Who We Are

Our History

Clergy

Staff

Leadership

Our Synagogue

News & Schmooze

Upcoming Events

Member Profiles

Request Information

How to become a TI member

M'Kom Torah - A Place of Torah

Photo Gallery

Early Childhood Center Names Veteran to Top Post.........posted Jan 2, 2007

A meet-and-greet event for parents of current as well as prospective pupils will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 17, at 6 p.m. at the center.

Pollak, a veteran early childhood educator, will begin her post on a full-time basis in June.

She brings several key components to the Broadman-Kaplan program, including more than 21 years of experience in early childhood education and Judaic education. For the last six years, Pollak has been the executive director of St. Alban's Early Childhood Center, a non-denominational, culturally and economically diverse program in Northeast Washington that has been accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Within the field of Jewish education, Pollak has been the full-day preschool director, as well as a pre-kindergarten teacher, at both the Rockville and District of Columbia Jewish Community Centers. She also has taught in several local Sunday schools.

"Rori brings a strong commitment to the field of early care and education as demonstrated in her passion for NAEYC and commitment to the future of young children. She has dedicated a great deal of time learning about the standards and criteria, which NAEYC has set forth," according to a statement prepared by the search committee co-chairs Jill Furman and Alyssa Schwartz.

Pollak received her bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland and has taken graduate courses in early childhood education from several universities. In addition, she has received two director's credentials in early childhood education -- one from the University of the District of Columbia Early Learning Institute and the second from the National Child Care Association.

"Throughout her career, Rori has developed creative, innovative early childhood learning programs. She has established environments that are nurturing and educational for children, parents and faculty. Her strong beliefs in open communication and quality education extends to all," according to Furman and Schwartz.

Though Pollak anticipates being on board full-time at the ECC by June 4, an earlier start date is possible. In the meantime, the new director will work closely with the ECC staff and parent committees. She will focus on curriculum development and programming for the upcoming year.

Pollak succeeds Aileen Friedman, who announced early in 2006 she planned to retire as director of the Broadman-Kaplan center at TI.

RSVPs would be appreciated by the Jan. 17 event. Please e-mail Elissa at elissa@schwartzcentral.com. Babysitting and light refreshments will be provided.