KOP Insiders: Kimber Hamilton, Director of the Philly JCC Early Learning Center

KOP Insiders delves into the stories of the people who make King of Prussia one of Pennsylvania’s most dynamic live-work-play-stay destinations.

In depth interviews provide insight into the companies that make up our diverse business community and put a face to the individuals behind the business. In this edition, we are joined by Kimber Hamilton, Director of the Philly JCC Early Learning Center at Temple Brith Achim in King of Prussia.

What would you say is at the heart of the JCC Early Learning Center in KOP?

I personally believe that community forms around children. I want the Early Learning Center to be a vibrant community of kids and families, Jewish and not Jewish. We are going to provide an experience for children where if they are Jewish, their culture and traditions will be recognized. And if they are not Jewish, then they are going to learn a little about what it means to be Jewish, all in the day-to-day of a tremendous preschool.

The Philly JCC already has an Early Learning Center in Wynnewood – what was the motivation behind expanding to King of Prussia?

The CEO of the JCC has been looking to expand the network of Jewish organizations and create an extended Jewish community in the King of Prussia area for some time. We were looking for a preschool space for a while, and ultimately, we realized Temple Brith Achim was the perfect fit location and size-wise. Temple Brith Achim already had a preschool wing, but the space only served as a Hebrew School on weekends. We had looked at a number of building options, but this one was already sort of move-in ready. Also, there are no other Jewish preschools within a seven-mile radius of our school, so we are really fitting a need that is here. Having been in the synagogue for a little while now, we have gotten to meet a lot of people and young families. I didn’t realize that this is more of a neighborhood community than I knew it to be. This is really a wonderful place for families to live and grow up in, and we can’t wait to open our doors to all these children.

Can you explain a little about how your year-round programming accommodates the needs of working parents who live or work in KOP?

The wonderful thing about having a year-round program is that parents don’t have to switch gears when the school year ends to think about finding a place for summer camp and such. We are here every day, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM all year long. Parents can rely on that without having to worry about finding and making plans for their children, especially in the summertime. From a parent’s perspective, and I have two small children of my own, it can be a scramble to figure out summers when school ends, but this program solves that. And our summer programming will look a lot more summery than our fall programming. That means more outdoor activities, and water tables and camp happenings while still maintaining our educational values. The strength of this program is really its consistency.

I know that the JCC Early Learning Center is open to all faiths and accommodates and welcomes diverse backgrounds. Can you tell me about how your school can benefit families who are not Jewish through its programming and values?

I can speak to that really personally. I am not Jewish, and my two children both went to preschool at the JCC in Wynnewood. Coming from Indiana, I honestly did not have a full understanding of the Jewish community. So, coming into the JCC experience as a completely blank slate, it immediately felt wonderful to be a part of the community. The sense of community in our organization is really connected. There has never been any complications and I have never felt like I was treated differently because I am not Jewish.

Through our collective experience with the JCC, my children and I have learned so many incredible values and traditions that have shaped how we see the world. There are so many important holidays in Judaism that are about showing gratitude and being cognizant of the world around you. Sukkot, for example, shows appreciation for the harvest every fall. Most of the celebrations feel extremely relevant to everyone, so I think that whether or not you are Jewish you can really learn from these holidays. I always say that we are a Jewish school, but we are not a religious school, in so far as we are not teaching religious lessons. But the understanding that will come as a part of this education is magnificent.

That is amazing. So, what are some of your favorite things to do around KOP?

Well, I admittedly do like to shop a bit, so the mall and Costco are always on my list when I am in KOP. But I have brought my children out here and they love all the parks and playgrounds. Also, there are so many superb restaurants out here. You can find basically whatever you could want. There are endless dining options, and the Town Center is such a welcoming place. You can take the kids around, grab a doughnut, and take them to the green space to play. I think it is such a fun, friendly place to bring the whole family.

What advice would you give someone who was thinking about moving their business or educational center to KOP?

I think King of Prussia is just ripe with opportunity. There are plenty of large employers here but also a network of so many smaller businesses that are so vital to the area. And all of these businesses really seem to look out for each other. This community is also so much more robust than I had imagined as an outsider coming in. I didn’t realize the depth and breadth of what is here. As a new business moving in, you have access to all you could ever need and want. KOP is conveniently located, and it has been easy for us to find a strong sense of community here, which is something I think any business owner is looking for.

What are you most excited about for the upcoming inaugural school year?

I am most excited about meeting all of these families and seeing the children running through the halls. Like I said, I think community forms around kids. I have already engaged with so many parents and had such great conversations with people I am just meeting who feel like friends I have known for years. So, really, I am just most excited about putting faces to all these names and meeting the children and forming our own little community here within KOP.

About the Philly JCC Early Learning Center at Temple Brith Achim in KOP
The Philly JCC Early Learning Center at Temple Beth Achim in King of Prussia offers a nurturing, child-centered environment for infants through pre-K. Our programs include music, creative movement, and weekly Shabbat celebrations. We celebrate each child’s uniqueness and potential, fostering curiosity and discovery. Our high standards are upheld through ongoing teacher development and our emergent curriculum is driven by children’s interests, promoting security, confidence, and exploration. We celebrate Jewish heritage, values, and traditions, instilling a positive identity in each child.

Philly JCC Early Learning Center at Temple Beth Achim in King of Prussia
481 S Gulph Rd
King of Prussia, PA 19406
phillyjccelc.com