Angie Arnold, Director
Angie Arnold serves as the Director of Early Childhood at HaLev Early Childhood at the J – Sabes Center Minneapolis. With a strong background in early childhood education, Angie brings extensive experience in nurturing young learners and fostering supportive environments for children and families. Angie holds a master’s degree from Capella University and brings over 17 years of experience in the Twin Cities as a devoted early childhood director and teacher, including seven years in the infant room at the JCC.
HaLev Early Childhood at the J
Sabes Center Minneapolis
HaLev Early Childhood at the J in St. Louis Park is located at the Minnesota JCC Sabes Center Minneapolis, conveniently near Highways 100 and 394. Rooted in Jewish values and open to families of all backgrounds, HaLev Early Childhood at the J fosters learning, respect, and a sense of community.
Our thoughtfully designed facilities support every aspect of a child’s development and include an art studio, a dedicated music room, and a large, secure outdoor playground that encourages exploration and active play. Our center is fully licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services and provides safe spaces for learning, exploration, and fun.
Children at HaLev Early Childhood at the J benefit from a wide range of enrichment opportunities integrated into their daily experience. Weekly swim lessons are led by certified instructors in the JCC’s indoor and seasonal outdoor pools, promoting water safety and confidence from a young age. Our classes also enjoy access to the JCC’s full-size gymnasium, community garden, theater, and auditorium.
For more information or to schedule a tour, contact the Early Childhood Center at 952.381.3455 or via email at sabesecc@minnesotajcc.org.
Infant
(6 weeks to 18 months)
Our Infant Room provides a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where our youngest learners feel secure, loved, and supported. Guided by experienced teachers, each child is cared for with intention and warmth, fostering healthy development and strong connections. Based on Jewish values and open to all families, our infant program introduces age-appropriate experiences that encourage curiosity, build trust, and lay the foundation for lifelong learning. At HaLev Early Childhood at the J, we believe every moment is an opportunity to grow with love and care.
Toddler
(18 months – 2.5 years)
Our Toddler Room is a joyful, engaging space where active exploration, growing independence, and social connections thrive. Caring teachers support each child’s development through hands-on experiences, daily routines, and intentional play that nurture emerging language, motor skills, and emotional awareness. Rooted in Jewish values like kindness, gratitude, and respect, our program helps toddlers build confidence, deepen relationships, and discover the world around them in a safe, loving environment.
Preschool
(2.5 – 4 years)
Our Preschool Room is a vibrant, play-based learning environment where curiosity is encouraged, and each child’s unique strengths are celebrated. Children develop foundational skills with letters, numbers, art, and creative play through structured activities and open-ended exploration while building social-emotional confidence and independence. Guided by nurturing educators and inspired by Jewish values, our preschool program fosters a strong sense of community, empathy, and responsibility, helping children grow into capable learners ready for the next stage of their educational journey.
Pre-K
(4 – 5 years)
Our Pre-K Room is designed to prepare children for a successful transition to kindergarten by nurturing kindergarten readiness, independence, and a lifelong love of school and learning, through a curriculum that weaves together critical thinking skills and deepens their understanding of the world. Rooted in Jewish values and open to all, our program emphasizes kindness, responsibility, and community, helping each child grow into a confident, curious, and compassionate learner.
NEW! Hebrew Language Program
(3 – 5 years)
Our new Hebrew Language Program offers children ages three to five a unique, immersive experience in Hebrew language and Israeli culture within a nurturing, play-based preschool setting. Led by a native Hebrew-speaking educator, the program integrates language learning into daily routines, songs, and activities, gradually transitioning from English to Hebrew immersion as children grow more confident. We use a whole-child approach to curriculum that supports each child’s emotional, cognitive, social, and physical development. Through music, dance, storytelling, holiday celebrations, and blessings, children connect with Jewish values and Israeli traditions while gaining the lifelong cognitive and social benefits of bilingualism.
