Berkeley Afterschool, Club Kehillah & Edah

Berkeley Afterschool offers a safe, affirming environment that allows all students to be their authentic selves. Youth will develop lasting relationships with peers and adults, building bridges with our community and beyond. We believe in a balance of structure and freedom, providing students with the opportunities for free play and organized activities. We encourage students to explore their interests and passions, develop their voice, and grow as individuals.

What does a typical day look like in BAS?
We start every day with free choice stations. Stations include art projects, big-body movement on the playground, and games in the game room. We also have a robust snack, such as bagels or pita chips with hummus, with fresh cut fruits and veggies always available. Later in the day, we have a second smaller snack, usually crackers, popcorn, or chips. We offer vegan and allergen-friendly options, and all of the food we provide to the children is certified Kosher.

Then, students have an hour of structured program time which varies day-to-day:

• On Mondays we have group time where children spend time in age cohorts. 
• On Tuesdays and Thursdays we have chugim (electives) which are ongoing elective workshops where kids get to try out an enrichment activity and build on their learning week to week. Kids choose to sign up for a class that runs for approximately 8-weeks per session, with 4-sessions across the school year. While these electives vary between each round, some examples of previously-offered chug options include sports, polymer clay art, ceramics, sewing, American Sign Language, crafting, STEM, creative writing, Judo, and many more!
• On Wednesdays we offer Choices. Choices are one-off enrichment activities that kids choose day-of, and can participate in regardless of previous experience.
• On Fridays we have a short group time in age cohorts, and then we gather all together for a sweet Shabbat celebration where we sing songs, recite the blessings, drink grape juice, and eat challah!

Here is a sample schedule of a typical week at BAS:

Edah is our Jewish learning village! Students are immersed in Jewish culture and tradition, holidays and values, and Hebrew as a living, breathing language. 

Our teachers, trained in pedagogies that put the child at the center, foster a community of inquiry, active choices, and joyful collaborative learning.  In Jewish learning and Hebrew language alike, children’s motivation grows alongside mastery.

The Edah afternoon is divided into four main parts.

Mavoh (Introduction): Mavoh is all about recharging our batteries. Students direct themselves to the stations of their choice as they arrive from their various schools. They check in with friends, chilling, chatting and enjoying a little nosh at our friendly snack bar (where they learn to order in Hebrew), and then settling down to choose a station:  The art-room? The building studio? The Lego lab? Perhaps an activity in the courtyard, visiting a different country and its Jewish community each week? So many choices!

After an outdoor recess, it’s time for…

Z’man Ivrit (Hebrew Time): During Z’man Ivrit we create a little Hebrew speaking world in our classrooms. Using games, songs, stories, role-play, and reading and writing we acquire real Hebrew language skills. Edah kids love Z’man Ivrit because it’s fun, and also because they recognize their own success!

Z’man Kvutza (Group Time): During Z’man Kvutza we strengthen friendships and build skills as we dive into the rich world of Jewish culture and tradition. Reflecting the diversity of the Jewish community, we bring life to the expression: there are seventy faces to the Torah – exploring ideas from as many perspectives as there are learners in the room.

Ma’agal (Closing circle): Our ma’agal brings us together as one community, singing and celebrating one another, creating leadership opportunities for older kids, and role models for younger ones. 

Wednesday Chugim (electives): On Wednesdays, in place of Z’man Kvutza, we have chugim (elective) workshops that run for roughly 8-weeks. Jewish Dungeons & Dragons, polymer clay jewelry, fabric arts, gardening, sports and more while practicing and learning Hebrew. Our teachers bring their passions and talents to the program and infuse them with Jewish and Hebrew content. A highlight of the week for many students!

Here is a sample schedule of a typical week at Edah:

Schedule

• The 2025–2026 year runs from August 13, 2025 – June 4, 2026.
• Berkeley Afterschool and Edah offers 2, 3, 4, and 5 days/week options.
• BAS is closed on all days when BUSD is closed, and major Jewish holidays. Edah will not offer programming on certain Jewish holidays when BAS is open. Edah students may join BAS with prior notice on days when there is no Edah programming.
• Tuition is based on 10 equal installments, billed monthly as all months do not have the same number of days/weeks. You may also choose to pay for the school year in full and receive a 5% discount.
• Enroll 2 or more children in JCC preschool, BAS, or Kids’ Club for an additional 5% discount.
• Drop-off begins at either 1:30pm, 2:30pm, or 3:30pm depending on when your child’s school is dismissed. Wednesday minimum days are assumed, and not used to calculate rates. Use your school’s M/T/R/F dismissal times to determine which option to choose.
• Pick-up is at 6pm. Edah programming ends at 5:30, but students may stay until 6pm.

$50 non-refundable registration fee

$200 deposit, refundable or optional donation to the JCC upon completion of the school year

Rate Sheet

The JCC East Bay recognizes that all families have different needs and we are committed to helping families pay for our high-quality aftercare program. 

Applications are reviewed on an individual basis, taking many factors into consideration, including but not limited to financial status. Applications are accepted until July 1, after which point they will be reviewed on a rolling schedule as funds are available.

Please use this form and submit completed applications to Aaron Atlas, CPO, aaron.atlas@jcceastbay.org.

Applications for the 2025-2026 school year will open on Monday, April 7!

Click here to register for BAS and Edah.

Please note that spaces are limited and this note will change to a waitlist message if we fill up. Waitlist spots are then determined by multiple factors, including submission date, and school bus availability if transportation is required.

What is this year’s calendar?
The 2025-2026 calendar will be available soon.

Is there a handbook with more information? 
The 2025-2026 Parent Handbook will be available soon.

Will there be transportation to JCC East Bay?
The JCC East Bay works closely with BUSD to provide transportation from most schools, including Cragmont (1st-5th only), Malcolm X, Oxford, Rosa Parks, Ruth Acty, Sylvia Mendez, Thousand Oaks, and Washington. We offer a walking pick up from the BAM School. BUSD schools without a bus to the JCC include Cragmont Kindergarten, Emerson, and John Muir.

Please note that a spot on the bus is not guaranteed until we receive confirmation from BUSD, which will not come until after August 1. We know that this is not ideal, and we understand the challenge this poses to you. We will contact you ASAP if we are waiting for a spot for your child on the BUSD bus. Our experience has been that they have been able to accommodate nearly all of our requests and waitlists by the end of the second week of school, but that is also not guaranteed.

We are not able to offer transportation from other schools not serviced by BUSD transportation. Students will need to be picked up and dropped off at the JCC East Bay Berkeley branch at 1414 Walnut St. Inquire about Hop, Skip, Drive, a school pick up service that we contract with and recommend for students that need transportation outside of what BUSD offers. 

What’s happening for the 4th and 5th graders?
4th and 5th grade students in both BAS and Edah come together to provide leadership for the JCC East Bay youth community as a whole.  These after-school elders serve as mentors for younger students and take on special roles in community celebrations and performances. In addition, they enjoy special field trips, volunteer opportunities, mitzvah projects, and fundraising opportunities.

How do you handle poor air quality?
The JCC East Bay has a comprehensive Air Quality decision-making matrix that we employ when the AQI reaches unhealthy levels. Generally speaking, for AQI levels between 51 and 150 (Moderate and Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups), we will take more breaks and do less intense activities outdoors, and also decide to move activities indoors. We will utilize HEPA filters when indoors to filter out air particles from the outdoors. At Unhealthy levels (AQI 151-200), we will assess the current levels and hourly projections to determine program closures. If we decide to keep the building and programs open within this level, we will keep everyone indoors and utilize HEPA filters. At Very Unhealthy levels and beyond (201+), we will close our building and suspend all of our programs. As air quality changes rapidly and is hard to predict, we will take building and program closures on a day by day basis. We are in constant communication with local school districts and will also consult with them on AQI if/when appropriate.

What is your refund/credit policy?
 The JCC East Bay coordinates our offerings to complement school districts, schedules, air quality, and more. We begin the year with a certain schedule and options and recognize that circumstances can change. Please see the parent handbook, or your enrollment agreement for the exact conditions regarding schedule changes or withdrawals.

In the event where the JCC East Bay is unable to provide planned services for an extended amount of time (more than 2 weeks) due to natural disasters, public health concerns, teacher strikes, etc, refunds for charges already made may not be provided — however, future charges will be suspended until services can resume.

Rebekah Sherman
Assistant Director, Berkeley Afterschool
rebekah.sherman@jcceastbay.org
510-848-0237, ext. 131

Sonia Brin
Assistant Director, Berkeley Afterschool
sonia.brin@jcceastbay.org
510-848-0237, ext. 131

Priyanka Paranjape
Administrative Coordinator, Berkeley Afterschool
priyanka.paranjape@jcceastbay.org
510-848-0237, ext. 131

Rafi Esterson
Jewish Education Specialist, Edah
rafi.esterson@jcceastbay.org
510-848-0237, ext. 131