Great communication is our hallmark. We have a Preschool Steering Committee made up of room parents and an all-scool Preschool Family Committee. Written Communication â?¢ Today We Newsletter (a daily e-mail will be sent out each day highlighting the activities of each class. It will also remind you of calendar events.) â?¢ Parentsâ?? Bulletin Board â?¢ Notes, flyers and letters in your childâ??s mailbox â?¢ Notices and Letters Other communication: â?¢ Open Door Policy â?¢ Conferences â?¢ Back 2 School Night â?¢ Parent Meetings

Director's and Parents' Comments

Director's Comments

Separation is natural and affects different children in different ways. On your childâ??s first two days of school, plan to have your child leave earlier than their normal schedule. Several hours can be a very long time to a child in a new situation. Please make arrangements so that you can spend time in the classroom with them. When it is time to leave, please give your child a clear goodbye. The teachers will take over and engage your child and start developing a relationship and comfort.

Discipline

OVERALL RATING (5.0)
Parents' Opinions
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

The Washington DCJCC Preschool follows the guidelines for developmentally appropriate practices set by the National Association for the Education of Children (NAEYC). These guidelines recognize that each child is a unique person with an individual pattern and timing of growth, as well as individual personality, learning style and family background. While some behaviors are typical for a specific â??age and stageâ?? we recognize that children learn appropriate social behaviors at different rates. With that in mind, we observe and make individual behavior plans when necessary.
We believe in â??positive disciplineâ?? which focuses on good behavior, rather than bad. We may need to redirect a child and speak with them about appropriate behavior. When necessary, we speak to a child with a firm, but caring voice. At times, it may be necessary to remove the child from the rest of the group. If a behavior persists, we will contact the childâ??s parents and ask them to come in for a conference.
At that time, we will work in conjunction with the family and teaching staff on a behavior management plan that meets with the needs for that particular child. It is also our practice to consult with specialists who work with children and families. We are particularly fortunate to have a close relationship with the Early Childhood specialists at the Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA) and the Partnership for Jewish Life and Learning (PJLL). With the permission of the family, those agencies can send a license social worker out to observe and access the child or provide the names of other area resources.

Director's Response to a Sample Discipline Scenario

Description of how teachers handle the following scenario: Child A and Child B are good friends and usually play together. One day, Child A decides to play with Child C and tells Child B, 'I don't want to play with you today. I'm playing with Child C instead.'

see above

Notes on Schedule and Extended Care

Notes

We offer a five-day, full-day schedule, though parents are welcome to abbreviate the schedule as needed. The tuition is standard for all children.

Application Process

Admissions Process

Director's Comments

We will continue admissions on a rolling basis, with a two-week deadline to submit the signed contract and deposit, until all spaces are filled. We keep the waitlist throughout the year and will contact families as spaces become available. If you do not make it for a particular round, we will send you an email confirming that your family is still on the waitlist and the timing for the next round of announcements. If you wish to decline a spot we've offered, or if you would like us to take your child off our waitlist, please let us know as soon as possible.