Summary
Contact Info
Lawrence Family JCC Nierman Preschool
4126 Executive Drive
La Jolla
, CA
92037
www.lfjcc.org/preschool/
Tel:
(858) 457-0398
Fax:
(858) 450-6835
Director:
Alma Hadash Geiger
almah@lfjcc.com
Admissions Director:
Alma Hadash Geiger
General Approach to Learning
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Play-based with some structure |
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| Predominantly teacher-led instruction |
Application Information
| Applications accepted |
After a phone conversation with the appropriate person at the school, after a face-to-face meeting at the school |
Key Statistics
| Student/teacher ratio |
7:1 |
| School year |
09/2008 - 06/2009 |
| Summer Program |
06/2008 - 08/2008 |
Parent Ratings
| Parents at this school would recommend this school to other parents. |
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| Quality of teaching |
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| Development of social skills and work habits |
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| Home-school connection |
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| Parent community |
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| Discipline |
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| Facilities |
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| Health |
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| Safety |
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| Handling of separation |
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Survey Information
Number of parents surveyed:
4
Director survey: Yes
Savvy Source survey: Yes
General Info
Basic Stats
| Student/teacher ratio |
7:1
|
| Average tenure for teachers |
15 yrs.
|
% of teachers with:
| - Teaching credentials |
31%
|
Transportation and Drop-off Policies
Transportation
Dropoff Procedure
Features of the Preschool
| Provide a third year |
Yes
|
| • The Explorers class is uniquely designed for our oldest children who are given the gift of an extra year of preschool. The spiraled curriculum is geared to promote skill development and social independence which will enhance kindergarten readiness. |
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| Provide a kindergarten and elementary school program |
No
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| Affiliated with a religious institution |
Yes
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| Teach religious concepts |
Yes
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| • Cultural diversity is promoted and respected as children and families share their traditions from around the globe. |
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| Some experience serving children with special needs |
Yes
|
| • We are fortunate to have a social worker and occupational therapist on staff to help identify children's needs and to assist parents and teachers with appropriate resources to maximize their children's potential. All children are inclusive. |
|
Accreditation, Membership & Awards
| Accreditation by the National Association of Young Children |
No
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Facilities
| CONDITION OF FACILITIES RATING (4.8) |
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| Building, bathrooms, hallway |
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| Classroom equipment and furniture |
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| Outside play equipment |
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Facilities Include:
| Classrooms (with bathroom attached) |
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| Classrooms (with kitchenette attached) |
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| Music room |
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| Art room |
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| Library |
|
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One olympic size swimming pool, a spa, childrens pool, locker rooms, fitness center for adult use, multi-purpose rooms, 2 kitchens, amphitheater, 500 seat theater, art gallery, coffee shop, tennis courts, and a large gym.
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Playground
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Parents' Comments
Parent #1
very nurturing environment
Parent #2
Safety is a great concern for this preschool. All the teachers are trained very well to handle the challengaes of preschoolers. If there is a concern the administration listens.
Parent #3
The parents at this school have a great deal of power in shaping the school. The director is extremely accessible and helpful.
School Philosophy & Day in the Life
School Philosophy and Mission
The Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center Early Childhood Education program is designed to develop the social, emotional, physical, and interllectual well-being of each child through our developmental milestone curriculum. Our focus is on creating a safe and nurturing environment which offers opportunities for exploration and discovery. We strive to develop curiosity, imagination, self-esteem, caring for others, and the ability to play both cooperatively and independently. We are committed to expanding community access to recreational and social programs for children with disabilities. The program is multi-sensory. Experiences are provided to encourage growth in the following areas: Fine and Gross Motor Coordination, Sensory Integration, Cognitive and Adaptive Skills, Socio-emotional Development, Language Development and Moral Development. The environmental components in the classroom are enhanced by the "ta'am" (flavor) of Judaism, the heritage and values, which allows the children to cultivate a positive sense of identity for themselves and with the greater community. Cultural diversity is promoted and respected as children and families share their traditions from around the globe.
Typical Day-In-The-Life At This School
Director has not yet submitted this information to the Savvy Source
Quality of Teaching
Teachers Are:
| OVERALL RATING: (4.6) |
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| Full of energy and seemingly happy in job |
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| Patient and affectionate with children |
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| Talks with children and listens carefully when they are talking with him/her |
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| Praises children for accomplishments and good behavior |
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| Provides feedback on what my child does during the day |
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| Shares insights on my child that are helpful and accurate |
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| Identifies my child’s strengths and weaknesses |
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| If necessary, provides additional support to my child during pickup and drop-off |
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| Resolves disputes quickly, calmly and fairly in a manner that allows children to learn from the dispute |
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| Notices children who are not on task and/or engaging with other children appropriately and quickly reengages them |
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| Manages the energy level of the children so that all children feel safe and able to learn |
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| Provides additional support to a child when s/he is clearly failing in her/his efforts |
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| Strikes the proper balance between active and quiet play for children |
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Director's Comments on Individualized Teaching
Individualized Teaching
Description of how teachers work with children who are
"behind," "excelling" or "different" from the majority of students
We are fortunate to have a social worker and occupational therapist on staff to help identify children's needs and to assist parents and teachers with appropriate resources to maximize their children's potential.
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
This school has so much 'extra'. There is a music specialist AND a P.E. teacher AND a computer teacher. And all of these are included in every child's weekly schedule. The diversity of the school is incredible as well. Though it is a Jewish school and thus Jewish holidays are celebrated in class, there is a sizable percentage of non-Jewish families at the school simply because it is such a good school. The teachers are experienced and patient. There is no potty training requirement for any age. The children eat lunch at school and you can even purchase a hot lunch up to 3 days a week.
Parent #2
There are a few teachers that are great. The others are burnt out or don't seem to care about the kids. The administration is aware of the problems but chooses to do nothing. School administration is very happy to diagnose child with something, i.e. ADD, ADHD, sensory integration issues, etc.
Parent #3
Parents are welcomed to visit their child's classroom anytime as long as you make prior arrangements with the teacher.
Home School Connection
Home-School Connection
| OVERALL RATING (4.2) |
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| Conducts an open house at start of school year |
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| Conducts a parent-teacher meeting at start of school year |
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| Conducts regular parent teacher conferences |
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| Provides summary of child’s learning at end of year |
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| Provides guidance on developmental goals for the following year |
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| Provides guidance on best Kindergarten and elementary schools |
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Director's Comments
1. We begin our school year with meet the teacher day.
2. We provide a "New Parent" orientation night.
3. We invite all parents to our Back to School Night.
4. Our teachers and parents have confrences twice per year and more if needed.
5. We have meetings with our social worker, occupational therapist and parents when needed.
6. We offer parent workshops.
7. We have a health and safety committee that produces parent communication about what's new on the home front.
8. Our teachers communicate on a weekly basis through face to face meetings as well as a written newsletter.
9. We email our parents with information on parent workshops.
Separation
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Pre-entry meetings with parents at school
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Extra staff dedicated to handle separation
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Parents in classroom early on
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Director's and Parents' Comments
Director's Comments
We provide a parent breakfast the first 2 days of school. While they are there
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
I looked at many preschools and was immediately impressed by the JCC's facility (how many preschools have access to a real gymnasium, P.E. teacher and key card access for security?). In addition, the after school enrichment classses are varied and terrific. There is also a great amount of flexibility if you need extra before school or after school childcare.
Parent Community
| COHESIVENESS RATING (4.8) |
Parents:
Modes of Communication Between School and Home
Discipline, Health and Safety
Discipline
| OVERALL RATING (3.8) |
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| Parents at this school, on average, believe that conflicts between children:
are handled extraordinarily well in a way that not only gives me confidence in the safety of my child but also reassures me that my child (and his/her peers) are learning the early skills needed to socialize effectively with one another
| |
Overview
Director's Description of Approach Toward Discipline
We talk to our children and help them resolve conflicts on their own by showing them and giving them examples of how to resolve the situation. We also use re-direction when necessary.
Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
The school has two security guards. There are video cameras on the grounds. Entrance to the school is monitored.
Health
| OVERALL RATING (4.4) |
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| Temperature and overall air circulation is comfortable |
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| Healthy and nutritious snacks are provided
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| Toys and furniture are cleaned regularly |
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Food Allergies
Medications
Safety
| OVERALL RATING (4.3) |
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| Screen and identify all visitors
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| • Each staff person in our school is Department of Justice and FBI cleared through fingerprinting. Our staff fill out a criminal background check and have to be cleared by the State of California Child Care Licensing Department. |
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| Parents may not bring sick children to school where they may infect others |
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Ages, Schedule & Tuition
Ages, Class Size, Days & Tuition
| Ages |
Class Size |
Days |
Tuition |
From
4 years
to
5 years
|
14 |
|
$0/Year |
|
From
4 years
to --
|
14 |
|
$0/Year |
From
3 years
to
4 years
|
14 |
|
$0/Year |
From
3 years
to
4 years
|
14 |
|
$0/Year |
From
2 years
to
3 years
|
14 |
|
$0/Year |
From
2 years
to
3 years
|
14 |
|
$0/Year |
From
2 years
to
3 years
|
14 |
|
$0/Year |
From
1 years
8 months
to
2 years
|
14 |
|
$0/Year |
From
1 years
8 months
to
2 years
|
14 |
|
$0/Year |
Extended Care
Notes on Schedule and Extended Care
Notes
Kid Konnection (KK) offers flexible extended day care for preschool children. Working parents can feelconfident about leaving their children for a full day under the attentive superision provided by the preschool staff. For parents' convenience, children can also be signed up for KK on an hourly basis.
Fee: $7.50/hr (Charged by the half hour)
Extended Care Hours:
M-TH......7:30-9:00 am, 1:00-5:30 pm
F..............7:30-9:00 am, 1:00-5:00 pm
Calendar Year
School Year
Summer Program
Kindergarten Placement & Tips
Parents' Admission Tips
Advice from Parents to Prospective Parents on Admissions
Parent #1
There is no test or interview. You do need to apply as early as possible.
