Toddler Program

The Toddler program is specially designed to allow the young child to feel safe and comfortable. The room is arranged as a safe environment for exploration, and to encourage independence, and self help skills.

The teachers of this program understand the toddlers need for physical movement and the constant practicing of skills. A predictable schedule helps the child be comfortable with the changes throughout the day, while still allowing for flexibility that is so important for the individual child’s needs. Transitions are handled without long periods and the child’s short attention span is considered at all times.

In this program the child is given the foundation of a positive Jewish life by using an interactive approach. Songs, stories, finger play, and the celebration of the holidays are joyous

A caring and positive atmosphere is provided for the child. It is a warm and nurturing setting for the child to learn and grow. The teacher stresses the connection between home and school and understands the important role of the parent. The teacher places special emphasis on guiding the two year old to develop a good self image while building acceptable methods of social skills and interaction. Activities are planned that emphasis the process rather than the product, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Toddler Teachers

ALYSE BERNSTEIN received her Bachelors Degree at the New York State University at Oneonta and completed her Masters at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey. When she lived in New York, she worked in the Consumer Affairs Department at Colgate Palmolive. Alyse is married to Cliff and has 2 children, Adam 12 and Emily 8. The Bernstein family are residents of Parkland and members of Congregation Kol Tikvah. Emily was a member of the first graduating class at our school. As a mother of two, Alyse enjoys working with children and is thrilled with the chance to use her knowledge and skills with the little ones.

LISA BOBROW is a head teacher in the toddler program. Lisa has been teaching preschool for 12 years. Lisa moved to Parkland 4 years ago from Cedarhurst, New York. Her husband, Mitchell is a Mortgage Broker in Boca Raton. Lisa and Mitchell have 3 children, Gabrielle, Spencer, and Jordan. Lisa graduated from Syracuse University. Lisa has been working at the Phylis J Green ECC for 4 years. Lisa is excited to work with the toddlers and is looking forward to a wonderful year.

DEBBIE GOTTESMAN was born in New York and moved to Florida in April 2000 with her daughter Kayla who is in Third Grade. She has her degree in dance from Dance Educators of America. She has been teaching dance for 15 years and was the Director of her own dance school. Debbie is the Head Teacher this year in the younger toddler room. In addition to her classroom teaching, Debbie runs an enrichment dance/hip hop class two days a week in the after school program

JODI HARRIS is an Assistant Teacher in the toddler program. She has her BS in Child and Family Studies and a minor in Education from Syracuse University. Originally from New Jersey, Jodi has been living in Parkland for 6 years with her husband Craig and 3 children, Ruby (7), Peri (5) and Jacob (3). Ruby and Peri are at Park Trails Elementary and Jacob is in the 3’s program at our school. Jodi is excited to part of the toddler team and looking forward to a great year.

SYBIL JANOFF moved to Coral Springs from Guatmala 6 years ago. She lives with her husband and nine year old daughter. She has taught in another preschool before coming to our school. She is an assistant teacher for the past 2 years and is looking forward to another fantastic year working with the youngest children.

TAMMY RITTMAN joins the staff of the Phylis J. Green ECC as an Assistant Teacher in the Toddler Program. She has been a part of the Phylis J. Green ECC family since it opened its’ doors. She has lived in Parkland for 8 years and is originally from New York. She has been married for 14 years to her husband Barry who is a Chief Financial Officer for a stock brokerage firm in Palm Beach Gardens. She has two children, Danielle and Zachary. Her daughter Danielle graduated from Phylis J. Green ECC and is in First Grade at Riverglades Elementary School. Her son Zachary is 2 ½ and is in the Toddler Program. Tammy started working at Camp Yeladim this summer and enjoyed it so much she decided to work this fall. She looks forward to a great year with the two year olds

DONNA SLAKMAN has lived in Coral Springs for 13 years and is originally from New York. She is married for 22 years to her husband Alan and has 3 children. Her daughter, Belinda, 20, is a senior at Princeton University. Her oldest son Jordan, 15, is a sophomore at Stoneman Douglas HS and her youngest son Casey, 14, is a freshman. She attended Brooklyn College in New York and received her CDA from Nova Southeastern University. She has been working in preschool for 10 years, and has worked at the Phylis J. Green ECC since we opened our doors. Donna is a head teacher in the Toddler program and loves working with children, especially seeing their growth from the beginning of the school year until the end. In her spare time she loves to travel and spend time with her family.

GLORIA SWAN is an Assistant Teacher in our Toddler program. Gloria was born in Bogota, Columbia S.A. She moved to New York City at the age of 11. Her mother and my two younger sisters still reside in Queens, NY. She spent 20 lovely years in the United States Navy and traveled almost all over the world. She has a wonderful husband, Scott, and three lovely daughters, Zullyma (22), Alexis (16) and Kaitlen (11). Gloria moved from Chesapeake, VA to Coral Springs six years ago. She loves working with children, and says they are fascinating. She recently obtained her Child Development Associate Degree (CDA).

RANDI WEISSELBERG has a degree in Elementary Education from Brooklyn College. In addition to her elementary teaching experience. she has taught for three years in a preschool in Brooklyn, New York. She was an assistant teacher in the Toddler program working with Eileen and Gloria. She lives in Parkland, with her husband Michael and her four daughters Rebecca, Kayla, Jillian, and Nicole. Nicole is in our prekindergarten program.