History of the Beverly Levy Early Learning Center

The original program opened in February of 1982 with a total of 5 children, ages three to five years old. The staff consisted of a director, a head teacher and a secretary; the director and head teacher assumed the teaching responsibilities in the classroom. The program was housed in one open classroom space in the Shepard Glen School in Hamden. Enrollment quickly grew over the following years. The classroom space was subdivided into several smaller areas to accommodate different age groups and their developmentally appropriate programming. Concurrently, staff was expanded to meet and exceed state requirements.

It became apparent that we needed quality infant/toddler care. In February 1984, the program opened its doors to house an infant/toddler center located within the Arden House in Hamden. Enrollment quickly reached a capacity of 20 children, ages 3 months to 2 years old. Both centers enjoyed a steady rate of growth in the ensuing years. More space was needed to maintain a quality childcare program, so we began a search to find a site where both programs could be housed under one roof. In February 1988, we moved into a facility on Sherman Avenue in Hamden, where the enrollment grew to approximately 100 children, ages 3 months to 5 years old. On December 6, 1993, after years of expectation, the Learning Center moved into the new JCC on Amity Road in Woodbridge, where we could offer a full range of early childhood programming and services.

On March 18, 2018, the former Yeladim Early Learning Center of the Jewish Community Center of Greater New Haven was renamed to honor the memory of Beverly Levy, a long time area resident and advocate for all children and the Jewish community. She maintained “You want to invest in your children. They are our future.” Beverly Levy was passionate about creating a generation to lead us into the future. The Beverly Levy Early Learning Center is committed to helping children learn kindness and respect for others.