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.

Mrs. Sarah Ippolito

Joined JLU: December 2012

Degree: Bachelor's degree in Psychology for children and youth from Houghton College; Child Development Associates in Preschool and Pre-K

Experience prior to JLU: worked as a counselor at Delta Lake Bible Conference Youth Camps

Personal life: married, mother of one, enjoys sports and hanging out with friends and family

Mrs. Erin Kane

Joined JLU: October 2021
Degree:  High school diploma
Experience prior to JLU: over 20 years of childcare experience including in home care, at a center and as an Au Pair; three years of customer service experience at Wegman’s and Chico’s
Personal life: enjoys painting, gardening, cooking and loves being outdoors to camp, hike or swim

Miss 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

Mrs. Alexandria Strachan-Brown

Joined JLU: August 2019

Degree: Credits completed in childhood education from Daemen College; currently enrolled at MCC
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 Jade Hoffarth

Joined JLU: August 2021
Degree:  High school diploma; some college credits completed at St. John Fisher
Experience prior to JLU: experience as an activities leader at Elderwood Nursing Home; two years of customer service experience at Crosby’s
Personal life: enjoys being outside, hiking and four wheeling

Miss Nikki Paxson

Joined JLU: April 2022
Degree:  High school diploma
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

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