When it comes to caring for young children, stability matters. That’s why the Levite JCC is pleased to have Barbara Traweek, the LJCC’s chief programs officer, stepping back into the role of director of the Cohn Early Childhood Learning Center — ensuring a smooth transition for children, families, and teachers.
“Barbara knows our preschool inside and out and, most importantly, she knows and cares deeply about the children, families, and teachers who make it such a special place,” says LJCC CEO Brooke Bowles. “We’re incredibly fortunate to have her step back into this role and provide the experience, leadership, and continuity that our Cohn ECLC community deserves.”
While Barbara is reassuming the role after the recent departure of Inna Shepard, it’s hardly new territory for her. Barbara spent more than half of her 30-year career at the Cohn ECLC leading the institution and building it into one of the city’s premier preschool programs.
And this year the preschool earned the prestigious designation of Alabama First Class Pre-K Program, which places the school’s Ilanot classrooms among the state’s highest-quality pre-kindergarten programs.
As Cohn ECLC continues into its next chapter, the focus remains where it has always been: on providing children with a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment where they can learn and grow.
“When we work together with families, we give children the foundation they need to feel good about themselves, care about others, and love learning,” Barbara says. “That’s what makes this work so meaningful to me, and I am so happy to be back alongside our teachers and families.”