Preschool
PRESCHOOL CHILD DEVELOPMENT & LEARNING
All ECC classrooms use The Creative Curriculum®, a research-based early childhood framework that guides how we design environments, plan experiences, support interactions, and assess growth. As a developmentally appropriate practice, we emphasize play as a critical component of learning.
Play supports memory, language development, self‑regulation, problem-solving, social competence, and school readiness. Through play, children explore the world, build relationships, express emotions, and practice emerging skills.
ECC Open House
To learn about the Early Childhood Center and the 2026/2027 school year, please join us at our Open House events scheduled in January:
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 | 9-10:30 AM Open House for Toddlers (Ages 18 months - 2 years)
Wednesday, January 28, 2026 | 9-10:30 AM Open House for Preschool (Ages 3 - 4 years)
The Open Houses include a short Q and A with the directors, small group guided tours, and registration and tuition information. The Open Houses are designed to engage adults.
While we would love to meet your children, we ask that they stay home.
If you are unable to make it to the Open House and would like more information please email us at ecc@slcjcc.org
Toddler Programs (18-Month & 2/3's)
Each toddler classroom is thoughtfully designed to support exploration, independence, and emerging social skills. Children engage in both quiet and active play across a variety of classroom centers, including: library, art, science, sensory, math/manipulatives, blocks, and dramatic play.
18-Month-Old Toddler Program
During this year, toddlers experience rapid language growth, increased coordination, and interest in pretend play and relationships with peers.
Eligibility: Children 18 months old by December 1
Ratio: 4-5 children per teacher
2-Year-Old Toddler Program
Two-year-olds are eager to explore their independence and practice new skills. Our 2/3‑year-old classrooms support emotional, physical, cognitive, and language development while nurturing essential social skills.
Eligibility: Children 2 years old by September 1
Ratio: 6 children per teacher
18-Month Program Options
- Full Day: M-F
- Extended Care Available
2/3's Program Options
- Half Day: M-F // Full Day: M-F
- Extended Care Available
3's Program
Three-Year-Old Preschool Program
Our preschool classrooms provide opportunities for children to expand their world, build friendships, and engage in hands-on learning. Teachers encourage experimentation, investigation, imagination, and collaboration.
Eligibility: Children age 3 by September 1
Ratio: 7-8 children per teacher
3's Program Options
- Half Day: M-F // Full Day: M-F
- Extended Care Available
4's Program
Four-Year-Old Pre K Program
Pre‑K classrooms build on prior learning with deeper studies, increased responsibility, and expanded social interactions. Children practice shared decision-making, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and collaboration while engaging in meaningful, play‑based learning.
Eligibility: Children age 4 by September 1
Ratio: 8–9 children per teacher
4s Program Options
- Half Day: M-F // Full Day: M-F
- Extended Care Available
Individual & Special Needs
The JCC supports the participation of children with varying needs in our ECC program. It is beneficial for all children to have the chance to socialize with each other as friends. Our goal is always to support the individual needs of every child in our ECC programs. In order to provide a safe and rewarding experience for all children in our program, children with differing behavior needs, exceptionalities, and any type of written plan or diagnosis will require a meeting with ECC directors prior to registration. This meeting will address individual needs and help us partner with each family to ensure that your child has a great experience. Families may be required to provide additional documentation to help educators understand your child’s individual needs.
Learn More
For more information, to schedule an intake meeting, or if you are uncertain if your child would qualify, please contact: ECC Director, Teresa Cereska, at tcereska@slcjcc.org
- Space is limited so that we can continue to provide a quality experience for all children.
