I still remember what it was like to search for the "perfect" preschool for my two boys.  I looked up schools in the phone book (Ahhhh...no Google, imagine that!), I noticed schools as I drove around town, and I talked to people and got their opinions. I took many tours, but couldn't find the perfect fit.  During that time, one preschool's name kept popping up in conversations... the JCC in Maitland.  

"It is the best in town."  "You won't find anything like it."  "It is developmentally appropriate."  "They really understand children."  When I finally went on a tour to see for myself, I found all of those statements to be true- so true, in fact, that I applied for a teacher's position as soon as I knew the boys would be attending.

That was twenty years ago.

I find it fascinating that the same can be said about the JCC preschool to this day. Year after year, we have maintained the high standards required to keep a national accreditation, and for two years running, we have been awarded the Orlando Mom's Guide and Nickelodeon's Parents' Picks Award of Orlando's Best Preschool.  Just recently, the National Association of Childcare Professionals (NAC) sent validators to observe our teachers in action as the final part of our NAC accreditation. After spending several days with us, they were thrilled with what they saw and found our teaching staff and programming to be extraordinary.

Congratulations to everyone in the preschool!  I am so proud of the teachers, administrators, and parent body, and I am very thankful that all those years ago I chose the JCC as my children's preschool.  I feel very lucky to be connected with this community.

Finding a "perfect" school for your children is difficult.  There is a lot to consider. Take the time to observe and ask questions that matter to you and your family, but above everything else, trust your gut. If your impression is that it feels like home, you'll know you have found your "perfect" school.

Sincerely,

   

Hello!!!  This month we are featuring many of the volunteers who make Shayna's Village so special.  We asked them to share why they volunteer.  As the school year comes to an end, we hope many of you will consider volunteering next year in Shayna's Village!

Volunteer from Shayna's Village

Fun In Shayna's Village

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Look, Mom, no hands!  The children painted with brushes attached to hard hats on art day in All around the Village.

  

The fun was overflowing while studying how bubbles are made in Lunchtime Laboratory.

  

In Imagine That, the children found out that sometimes picnics can be just as much fun inside as outside.

  

Whether the children are identifying notes, changing chords, or writing and performing their own songs, their confidence is off the charts  in Guitar Stars!

  

The children experiment with magnets and more in Earthly Science.

  

Playing competitive games in Friends Forever is exciting and emotional, but yoga helps us take deep breaths and calm our bodies.

  

It just tastes better when you cook together in Little Chefs.

  

The children add to their canvases each week in 1st Impressionists.   At the end of the session their masterpieces will be complete!