JCC-Rosenberg Early Childhood Center

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  • Neighborhood: Lake Street
  • Telephone: (415) 386-4990
  • Website: www.jccsf.org

Summary

Contact Info

JCC-Rosenberg Early Childhood Center
325 Arguello Boulevard
San Francisco , CA  94118
www.jccsf.org

Tel: (415) 386-4990
Fax: (415) 386-4990

Director: Ilene Pollack
ipollack@jccsf.org

General Approach to Learning

Play-based
Check Mark Play-based with some structure
Predominantly teacher-led instruction
Montessori
Waldorf
Co-op
Reggio-Emilia

Application Information

Applications accepted Upon birth
Wait list Yes
Deadline for applications Rolling

Key Statistics

Extended day Yes
School year Year round program

Kindergarten Placement

Kindergartens that preschoolers from this school are now attending

Town, French- American International School, Brandeis, San Francisco Day School, Lafayette, Clarendon, Claire Lilienthal, Presidio Hill , Alamo, Jefferson, Rooftop, Stuart Hall

Parent Ratings

Parents at this school would recommend this school to other parents. Four Stars
Quality of teaching Four Stars
Development of social skills and work habits Four Stars
Home-school connection Three and Half Stars
Parent community Three and Half Stars
Discipline Four Stars
Facilities Four Stars
Health Four And Half Stars
Safety Four Stars
Handling of separation Four Stars

Survey Information

Number of parents surveyed:  10

Savvy Source survey: Yes

Parents who send their child to this preschool also like the following preschools:

  • JCC- Helen Diller Family Preschool
  • Lone Mountain Children's Center
  • Peter's Place Nursery School
  • Pacific Primary School
  • The Little School

General Info

Facilities

CONDITION OF FACILITIES RATING (4.3) Four Stars
Building, bathrooms, hallway Four Stars
Classroom equipment and furniture Four Stars
Outside play equipment Four Stars

Parents' Comments
Parent #1
We had 2 kids go through JCC Rosenberg. I wish we could rate it 2 1/2 stars, as overall it's uneven in quality.

The building itself is cozy, and homelike which is nice. It's certainly a safe environment. The program strives to be child-driven and to support each kid as an individual, and has some amount of success with this.

The teachers range from truly outstanding, to horrible and how we felt about the school any year depended a lot on what teachers our kids had. There was also a lot of teacher turn-over between school years, some times as much as 1/2 the staff. This led to inconsistency in the program.

There are additional activities like music, garden, gymnastics and art which the kids loved, but there were often large gaps in having specialists available for these, so they were suspended sometimes for months.

The current director is very good, enthusiastic and smart and is doing the best she can overall. She's certainly an improvement over the one that came before her, who was promoted to a higher-up job at the JCC - we felt she was really poor in the way she acted with both parents and children.

Parent #2
This school has much to offer and is highly successful at building a strong community including children, parents and staff. Their Reggio approach fosters collaboration and curiousity, and keeps children busy and engaged. Some parents may be put off by the lack of supervision in the bathroom for the younger, toliet trained children or those just learning. Some of the teachers are excellent, some clearly are not.

Parent #3
Strengths: leadership at site and at JCC, reggio emilio philosophy, length of tenure of many staff, and fact that JCC pays better and offers staff JCC benefits, we've had 6 teachers and several floaters and all have been excellent over the 3 years, specialists in art, music, garden, gymnastics, outdoor space, organization of the day including mixed age activity T,W,Th afternoon, the Rosenberg community of parents/families, the low-key but enriching exposure to Jewish values, traditions.

Parent #4
The 'Reggio Emilia-inspired' curriculum is relatively new and getting stronger. In the past two years we've seen a lot of progress in the ways the teachers implement it and the school supports it. The pre-K ('Gan Katan') program/teachers in particular are terrific. This is one of the few full day programs in the city--very supportive of working parents.

Parent #5
Strengths: provides safe, engaging and fun environment for kids as young as 2, in a full time program. Not many full time programs in the city, and certainly not for 2 year olds. Great outdoor areas. I have some great friends among parents. Weaknesses: Expensive, and not sure where the money goes. Teacher turn over is high. Not all staff either understand or employ Reggio Emilio approach.

Parent #6
I can't imagine a better place for my daughter to have started her school experience. I am Jewish and her exposure to Jewish holidays, rituals and songs was great. The director of the Rosenberg site is fabulous--smart, energetic, level-headed. I always felt comfortable leaving my daughter, who never once said she didn't want to go to school or indicated she was less than happy to spend her days there. The parents are, on the whole, an engaged, informed, cooperative group, and we've made some terrific friends. The teachers are uneven. Some are truly outstanding and couldn't be better. Others are fine but nothing too special. I loved the physical setting. I understand the appeal of the Reggio Emilio educational philosophy and the importance it places on children's interests and feelings. But I wish there had been more specific goals and structure to the curriculum.

School Philosophy & Day in the Life

School Philosophy and Mission

"Located in a beautiful, historic landmark building, the Rosenberg Center provides a full-day, year round program for families who require full-time childcare. With our own flower and vegetable garden, a spacious play yard and cozy, inviting rooms, we provide a warm, nurturing environment, inspired by Jewish values, that provides opportunities for children's exploration and self-expression, and builds a strong community among our families and staff." Extracted from the preschool's website



Typical Day-In-The-Life At This School

Director has not yet submitted this information to the Savvy Source

Curriculum & Teaching Approach

General Approach to Learning

Play-based
Play-based with some structure
Predominantly teacher-led instruction
Montessori
Waldorf
Co-op
Reggio-Emilia

Social Skills & Work Habits

OVERALL RATING (4.4) Four Stars
This school has increased my child's:
Ability to listen and follow directions Four Stars
Ability to sit still for longer periods of time
Four Stars
Ability to be a part of a group of children Four Stars
Self-sufficiency and independence Four Stars
Awareness of others’ feelings Four And Half Stars
Cooperation with other children Four And Half Stars

Curriculum and Teaching Approach

Free Play Free Play Free Play with Some Structure Free Play with Some Structure Free Play with Some Structure
Language -
Oral language - - - - n/a
Nursery rhymes, poems, songs - - - - n/a
Storybook reading - - - - n/a
Emerging literacy skills - - - - n/a
Cognitive Development n/a
Math and number sense - - - - -
Time & space - - - - -
Sci. reasoning/physical world - - - - -
Music - - - - -
Visual arts - - - - -
Physical activity - - - - -
Other subjects taught n/a
Parents' Comments

Parent #1
The JCC follows the Reggio Emilia philosophy of early childhood education. Therefore there is not much formal curriculum but rather the teachers take their lead from the children and draw out their interests. Very child-centered

Parent #2
Follows Reggio-Emilia approach

Parent #3
These questions don't give the answer of an approach that combines teacher-led instruction with children-instigated approach, which is the style at Rosenberg. While there is no 'formal' instruction in math or language, the children do all kinds of language work, and spacial puzzles and an amazing exploration of outer space that was generated by interest from the children. Some things, like physical activity and movement are both taught 'formally' and informally.

Parent #4
I selected predominantly teacher-led instruction but that sounds much more didactic than it is. In the Reggio approach, the teachers are using the children's interest and focus in particular topics to spark a whole range of learning. So in our class, the kids were focused on planets and space for awhile, and this led to a lot of learning about planets and space that was presented by the teacher and explored in field trips etc, but as part of that the teachers integrated learning numbers and letters and physical activity and movement and arts. Music, art and physical activity have formal instruction from the specialists and teachers, but are also incorporated in the free play time. The pre-K year is much more structured than the previous years in order to support school readiness.

Parent #5
The approach is mostly free play where children can choose their own activities, but there are specific teacher led activities - morning meetings, music, gymnastics, story time. Teachers are always available to answer questions and to guide discussion during explorations.

Quality of Teaching

Teachers Are:

OVERALL RATING: (4.1) Four Stars
Full of energy and seemingly happy in job Four Stars
Patient and affectionate with children Four Stars
Talks with children and listens carefully when they are talking with him/her Four And Half Stars
Praises children for accomplishments and good behavior Four Stars
Provides feedback on what my child does during the day Three and Half Stars
Shares insights on my child that are helpful and accurate Three and Half Stars
Identifies my child’s strengths and weaknesses Three and Half Stars
If necessary, provides additional support to my child during pickup and drop-off Four Stars
Resolves disputes quickly, calmly and fairly in a manner that allows children to learn from the dispute Four And Half Stars
Notices children who are not on task and/or engaging with other children appropriately and quickly reengages them Three and Half Stars
Manages the energy level of the children so that all children feel safe and able to learn Four Stars
Provides additional support to a child when s/he is clearly failing in her/his efforts Three and Half Stars
Strikes the proper balance between active and quiet play for children Four Stars

Director's Comments on Individualized Teaching

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
I had reservations about my daughter's lead teacher this year and that's why he earned low marks. Had I filled out this questionnaire last year, I would have raved about both her teachers who were extremely nurturing, creative, attentive and in tune with the children.

Parent #2
School has wonderful specialists in gardening, tumbling, music and art. The teachers in the Pre-K year are phenomenal. The class size is kept to about 12, with 2 teachers, which makes the classes intimate.

Parent #3
In addition to the regular teachers, the school employs 'specialists' in the areas of music, gymnastics, art, and gardening. They add a tremendous amount to the school on a weekly basis. The school has a unique and exceptional physical space and yards front and back so the gardening specialist has a lot of opportunity.

Home School Connection

Home-School Connection

OVERALL RATING (3.8) Three and Half Stars
Conducts an open house at start of school year Four And Half Stars
Conducts a parent-teacher meeting at start of school year Three Stars
Conducts regular parent teacher conferences Four Stars
Provides summary of child’s learning at end of year Three Stars
Provides guidance on developmental goals for the following year Three Stars
Provides guidance on best Kindergarten and elementary schools Four Stars

Separation

OVERALL RATING (4.1) Four Stars

Director's and Parents' Comments

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
JCC-Rosenberg feels like an intimate, caring, connected environment for preschool children and their parents. We did not choose to be actively involved although there are many parent committees and opportunities for parent participation.

Parent #2
The school is very flexible in meeting child/parent needs regarding separation. I did not check parents in the classroom because there isn't an active policy re keeping them in to assist in separation but if the parent believes this will help it is fine especially in the beginning w/young children

Parent Community

COHESIVENESS RATING (3.5) Three and Half Stars

Parents:

- Hold social events at the school to build community

- Are able to visit the school anytime we want

- Go on field trips

- Volunteer in the classroom

- Receive newsletters

- Hold social events outside of the school (with and/or without children)

- Encourage play dates out of school


Parents' Comments

Parent #1
Are requested to make donations (but not required); are given varied ways to get involved at the school.

Parent #2
Sit on steering committee and parent council.

Modes of Communication Between School and Home

- Notes

- Phone Calls

- Voice Mail

- Special Meetings

- Two or More Regular Conferences

- Drop-Off

- Pick-Up

- Regular newsletter/printed updates circulated to the whole school


Parents' Comments

Parent #1
Teachers keep a daily 'journal' where they write up highlights of each day.

Discipline, Health and Safety

Discipline

OVERALL RATING (4.1) Four Stars
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

Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
Rosenberg is housed in an historic building that is charming, cozy and welcoming. Since it is old, it shows its age and could use some sprucing up. The outside area is awesome. They have a very large garden(and full-time gardener) and an expansive back yard for play

Parent #2
The physical plant at Rosenberg is great. There is a lovely garden in the front where the children get to plant things, play with worms, etc. and a large outdoor back yard with a climbing structure, room for bikes, sand box, and basketball hoops.

Parent #3
The school facility is exceptional, better than most I have seen in S.F. including at much more 'popular' preschools. The school leadership around discipline is excellent. I find individual teachers have real strengths in this area and others are just O.K. but never have I experienced a loss of confidence.

Parent #4
Bathroom and kitchen get a lot of use and it shows

Parent #5
The school generally does very well on socialization, but at times did not address bullying or mean behavior as quickly as they should.

Health

OVERALL RATING (4.6) Four And Half Stars
Temperature and overall air circulation is comfortable Four And Half Stars
Healthy and nutritious snacks are provided Four Stars
Toys and furniture are cleaned regularly Four And Half Stars

Safety

OVERALL RATING (4.2) Four Stars
Screen and identify all visitors Four Stars
Parents may not bring sick children to school where they may infect others Four Stars

Ages, Schedule & Tuition

Ages, Class Size, Days & Tuition

Ages Class Size Days Tuition
From 2 years to
5 years 5 months
Mon 8:00am - 6:00pm
Tue 8:00am - 6:00pm
Wed 8:00am - 6:00pm
Thu 8:00am - 6:00pm
Fri 8:00am - 6:00pm
$15435/Year

Extended Care

- This school does have extended care

Calendar Year

School Year

Year round program

Application & Admissions

Application Process

Applications are accepted: Upon birth

There is a wait list for upcoming school year.

Deadline for applications: Rolling

Admissions Process

Financial aid is available.

Age/Child Requirements

Child does not need to be potty trained to enroll.

Kindergarten Placement & Tips

Kindergarten Placement

Kindergartens that preschoolers from this school are now attending

Town, French- American International School, Brandeis, San Francisco Day School, Lafayette, Clarendon, Claire Lilienthal, Presidio Hill , Alamo, Jefferson, Rooftop, Stuart Hall

Parents' Admission Tips

Advice from Parents to Prospective Parents on Admissions

Parent #1
I met with the director of all three JCC campuses, and she gave me a personal tour. She and I hit it off and I'm sure that explains my daughter's admission.

Parent #2
Called the director to let her know it was our first choice.

Parent #3
Meet with the director.

The Savvy Source for Parents © 2006
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