A Small Beginning With a Lasting Vision
OLGA AND BOB STRAUSS
The STRAUSS ECE was established at Temple Emanu-El in May 2000. A group led by Rabbi Samuel M. Cohon, Cary Marmis and Harold Bongarten (z”l) envisioned a place where the community’s youngest children could learn and grow within a nurturing Jewish environment.
The center began with just 16 children in three classrooms. From those early days, it was built around close relationships, caring teachers and the belief that children learn best through play, exploration and creativity.
The Generosity Behind Our Name
Olga and Bob Strauss became members of Temple Emanu-El in 1966 and shared a deep commitment to Jewish education and the future of Tucson’s children. The school was renamed the Olga and Bob Strauss Center for Early Childhood Education in recognition of their extraordinary generosity and lasting support.
Over the years, Olga and Bob helped dedicate classrooms and playgrounds, established the Robert Strauss Preschool Education Fund to provide materials for enrichment programs and supported important improvements throughout the school. Their generosity helped the center grow while creating opportunities for generations of children.
Leadership That Helped the School Grow
Lyn Henry became director of the STRAUSS ECE in 2003 and helped guide the school through a period of remarkable growth. From its original three classrooms and 16 children, the center eventually grew to as many as 18 classrooms serving over 150 children.
Her leadership helped shape the welcoming, relationship-centered culture that remains part of the STRAUSS ECE today. Lyn’s influence continues through current ECE Director Mindy Henry, who was mentored by Lyn and has served the STRAUSS ECE community for more than 20 years.
A New Chapter, With the Same Heart
When Temple Emanu-El and Congregation Or Chadash came together in 2019 to form Kol Ami Synagogue, the STRAUSS ECE became part of a new synagogue community. Although the community around it evolved, the heart of the early childhood center remained the same.
Today, the STRAUSS ECE welcomes children from six weeks through Pre-K. Guided by Jewish values and open to families of all backgrounds, we continue to create a place where children feel secure, families feel connected and everyone has a place to belong.
Our story continues with every child, family and teacher who becomes part of the STRAUSS ECE community.