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.
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.
