Pre-K classrooms have a maximum of 16 children in the room, with a teacher to student ratio of 1:8.

JLU Child Care families are investing in their children’s early childhood experience. Research shows this is an investment that will yield great academic results.  Our students benefit from extended classroom learning time, structured classrooms, loving teachers and planned assessments meeting NYS Pre-K standards.  

Children have quiet time daily and may sleep or rest quietly on individual mats. Parents are responsible for providing the following items for Pre-K children in care:  extra set of clothing, fitted crib sheet & blanket for rest time

Children can attend our full-day Pre-K Plus program but also have an option to attend a shortened day program from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. only at a discounted rate.

Mrs. Darleen Croucher 

Joined JLU: January 2011
Degree: Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Sociology from Roberts Wesleyan College
Experience prior to JLU: over 25 years of experience teaching in child care centers, elementary schools and acted as director and assistant director at her previous center 
Personal life: married, attends Christ Reformed Church.

Miss Kaitlyn Guyett 

Joined JLU: September 2022
Degree: High School diploma; college credits in Human Services and Early Childhood Education
Experience prior to JLU: one year of professional childcare experience; volunteer experience leading children’s ministry and nursery at St. Paul Lutheran Church & School
Personal life: loves being outdoors, spending time with family & friends, singing, and is an animal lover

Mrs. Nancy Getbehead

Joined JLU: September 2010

Degree: Master's in Education, Bachelor's in Elementary Education

Experience prior to JLU: 11 years of classroom experience teaching in preschool, first and second grades

Personal life: mother of two, enjoys knitting, reading and sewing bibs for JLU infants, member of St. Paul Lutheran Church

Miss Dale Shonk

Joined JLU: January 2018

Degree: Associate's in Business Administration; Associate's in Liberal Arts with focus in Adolescent Education; enrolled in master's program in Theology and Social Work at Roberts Wesleyan

Experience prior to JLU: Two years of experience as Director of Children's Ministry at Ogden Baptist Church where she also teaches Sunday school, leads Children's Bible study, directs a Kid's Cooking Camp and heads the preschool VBS program; five years of professional experience at Target

Personal life: enjoys spending time reading, analyzing television shows and movies, and spending time with loved ones and her kitty