Giving our children the ‘right start’

Parenting during a pandemic is not for the faint of heart. There are the ups: the extra time for snuggles and family bonding. And the downs: heightened anxieties around keeping your kids safe while trying to fill those long days trapped at home.

And yet, we’ve all somehow muddled our way through the past 18-plus months. For my family, our Jewish preschool has been a savior–making the craziest time of our lives feel pretty normal for my young kids.

Even through their masks, our children are engaging with friends, celebrating Shabbat, learning about Jewish traditions, and getting the chance to just be kids–and I’m beyond grateful for that.

Did you know that there are 36 Jewish early childhood centers throughout Chicagoland? And while they all provide unique experiences in terms of location, hours, and programming, each school helps build a strong academic foundation while nurturing to your family’s values.

JUF Right Start, the first program of its kind, was created to increase awareness and access to Jewish early childhood programs for Chicago-area families by providing a tuition discount to eligible children attending a Jewish program for the first time.

Recognizing that families may be struggling financially going into the 2022-23 school year, JUF Right start is expanding: Families receiving the full Federal Child Tax Credit may be eligible for matching funds, with a savings of up to $7,200 on a Jewish early childhood program.

The Child Tax Credit has been expanded to $3,600 per child under 6 for working families who earn up to $150,000 for a couple or $112,500 for a family with a single parent. JUF Right Start eligible families who qualify for the full Child Tax Credit and complete an attestation in the JUF Right Start application may receive additional funds of up to $3,600.

Families who do not qualify for the Child Tax Credit may still qualify to receive a JUF Right Start voucher of up to $2,000.

“JUF supports the Jewish family,” said Steven B. Nasatir, JUF executive vice chairman and longtime champion of Jewish early childhood education. “This is the largest program of its sort in the country. We recognize that some families may need additional financial assistance right now, and we want to help make these wonderful programs more affordable and accessible.

“We know that when families choose Jewish preschool, the experience will be the foundation that leads to other Jewish involvement,” he said.

That’s certainly been the case back at the Bregman home, where my kids look forward to Friday nights: after we light the Shabbat candles together, they get to dig into a slice of fresh chocolate chip challah baked by Daddy-his new pandemic hobby turned tradition.

And during these crazy times, that sort of ritual is so important and meaningful.

Not sure where to start? The Preschool Concierge makes the process of learning about Jewish early childhood programs in Chicagoland easy and convenient. Simply call 312-357-4967 or email [email protected] and expect to hear back within 24 hours during normal business hours (9:00am-4:00pm Monday through Friday, except legal and Jewish holidays).

To learn more about how your family can save on Jewish preschool visit ChicagoJewishPreschoolFinder.org or contact [email protected] .

Stefanie Pervos Bregman is the Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communications for JUF.