Temple Rodef Shalom Early Childhood Center (TRS ECC) is a vibrant, Reggio-inspired community school that celebrates each child as capable, curious, and full of potential. Through hands-on exploration, collaboration, and creative play, children learn to think independently, express themselves, and find joy in discovery.
We are a vibrant, fun-loving community of learners, leaders, and friends! TRS ECC is a Reggio-inspired community school practicing Reform Jewish values. While we are a Jewish school, we welcome families of all religious backgrounds.
Our students and families are active in our school and local community, practicing tzedakah (righteous giving) and performing mitzvot (good deeds). We maintain an excellent teacher-to-student ratio and offer music and STEAM classes weekly.
Our teachers are committed, kind, passionate, and knowledgeable. Many have been with us for 10+ years! All staff are certified in First Aid and CPR/AED.
TRS Early Childhood Center provides a joyful, nurturing environment where children build confidence, competence, and a lifelong love of learning. Through interactive and diverse play experiences, we support each child’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth.
We celebrate Reform Jewish traditions while embracing best practices in early childhood education. Our dedicated staff tailors learning to each child’s unique developmental needs, fostering curiosity, creativity, and a sense of belonging.
At TRS ECC, preschool children gain knowledge and experience by active participation and play. Our developmentally-appropriate curriculum and materials are planned carefully and thoughtfully to encourage children to use their senses in the exploration of the world around them.
Preschool children develop both fine and gross motor skills through hands-on activities, music, and movement. Fine motor skills are strengthened through drawing, painting, building, and manipulating objects. Our four outdoor play areas offer safe, age-appropriate spaces for gross motor activities and nature exploration. Two indoor play spaces provide opportunities for dramatic play, sensory experiences, and active learning with riding toys, tumbling mats, and building materials.
Being Reggio-inspired means our teaching approach is guided by the philosophy that children are capable, curious, and full of potential. Originating in Reggio Emilia, Italy, this educational model views children as active participants in their own learning rather than passive recipients of information.
Children learn by doing—experimenting, questioning, and discovering through play and real-world experiences.
Teachers and children work together as partners in learning, encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and communication.
The classroom environment is considered a “third teacher,” designed to inspire curiosity, independence, and connection.
Teachers observe closely to understand each child’s interests and developmental needs, then design activities that help them grow.
Teachers capture children’s learning through photos, art, and storytelling, helping them see their own progress and take pride in it.
M.S. MFCC (Marriage, Family and Child Counseling)
Rene joined Temple Rodef Shalom Early Childhood Center (formerly Temple Rodef Shalom Nursery School) in 2009 as an assistant teacher. In 2010 she became a lead teacher and was able to teach for all the age groups over many years. She has attended many Reggio Emilia conferences and attended classes expanding her knowledge in the Reggio Emilia Philosophy. In 2017 she became the ECC Director and traveled to Reggio Emilia, with 3 educators from TRS and 50 educators from the DMV, Boston, Pittsburgh, and Israel. In Italy she was able to study at the Malaguzzi Centre, a place to learn and discuss the nature of this educational culture. In 2020 our school expanded to include a Kindergarten curriculum, and Rene proposed to change the name of the school to Temple Rodef Shalom Early Childhood Center.
Rene observes each child through a lens of potential and growth with the belief that each child has a voice that can be articulated in different ways: through play, paint, drama, music, words, clay, and actions.
Rene grew up in Los Angeles, California where she received her Bachelor’s of Arts from UCLA and her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from Antioch University. Rene’s mission is for the children of the ECC to love school and her passion is to provide an enriching foundation for every child’s early childhood years.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Director of Programs and Partnerships at Family & Child Therapy
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Lucy has extensive experience supporting young children and families through child-centered, trauma-informed, and neurodivergent affirming care. She specializes in childhood social-emotional development and integrated school-based mental health and partners closely with caregivers and educators to understand children’s needs through a lens of curiosity, celebrate strengths, and explore affirming ways to support a child’s social-emotional needs and progress.
Through the partnership between Family & Child Therapy and TRS Early Childhood Center, Lucy provides consultation and recommendations to staff regarding children with emerging social-emotional needs and partners with families to provide recommendations regarding clinical strategies and services. This integrated, school-based partnership focuses on early intervention, increasing opportunities for success in the classroom, and ensuring families receive support and personalized recommendations when navigating challenges.
Occupational Therapy
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Becca is a pediatric occupational therapist with over 13 years of experience working with children and their families in schools and clinics. She has expertise in treating young children who have difficulty keeping up with their peers in play, regulating their bodies for different activities, and confidently building independence with daily routines. Becca cultivates connections with each child for a foundation of meaningful and successful work. She approaches her work from a neurodiversity-affirming lens and believes strongly in the beauty and joy that our diverse selves bring to world.
The preschool years are a time of rapidly developing independence and sense of self. At TRS ECC, Becca works in close partnership with teachers and families to identify areas of challenge and tools to support children in building their confidence and success in navigating their expanding world.
Speech and Language
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Anne Niez is a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist with over 10 years of experience. She has expertise in evaluating and treating young children with a variety of speech and language needs. Anne enjoys working as a team with parents and teachers to collaboratively support speech and language development. Tremendous communication growth occurs during the preschool years and early support can be transformative. At TRS ECC, speech and language therapy is provided within the natural school environment to support generalization of skills and create modeling opportunities for teachers. Anne provides feedback to teachers on how to facilitate communication throughout the day and is continuously in contact with parents. Therapy targets may include areas such as speech sounds, language, fluency, and social communication.
Early Childhood Education Specialist
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Jessica Salen is a developmental psychologist with over 30 years of experience working with children from birth to age 5. She has been with TRS ECC for over 10 years! Jessica trains and supports our teachers in creating and implementing developmentally appropriate practices in their classrooms. She meets with teachers on a regular basis and is a resource in every classroom. She has also taught our parent-child classes.
Our experienced and nurturing staff guide and encourage children to grow in all areas of development by providing a rich learning environment. They continually update their skills through training and workshops to stay current in early childhood education. All staff are First Aid and CPR/AED certified, meet Virginia licensing standards, and lead teachers are certified in medication administration.
