Providing for the next generation
The Solomike Early Childhood Center (SECC) is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to invest in the next generation and create a more prosperous and sustainable future for our youngest people and our community as a whole. Each of us is aware of the critical need for quality early educational resources and dependable childcare in the Bellevue area. As a Jewish educational space, the SECC will shape children's sense of identity and strengthen communal bonds, both within and beyond our Temple community.
In May 2023, our congregation unanimously approved this important project, committing to the long-term vision for early childhood education at TBT originally initiated by the Negrin Family. Having successfully reached our fundraising goal of $1,500,000, we are now able to turn this vision into a reality!
Upcoming Community Meeting for our Neighbors
We are committed to keeping all lines of communication open as we construct and operate our new Center. In this spirit, we invite our neighbors to join us for a virtual community meeting on Tuesday, April 30 from 5:00 - 6:00pm. This event is intended to share information with the surrounding community about our Early Childhood Center project and upcoming construction, as well as answer any questions you may have.
Please click here to register for the meeting and receive Zoom access.
We've reached our goal!
We are thrilled to share the news that we have reached our fundraising goal of $1,500,000!
Our profound gratitude for the tremendous generosity and support from our community; it is because of you that we have reached this incredible milestone. Together, we are forging a legacy of education and community for Temple B’nai Torah that will resonate for generations to come.
We eagerly anticipate the journey ahead as we embark on the next phase of this project—building the SECC on our Bellevue campus! Check back here for updates as the project moves forward.
If you have not pledged yet, it is not too late to join your fellow congregants in making this vision a reality.
This Center is a strategic step forward for TBT. It will:
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Provide a high-quality Jewish preschool
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Provide local families with early childhood education
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Serve as a gateway to the TBT community and add member families
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Support parents in establishing a Jewish parenting style
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Generate revenue to support TBT’s future
About the Center
- A 5,000 square foot building with 5 classrooms, offices, and kitchen to be constructed on the existing Temple site
- Serving 82 children, ranging from 6 weeks to 5 years
- Operating 5 days a week, 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
- State funding includes a facility’s grant of $1,000,000 and the State’s Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) program, which helps eligible families pay for child care
- Half of the slots will be for lower-income families through the State’s WCCC program
Our Vision
- Dependable childcare is a vital component of the growing economy in the Bellevue area, and early childhood education gives our children a head start on their future success
- Our program will be based on the Reggio Emilia Approach, which focuses on a child's natural development with both child-centered and directed learning
- While the Center will provide Jewish-focused content, our goal is to create a safe environment that instills an appreciation of every faith, race, gender, and culture, and nurtures a love of learning, creativity, sharing, and diversity
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Our deepest gratitude to the Negrin Family for driving the vision for Jewish early education at TBT.
And thank you to those who have pledged - for your belief in this vision and project, and for the actions you’ve taken to help us achieve it. Our success is because of you, and we’re so excited for what lies ahead!
Have questions? You can call us at 425-603-9677 or send an email to seccgiving@templebnaitorah.org.
