice or bigotry, sexual innuendo, cheating or testing violations, physical aggression, and accepting or offering favors. Reports of misconduct of employees should be made to Romina Naparstek, Early Childhood Academy Director, at [email protected]. Reports of misconduct committed by administrators should be made to Michelle Moyano, Human Resources Director, at [email protected].

Signs of Physical Abuse The child may have unexplained bruises, welts, cuts, or other injuries; broken bones; or burns. A child experiencing physical abuse may seem withdrawn or depressed, seem afraid to go home or may run away, shy away from physical contact, be aggressive, or wear inappropriate clothing to hide injuries.

Signs of Sexual Abuse The child may have torn, stained or bloody underwear, trouble walking or sitting, pain or itching in genital area, or a sexually transmitted disease. A child experiencing sexual abuse may have unusual knowledge of sex or act seductively, fear a particular person, seem withdrawn or depressed, gain or lose weight suddenly, shy away from physical contact, or run away from home.

Signs of Neglect The child may have unattended medical needs, little or no supervision at home, poor hygiene, or appear underweight. A child experiencing neglect may be frequently tired or hungry, steal food, or appear overly needy for adult attention.

Patterns of Abuse: Serious abuse usually involves a combination of factors. While a single sign may not be significant, a pattern of physical or behavioral signs is a serious indicator and should be reported.

Liability Protections: Any person, official, or institution participating in good faith in any act authorized or required by law, or reporting in good faith any instance of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect to the department or any law enforcement agency, shall be immune from any civil or criminal liability which might otherwise result by reason of such action. (F.S. 39.203)

An employer who discloses information about a former or current employee to a prospective employer of the former or current employee upon request of the prospective employer or of the former or current employee is immune from civil liability for such disclosure or its consequences unless it is shown by clear and convincing evidence that the information disclosed by the former or current employer was knowingly false or violated any civil right of the former or current employee protected under F.S. Chapter 760. (F.S. 768.095)

Contact Us

We would want to remind everyone that each of us must adhere to the established protocols to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19.  We love seeing you at the J, but please stay home and monitor symptoms for 14 days:

  • if you are experiencing any symptoms related to COVID-19, or
  • if you have come into direct contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19, or
  • if anyone in your household is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or
  • if anyone in your household has come into direct contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19

Thank you in advance for your support.