Philosophy
Preschool is plunging fingers into sticky clay…it is playing games in the big gymnasium…it is learning to share wagons and building blocks…it is enjoying carefree times on the playground…and most important of all, it is developing self-confidence, and the “I can do it” attitude.
Preschool is a place to keep hamsters and fish….it is creating your own designs with paints, cotton, and clay…it is playing new, active outdoor games…it is participating in an interactive story with our Rabbi…it is planting lima beans and anxiously awaiting the first sprouts…it is visiting the fire station and pet shop…it is discovering why water disappears from a pan, and the ponds, and the oceans…it is becoming aware of letters and numbers…it is tumbling on mats and learning to toss a ball to a friend.
The Jacksonville Jewish Center Preschool is a warm, friendly preschool where young children receive an exciting, creative, and nurturing foundation to grow academically, socially and spiritually. We offer small classes with excellent teacher/student ratios, a professional and caring staff of early childhood teachers and a wonderful facility equipped with the most educationally sound early childhood equipment, books, materials and manipulatives.
The JJC Preschool sees each child as a unique and precious gift entrusted into our care. Your children are provided with many experiences to inspire them to learn about the world around them. Our skilled teachers know when to actively supervise and when to inconspicuously watch and also provide warmth and affection to your little ones as they lovingly guide your child to broaden their horizons beyond home. Emphasis is placed on the individual child and on encouraging each child’s innate inquisitiveness and thirst for knowledge. We believe each child learns best in an environment that is rich in hands on experiences. We provide for the physical, intellectual, and emotional growth of the children through activities that are both child and teacher directed. Children are encouraged to use their senses to explore, experiment and use their imagination to the fullest. Through dramatic play, great literature, visual aides, manipulatives, games and the use of centers withing our classrooms, such as art, science, literacy, blocks, math and literacy, children gain readiness skills for future learning.
Our preschool emphasizes fun and meaningful Jewish experiences, where our children celebrate Jewish holidays, honor Shabbat, develop a love for Israel, and learn about the Torah. Our warm and caring teachers reinforce important everyday values that parents teach like hachnasat orchim (welcoming guests), and performing mitzvot.
