The academic success of children in later years depends heavily upon their kindergarten readiness. The JLU Pre-K Plus program not only readies children for kindergarten but also gives them the best possible start to life through our social-emotional framework.
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 Shelby Price
Joined JLU: February 2021
Degree: High School diploma
Experience prior to JLU: two years of experience at Lifetime Assistance; six years of managerial experience in retail settings; ten years of childcare experience running an in-home
center
Personal life: engaged, mother of one, plays soccer, loves camping, snowmobiling and four-wheeling
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
Ms. Kate Schied-Deckert
Joined JLU: May 2021
Degree: Master’s degree in Creative Arts Therapy from Nazareth College; Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from Alfred University
Experience prior to JLU: over 10 years of combined childcare experience at the YMCA and Pea Pods Child Care; over 10 years of providing in-home respite care through DePaul
Developmental Services, People, Inc. and Happiness House
Personal life: married, enjoys spending time with her family, decorating her home and spending time outside in nature
Miss Amy Trichanh
Joined JLU: September 2016
Degree: 18 credits in Early Care at Monroe Community College; currently pursuing a Child Development Associate's degree
Experience prior to JLU: one year of experience as a cafeteria aide at Neil Armstrong elementary school; childcare internship as an infant teacher at MCC; Sunday school teacher, VBS and drama director at home church for four years
Personal life: attends Messiah Lutheran Church, enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, baking and Netflix