Admissions

Welcome prospective families! We look forward to getting to know you and introducing you to all that the ECLC has to offer to your child and your family. Please don’t hesitate to be in touch if you have any questions along the way. We know that this can be a stressful process and we want to make it as easy as possible for you.

Please note that:

Our application for admissions for the 2025-2026 school year will become available in August.
Children must be 2 years (or older) on or before August 31, 2025, to be eligible to apply.

More detailed information about our process is available below.

Our Application Process

Application

Once the application for admission becomes available, completed applications must be submitted no later than Friday, November 22, 2024.

Tours

Come visit our beautiful classrooms and playgrounds! You’ll meet with our Director, as well as a Parent Ambassador, who will give you an inside look into the workings of the ECLC and will walk you through how we think about teaching and learning to give you a better sense of what you and your child might experience here. Tours last approximately 90 minutes and take place in-person in the fall.

Parent Meeting

Once your application has been submitted, we will invite you to join (over zoom) with a member of our admissions team. This is an opportunity for us to get to know your child and your family better and for you to hear more details about the ECLC and about Temple Israel. These meetings last for 20-30 minutes and take place in January and February.

Notification

Letter of notification will be emailed to parents according to the dates specified by the Independent School Admissions Association of Greater New York (ISAAGNY). This year, admissions decisions will be communicated on February 27, 2025.

We understand that choosing an early childhood program is a big and complex decision and we want to make sure that you have ample opportunity to get to know all aspects of our incredible community. None of the events listed below are required for your application, but we invite you to take advantage of anything that might feel helpful in your process.

Tot Shabbat

Each month, Temple Israel hosts a Saturday morning Tot Shabbat for Families with Young Children. These are open to the public but are often anchored with our own ECLC families. Join Rabbi Peter Young and Sheldon Low, along with some of our early childhood professionals for some singing, some dancing and some schmoozing! You can find the calendar of Tot Shabbat events HERE.

Child Visits

We do not require a child visit as a part of your application process, but we know that it can sometimes be helpful for you to see your child in our spaces and interacting with ECLC teachers. We offer two Saturdays (one in January and one in February) where you can come and play with us! Play visits last approximately 30 minutes and will include open play, snack and story time.

Exmissions Panel

Led by ECLC current and former parents, join us on zoom to hear more about the kindergarten admissions process and how the ECLC supports families during that time.

Open School Night

By the end of the admissions cycle, you’ve seen lots of schools and heard lots of things. We invite you to come back and join us for a cocktail party in the classrooms, where you’ll be able to talk to teachers and parents to hear more about the curriculum in the classroom, ask questions particular to your child and family and to get one last look at the ECLC.

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance for families is available through the ECLC Scholarship Fund. Our Parents Association actively raises money for this as part of our commitment to ensure that finances are not a barrier to our school. Financial assistance awards are based on demonstrated need and the availability of funds.

Early Notification

The option of Early Decision Notification (ENP) is offered to sibling applicants, children of alumni and Temple Israel members who joined by September 2023. If families who meet one or more of these requirements elect Early Decision Notification, they will be notified of their admission decision on December 6, 2024. Please note that Early Decision Notification is never a guarantee of admission.