Jewish center wins support

YOUNGSTOWN -- The Jewish Community Center is one of four Northeast Ohio Jewish community centers receiving federal grants for early childhood education programs. The Youngstown JCC received $33,000 of the nearly $249,000 federal grant.
Jonathan Siegel, executive director, said that Youngstown joined forces with Akron, Canton and Cleveland in applying for the grant earlier this year through the office of U.S. Rep. Ralph Regula of Navarre, R-16th.
Siegel said it was the first time the centers pulled their resources in such a grant request. "It's a unique concept. No other JCCs in the country have taken this approach," he said.
Siegel said that because of the approval of the educational grant, the regional JCCs are looking at additional opportunities in the future to apply for grants as a region.
Siegel, executive director, said the grant has been used to hire a specialist who is working with the director of the early childhood program to determine standards and develop curriculum.
The specialist will also provide resources to teachers and present parent workshops. Siegel said there are approximately 100 children in the infant/toddler and preschool program at the Youngstown center.