At the JCCNS Early Childhood Program, we believe that every child is a unique individual, and we take a whole-child approach to learning and development. We see each child as their own person, recognizing individual strengths, interests, personality, and developmental needs while supporting their social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and academic growth.

Every classroom in our Early Childhood program provides a curated learning environment. While the activities, materials, and daily experiences may look different from classroom to classroom (based on that classroom’s participants’ ages and developmental stages), all our classrooms focus on consistent, developmentally appropriate goals. Our teachers create experiences that help children build the skills they need at each stage of their early childhood journey.

Each classroom builds upon the learning and development that came before it, preparing children for their next classroom and the next set of developmental milestones. As children progress through our program, they meet new challenges while continuing to grow and develop the skills to become confident, capable, and successful learners. Our goal is for every child to leave our program prepared for their next step, whether that is transitioning into their next classroom, moving on to Pre-K, or entering Kindergarten.

We believe that preparing children for their next step is about so much more than academic readiness. We are committed to fostering each child’s social-emotional skills, independence, communication, problem-solving abilities, self-confidence, self-regulation, and positive relationships, which are all important aspects of an early childhood educational experience. Through play, exploration, hands-on experiences, meaningful interactions, and intentional teaching, children are supported in developing the whole range of skills necessary for both short-term and long-term success.

Most importantly, we recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to learning. We meet each child where they are and support them as their own unique selves. By focusing on the whole child and partnering closely with each family, we strive to create a nurturing environment where every child feels safe, valued, confident, and excited to learn.

Across all classrooms in the JCCNS Early Childhood Program, our shared goal is to help every child grow and develop as a whole person, giving them the academic, social, emotional, physical, and life skills they need to confidently take their next step.

Ages 15 months to 2 years 9 months (Two teachers with nine children max)

Our Toddler Room provides a safe and nurturing environment designed to help every child grow and become progressively independent. Our toddler-aged participants enjoy activities that strengthen their social skills as well as their school-based learning skills. We follow a weekly theme-based schedule, incorporating books, activities, and fun, all while learning and playing together. Our typical day includes Circle Time, snack breaks, meals, free play, outside playtime, art, and sensory and gross motor skill activities! Our toddlers are very busy! 

Ages 2 years 9 months to 5 years. (Two teachers with up to 14 children max)

Our Preschool/PreK classroom environment and curriculum are based on developmentally appropriate philosophy and practices. Through “play” children gain knowledge and understanding of the world while developing and strengthening their social, emotional and leaning skills. Our preschool day includes exploring different learning centers in our room, gaining independence and self-confidence through the process of discovery, problem solving and hands-on participation in small and large groups. We implement learning-based themes by using all developmental areas to ensure we are collectively utilizing all of our individual strengths. We work toward strengthening and developing Kindergarten readiness skills in writing, reading, math, science, art, physical play, as well as social skills.