Preschool classrooms have a maximum of 14 children in the room, with a teacher to student ratio of 1:7.

JLU provides a full-day preschool program that promotes active play, exploration, independence, and self-esteem. The curriculum focuses on language, math, science, religion, and social skills. Children have quiet time daily and may sleep or rest quietly on individual mats.  Students do not have to be fully potty trained but will be encouraged to complete potty training while in this program.

Parents are responsible for providing the following items for preschool children in care: pull-ups, wipes, extra set of clothing, fitted crib sheet & blanket.

Miss Nikki Paxson

Joined JLU: April 2022
Degree:  currently enrolled in Child Development associate degree
Experience prior to JLU: five years of combined customer service experience at McDonalds and Runnings; three years of experience teaching Sunday school 
Personal life: enjoys spending time with her family and her church family

Mrs. Audesty Mitchell

Joined JLU: March 2023

Degree:  currently enrolled in Child Development associate degree

Experience prior to JLU: two years of customer service experience; five years of experience in food service; five years of experience as a childcare provider for family and friends

Personal life: married, loves dancing, singing and reading

Miss Shanauree Beaty

Joined JLU: August 2023

Degree:  Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing and Speech Communications from SUNY Potsdam

Experience prior to JLU: three years of customer service experience; experience as a childcare provider for family and friends

Personal life: enjoys reading, writing and has a passion for books and movies

Ms. Jessica Taylor

Joined JLU: July 2020

Degree: Associate’s degree in Education from the Community College of Philadelphia
Experience prior to JLU: two years of experience teaching preschool at the Early Literacy Academy in Philadelphia; two years of experience as a private nanny; two years volunteering to teach Sunday School  
Personal life: enjoys reading, crocheting and creating art

Miss Kelley Chinappi

Joined JLU: October 2023

Degree:  High school diploma

Experience prior to JLU: professional experience as housekeeper, production worker and receptionist; five years of volunteer experience teaching Sunday school at church

Personal life: enjoys reading, hiking and spending time with her family

Miss Kelly Fee

Joined JLU: January 2024

Degree:  High school diploma

Experience prior to JLU: almost 30 years of experience as a certified nursing assistant; two years of experience as a personal care assistant

Personal life: mother of two, enjoys gardening, reading, cooking, taking naps and playing with her pets

Mrs. Alexandria Strachan-Brown

Joined JLU: August 2019

Degree: currently enrolled in Child Development associate degree; credits in childhood education from Daemen College
Experience prior to JLU: three years of experience working for First Student as a bus attendant; over 10 years of experience as a Sunday School teacher for His Way Ministries 
Personal life: married, mother of two, has a love of music which she uses to direct her church youth choir 

Miss Laura Fields

Joined JLU: April 2024

Degree: Associate’s degree in Human Services from Genesee Community College; EMT certification

Experience prior to JLU: nine years of experience working in the childcare industry; other professional experience as a personal aide and companion care

Personal life: becoming a foster parent, is a volunteer firefighter, enjoys spending time with her son and cat

Miss Juanisha Lightle

Joined JLU: January 2024

Degree:  BS in Sociology from SUNY Albany

Experience prior to JLU: three years of customer service, two years of experience as a direct support professional, volunteer experience teaching Sunday school & VBS

Personal life: enjoys DIY crafting, crocheting, candle making and spending time with her family

Miss Megan Zwerka

Joined JLU: June 2023

Degree:  currently attends Byron-Bergen HS

Experience prior to JLU: volunteer experience working with children in her church with Sunday school, nursery and Vacation Bible School

Personal life: enjoys drawing and painting; plays varsity girls’ soccer