Frequently Asked Questions
We joyfully welcome children from 6 months to 5 years old, thoughtfully grouped to support their developmental journeys:
- Infants & Toddlers: Starting at 6 months
- K’ton ton (Little People): Age 2 by September 1
- Keshet (Rainbow): Age 3 by September 1
- Kee Tov (Something Good): Age 4 by September 1
Our preschool embraces a child-centered, co-constructed curriculum, rooted in relationship, and guided by Jewish values that celebrate:
- Drash (Inquiry): Fostering curiosity and exploration
- Hevruta (Friendship): Building meaningful relationships
- Tzedakah (Ethical Values): Instilling a sense of justice and community responsibility
We believe children learn best through hands-on experiences that nurture a lifelong love of learning.
Not at all! We are deeply committed to the value of Hachnassat Or’chim—Welcoming All. Our inclusive community celebrates the strength of diversity, warmly welcoming children and families from all faiths and backgrounds.
Nutritious, allergy-sensitive snacks are provided in the classrooms. Additionally, a hot lunch option is available, catered offsite, to promote healthy eating habits and offer convenience for families.
We maintain nurturing ratios to ensure personalized care:
- Infants: 1 educator to 3 children
- Toddlers: 1 educator to 4 children
- Two-Year-Olds: 1 educator to 6 children
- Three-Year-Olds: 1 educator to 7 children
- Four-Year-Olds: 1 educator to 8 children
While we are not a religious school, Jewish cultural values enrich our program through celebrations, storytelling, and the integration of values like tikkun olam (repairing the world), which are foundational to our educational philosophy.
No, children do not need to be potty-trained for enrollment. Our staff supports each child through their potty-training journey when they show readiness, respecting individual developmental timelines.
Beyond our core curriculum, we offer enriching activities such as physical education, music classes, gardening, creative movement, and swimming. These programs are integral to our holistic approach, nurturing various aspects of child development.
We approach discipline as an opportunity to teach and guide, focusing on educational outcomes rather than punitive measures. To support children and families in managing separation anxiety, we implement gentle transition strategies and maintain clear, compassionate communication.
Our educators are highly qualified, meeting all state licensing requirements, and are committed to continuous professional development. This dedication ensures they remain at the forefront of best practices in early childhood education.
Absolutely! We encourage prospective families to schedule a tour to meet our staff and explore our facilities. Please contact our Preschool Director at preschool@pjcc.org to arrange a visit.
We cherish family involvement and offer various opportunities for parents to engage through volunteer activities, parent committees, and special events, fostering a strong community connection.
Health and safety are paramount. Our facilities adhere to the highest standards of cleanliness and safety protocols, and all staff are trained in first aid and emergency responses to ensure a secure environment for every child.
At PJCC Preschool, we embrace the diversity of learning styles, abilities, and identities, understanding that such integration enriches the educational experience for all. Our inclusive environment fosters:
- Empathy and Respect: Children learn to appreciate individual differences and unique strengths, developing empathy and understanding.
- Collaboration and Teamwork: By including children with varying needs, we promote collaboration, enhancing social skills and adaptability among all students.
- Community and Belonging: Our atmosphere cultivates a sense of community, preparing children with the skills needed to thrive in a diverse world.
To effectively support individual needs, PJCC Preschool may provide one-on-one aides to assist children within the classroom. These aides:
- Personalized Support: Offer tailored assistance while encouraging social interactions and inclusion among peers.
- Thoughtful Integration: Are introduced thoughtfully to the classroom community as supportive partners in learning, ensuring children feel comfortable.
- Qualified Professionals: Possess relevant experience in child development, adhere to the same behavior guidelines as teachers, and have completed background checks.
Importantly, PJCC educators supervise all interactions in the classroom, and aides are never left alone with other children, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment for everyone.
Our preschool operates from [start time] to [end time], Monday through Friday.