New ECC director excited about early children education

Jo-Anne DeGiacomo-Petrie

Jo-Anne DeGiacomo-Petrie is bringing a lot of enthusiasm, along with years of early childhood education experience, to her job as the new director of The David C. Isenberg Family Early Childhood Center.

Petrie, who started Feb. 15, positively glows when she talks about the possibilities of working with the ECC teachers, staff, children and parents.

“I’m really excited,” she said recently. “I’m looking forward to working with an engaged population, adults invested in children’s educational journey. I’m looking forward to helping teachers learn and grow.”

Early childhood education is so important, she points out. “We need to take early learning more seriously,” she said. “I’m thrilled that early childhood educators are looked upon differently and given a greater level of respect.”

Petrie’s background will stand her in good stead as she learns the ropes at the ECC. A Barrington resident, she’s married and has three children (two in college and one who’s graduated) and a cat. She spent 30 years as an early childhood teacher at The Wheeler School. Among other related experiences, she served as director of early learning and school age programming at John Hope Settlement House in Providence and as manager of operations at BrightStars, Rhode Island’s tiered quality rating system for schools and early childhood programs. She’s also been a consultant to Hasbro.

Creativity is a word she uses often when talking about the ECC going forward: From refining curriculum to weaving Jewish values into it. “I’m looking for ways to be more collaborative with the whole JCC program … to feel inclusive,” she said.

Petrie wants to inspire teachers and give them input into shaping the program. “I’m looking forward to drawing up the interests and passions of teachers, based on Rhode Island Education Learning Standards (RELS),” she said.

She says she tends to be a team player, so, she’s looking forward to hearing what the community has to say. “Drop by. Grab a coffee. Don’t be a stranger,” Petrie said. “I’m looking forward to working with the JCC community.”

Fran Ostendorf is editor of the Jewish Voice.