Inside the Kitat Yam Hebrew & English Dual Language Classroom at the JCC East Bay Early Childhood Education Center, language learning feels like play.
At age 3-4, children are at the peak of their natural language-learning window. Our Kitat Yam classroom is a warm, bilingual environment where both Hebrew and English flow naturally throughout every part of the day. Kitat Yam places two teachers in the same classroom, one who speaks exclusively in Hebrew, one exclusively in English, so children receive consistent, immersive exposure to both languages throughout every part of the day.
Inspired by Israel’s Yad B’Yad (Hand in Hand) dual language schools, our classroom is a place where Israeli children learning English feel truly supported, and where children new to Hebrew can explore the language freely, without pressure.
Speaks exclusively in Hebrew throughout the day through songs, stories, transitions, routines.
Speaks exclusively in English, providing continuity, confidence, and connection.
Each day follows a predictable rhythm that helps children feel secure in both languages.
The 2025-2026 school year runs from August 13, 2025 – July 29, 2026, and the 2026-2027 school year runs from August 24, 2026 – July 28, 2027. The core Preschool program runs 5 days/week:
If you are seriously considering enrolling your child, please submit a Preschool enrollment application. We accept applications from new families on a rolling basis. Once you submit your application, a member of our team will be in touch to schedule a call and discuss next steps.
Please note that we require a $50 non-refundable fee to apply.
Not at all. Kitat Yam is designed for children at all levels of Hebrew exposure. The classroom is a gentle introduction, not an immersion program. Here, Hebrew speakers can start to learn English, and English speakers can start to learn Hebrew.
Yes! This classroom was built with Israeli families in mind. The Hebrew teacher maintains Hebrew throughout the day, so your child always has a familiar language anchor. Cultural connections, holidays, and Israeli traditions are part of the classroom fabric, and your child will never feel alone in a room full of English speakers. This is a gentle way for your child to learn English, too!
Kitat Yam is intentionally designed as a dual language classroom, not full immersion. Both languages are present and honored equally every day. We want children to develop a love of language without overwhelm. Think of it as a joyful introduction, or a first step into Hebrew, not a leap into the deep end.
Hebrew is woven naturally into routines, songs, stories, and transitions throughout the day, rather than delivered as formal lessons. Approximately 45% of language-rich moments are Hebrew-centered, with the rest in English. The goal is acquisition through exposure, not drilling.
Our teachers are trained to follow each child’s lead. Children are never pressured to produce language before they’re ready. Research shows that a “silent period,” or listening and absorbing before speaking, is completely normal. Our classroom honors that process and creates safety for children to take their time.
Yad B’Yad (Hand in Hand) schools in Israel pioneered a model where two teachers (one for each language) are consistently present in the same classroom. This gives each language equal status and gives children stable, trusted voices for each language. In the Kitat Yam classroom, Israeli culture and Jewish American culture are woven together every day. JCC East Bay chose this model because it’s proven, warm, and particularly effective for young children who learn best through consistent relationships.
Yes. JCC East Bay is committed to making this program accessible to all families.
Scholarship and financial assistance options are available, so please reach out to Sabrina May, Preschool Director, at sabrina.may@jcceastbay.org to learn more.
We don’t want cost to be a barrier to your child’s bilingual education.
510-848-0237, ext. 143
Sabrina May
Preschool Director
sabrina.may@jcceastbay.org
Ruby Fox
Educational Assistant, Preschool
ruby.fox@jcceastbay.org