All four of our children attended this Preschool. I can not say enough about what a great…read moreexperience this was for our entire family. This is going to be a long review. I taught in early childhood for 14 years, and I visited over 10 schools before this one won me over. I was looking for a fun, nurturing environment, but also looking for Kindergarten preparedness. So I'm just going write for ten years about why this school with forever remain in our hearts and photo albums.
I love the old school nostalgic feeling this classroom has. One great big classroom, that is inviting and spacious. with separate learning and exploration areas, that allow for learning through play. The classroom set up is well thought out, and has all of proven favorite activities that facilitate learning through play.The rocking horse, piano, playhouse, paint easels, marker easels, animals, dolls, dress up wardrobe, blocks, toy phone booth, kitchen set, puzzles, cars & trucks, play dough, trains. Fine motor development is fostered with a writing table that has enticing activities, like tracing paper, small sight words, the names of the children, lined paper, and envelopes. There was a time allotted to a small group craft project, that encourages the children to follow age appropriate directions. Some of the other daily activities are: welcome circle, weather check, calendar, pledge of allegiance, sharing circle, outside playground time, clean up time that requires children to participate, snack time, and music.
The teachers are kind, patient, and caring. They work incredibly well as a team, and it is so apparent that they love teaching the early years. The
respect for each child as an individual, is what really struck me. Professional, always approachable, highly knowledgeable, never condescending, and extremely supportive. One of our children had sensory integration disorder, in addition to a few learning differences. When it came time for the Kindergarten readiness evaluation, and addressing our concerns, the teachers at JKCP, were open, compassionate, honest, and helpful during the process of getting additional help for our child. They also offered to speak with the future Kindergarten teacher if it would help ease the transition. Our third child had a significant speech delay, so she arrived at JKCP, both cautions and reluctant to engage. At times I dropped her off crying and frustrated with EVERYTHING. The teachers were so well prepared to embrace and encourage her to feel secure enough to participate. They require the children to be potty trained, but my three year old was allowed to wear pull ups and was given frequent reminders. Once she hopped on a tiny toilet and fell in love with the decals on the bathroom walls, our potty problems were solved!
It's a friendly place to connect with other parents as well. When performing co-op duty, there are opportunities to meet and casually talk to the other volunteer parents. I had two babies during my time at JKCP. I was so touched when people signed up to bring us meals, also offered to sit in my car with our newborn at pick up or drop off, or bring my older child out to me. it was a wonderful lifesaver! The co-op and maintenance requirements are not as large of a commitment as they are at other co-ops. Also, when planned in advance, you may have a substitute fill in for you.
They take 3 fun field trips a year, a local nature hike, a trip to a museum, and singing at the senior center. JKCP also has visits from the book mobile, and community members such as dentists, veterinarians, firefighters, etc.
So many memories were made, goals achieved, connections that will last a lifetime. Everyone in our family learned and grew at JKCP, and we are forever grateful to the nurturing teachers, volunteer parents, parent board members, and admins that have kept it a wonderful place. The tuition is very reasonable because of the parent participation. We were at this happy little school, on and off, from 2007 until 2020.