Frequently Asked Questions
Who are we?
The JCCNS is a small, parent-run preschool with a play-based curriculum and flexible scheduling. We welcome children from all faiths and cultures! We are located close to downtown State College, in a wing of Congregation Brit Shalom synagogue.
What school calendar do you follow?
The JCCNS follows the State College Area School District for closures, and holidays. We also observe all Jewish Holidays. You can find a link to our Current School Year Calendar here.
What does parent-run mean?
At our school parents fulfill certain roles to help support and run the school. By serving on the board, volunteering in the classroom, or purchasing classroom snacks, parental involvement builds a sense of community in our school. Parent participation is welcomed, but not required.
What is a play-based curriculum?
Children learn age-appropriate skills, such as letters, numbers, counting, cooperating, and listening through free play, stories, arts and crafts, cooking, music, and movement.
How does flexible scheduling work?
You can enroll your child for as many sessions per week as desired, and combine sessions and days of the week in any way you like. Additionally, we offer a drop in program that allows parents to sign their child up for additional sessions as needed, and as space permits. You can increase the number of sessions a child is enrolled for at any time. Decreasing the number of sessions requires 30 days notice to the Registrar.
Our family isn’t Jewish. Will we fit in?
In an average year, at least 50% of the students at the JCCNS aren’t Jewish. Our goal is to incorporate Jewish traditions into the curriculum in a way that is fun, appropriate for very young children, and respectful of children who come from other backgrounds. For example, your child may learn about the culture surrounding Jewish holidays such as eating apples and honey for a sweet new year, plant seeds for the birthday of the trees, and bake challah bread for Shabbat.
Who can come?
The JCCNS is open to children age 2 years, 7 months through age 5. Children are not required to be potty-trained in order to attend.
Are the children divided according to age?
No. Classes are mixed-age. Mixing children from different age groups gives younger children an opportunity to model their behavior after that of their older peers, and teaches the older children to interact compassionately with children who are younger than they are. Teachers tailor activities to meet the needs and skills of all children, so that the younger children might be painting a picture while the older ones are painting a picture and also painting their names or other words.
Who makes up the staff?
Our Lead Teacher/Administrator is Ms. Dara and our Co-Lead Teacher is Ms. Nana. In addition, we frequently have help from Penn State student interns through the America Reads program.
What is the student:teacher ratio?
The maximum number of students per teacher is 7, and the maximum number of students per class is 14. Additionally, teachers often limit enrollment to a smaller class size when the class skews towards a younger age.
What facilities are available?
There is a classroom, adjoining art room, outdoor playground, and large indoor space where the children can play on days when the weather isn’t good enough to go outside. There is also a kitchen facility for the cooking projects.
How do you handle discipline?
The staff uses positive approaches, such as redirection, role modeling, and problem-solving. Children are never physically handled, humiliated, or intimidated, and there are no time-outs unless there is a compassionate adult with the child, talking about the problem at hand. If there is an ongoing behavior problem, a parent conference (or conferences) may be scheduled.
My child has an allergy or other health concern. How will that be handled?
If your child has an allergy, we will work with you, the teachers, and all families to ensure that your child is not exposed to allergens. (For example, some years we have maintained a nut-free classroom.) If an accidental exposure occurs, the teachers will follow appropriate protocol to handle the reaction. If your child has an allergy or health concern which requires the use of an Epi-pen or other medication, parents will discuss and authorize their use and ensure that our teachers know how to dispense any required medications.
What does a typical day’s schedule look like?
Click Here to view a typical day's schedule. All times are approximate and flexible depending on the weather, interests of the children, and the kind of activity. Morning and Afternoon sessions have their own unique activities and experiences.
What does a typical year’s schedule look like?
Below is a sample calendar, with examples of weekly learning themes and field trips. Because we are a mixed age school, teachers aim to alternate activities each year to provide a new experience for students who attend our school during the entirety of their preschool experience. Click Here to view more curriculum details.
September - Friendship, Apples/Trees, High Holidays (Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur).
What calendar do you follow?
The JCCNS follows the State College Area School District (SCASD) calendar, with some additional days off for Jewish holidays. Drop-in credits are allotted for days missed due to Jewish holidays.
How do I sign my child up?
Contact our Registrar at (814)359-6665, or via e-mail at [email protected] to make sure that the days and times you are interested in are available. Then fill out the registration form (find the link via our homepage), plus a check made payable to 'JCCNS' for the $60 registration fee (or $40 for those registering before March 1). Brit Shalom members have no registration fee.
I think I need more information. Can I come in for a tour?
Sure! Contact the Registrar at [email protected] or call us at (814)359-6665 to set up a time for you to come in and spend some time with the class. You’re welcome to bring your child and any younger siblings as well.
The JCCNS is a small, parent-run preschool with a play-based curriculum and flexible scheduling. We welcome children from all faiths and cultures! We are located close to downtown State College, in a wing of Congregation Brit Shalom synagogue.
What school calendar do you follow?
The JCCNS follows the State College Area School District for closures, and holidays. We also observe all Jewish Holidays. You can find a link to our Current School Year Calendar here.
What does parent-run mean?
At our school parents fulfill certain roles to help support and run the school. By serving on the board, volunteering in the classroom, or purchasing classroom snacks, parental involvement builds a sense of community in our school. Parent participation is welcomed, but not required.
What is a play-based curriculum?
Children learn age-appropriate skills, such as letters, numbers, counting, cooperating, and listening through free play, stories, arts and crafts, cooking, music, and movement.
How does flexible scheduling work?
You can enroll your child for as many sessions per week as desired, and combine sessions and days of the week in any way you like. Additionally, we offer a drop in program that allows parents to sign their child up for additional sessions as needed, and as space permits. You can increase the number of sessions a child is enrolled for at any time. Decreasing the number of sessions requires 30 days notice to the Registrar.
Our family isn’t Jewish. Will we fit in?
In an average year, at least 50% of the students at the JCCNS aren’t Jewish. Our goal is to incorporate Jewish traditions into the curriculum in a way that is fun, appropriate for very young children, and respectful of children who come from other backgrounds. For example, your child may learn about the culture surrounding Jewish holidays such as eating apples and honey for a sweet new year, plant seeds for the birthday of the trees, and bake challah bread for Shabbat.
Who can come?
The JCCNS is open to children age 2 years, 7 months through age 5. Children are not required to be potty-trained in order to attend.
Are the children divided according to age?
No. Classes are mixed-age. Mixing children from different age groups gives younger children an opportunity to model their behavior after that of their older peers, and teaches the older children to interact compassionately with children who are younger than they are. Teachers tailor activities to meet the needs and skills of all children, so that the younger children might be painting a picture while the older ones are painting a picture and also painting their names or other words.
Who makes up the staff?
Our Lead Teacher/Administrator is Ms. Dara and our Co-Lead Teacher is Ms. Nana. In addition, we frequently have help from Penn State student interns through the America Reads program.
What is the student:teacher ratio?
The maximum number of students per teacher is 7, and the maximum number of students per class is 14. Additionally, teachers often limit enrollment to a smaller class size when the class skews towards a younger age.
What facilities are available?
There is a classroom, adjoining art room, outdoor playground, and large indoor space where the children can play on days when the weather isn’t good enough to go outside. There is also a kitchen facility for the cooking projects.
How do you handle discipline?
The staff uses positive approaches, such as redirection, role modeling, and problem-solving. Children are never physically handled, humiliated, or intimidated, and there are no time-outs unless there is a compassionate adult with the child, talking about the problem at hand. If there is an ongoing behavior problem, a parent conference (or conferences) may be scheduled.
My child has an allergy or other health concern. How will that be handled?
If your child has an allergy, we will work with you, the teachers, and all families to ensure that your child is not exposed to allergens. (For example, some years we have maintained a nut-free classroom.) If an accidental exposure occurs, the teachers will follow appropriate protocol to handle the reaction. If your child has an allergy or health concern which requires the use of an Epi-pen or other medication, parents will discuss and authorize their use and ensure that our teachers know how to dispense any required medications.
What does a typical day’s schedule look like?
Click Here to view a typical day's schedule. All times are approximate and flexible depending on the weather, interests of the children, and the kind of activity. Morning and Afternoon sessions have their own unique activities and experiences.
What does a typical year’s schedule look like?
Below is a sample calendar, with examples of weekly learning themes and field trips. Because we are a mixed age school, teachers aim to alternate activities each year to provide a new experience for students who attend our school during the entirety of their preschool experience. Click Here to view more curriculum details.
September - Friendship, Apples/Trees, High Holidays (Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur).
- Finger paint a life-size three-dimensional; papier mache tree for the classroom.
- Nature walk to collect fall leaves to place on our papier mache tree; pumpkin picking at Harner Farm.
- Cook “Thankful Soup” to share with parents; Paint with fruit and veggies (instead of brushes!).
- Hanukkah party!
- Pajama Day with Teddy Bears; pretend to hibernate; Make a BIG cave for the classroom.
- 100th day of school party (bring in 100 of something); Valentine’s Day Party (exchange Valentines and eat heart-shaped pancakes.)
- Passover Seder; taste many kinds of green foods
- Fire truck visit, make a fire station, and dress up like firemen.
- Watch larva turn into butterflies and then release the butterflies!
- Picnic at Spring Creek Park!
What calendar do you follow?
The JCCNS follows the State College Area School District (SCASD) calendar, with some additional days off for Jewish holidays. Drop-in credits are allotted for days missed due to Jewish holidays.
How do I sign my child up?
Contact our Registrar at (814)359-6665, or via e-mail at [email protected] to make sure that the days and times you are interested in are available. Then fill out the registration form (find the link via our homepage), plus a check made payable to 'JCCNS' for the $60 registration fee (or $40 for those registering before March 1). Brit Shalom members have no registration fee.
I think I need more information. Can I come in for a tour?
Sure! Contact the Registrar at [email protected] or call us at (814)359-6665 to set up a time for you to come in and spend some time with the class. You’re welcome to bring your child and any younger siblings as well.