Preschool is the first experience many children have in a structured setting where they have an opportunity to learn, share, follow instructions and practice good decision making.
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. 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
Mrs. Audesty Mitchell
Joined JLU: March 2023
Degree: High School diploma
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 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 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
Miss Cathy Medley
Joined JLU: August 2023
Degree: High School diploma
Experience prior to JLU: one year of experience as a security officer; four years of customer service experience including recently at the Seneca Park Zoo
Personal life: enjoys spending time with her daughter
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 Pearl Salonen-Roperti
Joined JLU: May 2023
Degree: college credits from Canisius College; High School Diploma
Experience prior to JLU: three years of lifeguard experience; over one year of private infant care
Personal life: loves reading and is working on writing a novel
Miss Ayanna Scott
Joined JLU: August 2023
Degree: pursuing a degree Human Services from Monroe Community College; HS Diploma
Experience prior to JLU: one year of experience as a classroom paraprofessional; youth leader for Center for Youth
Personal life: loves reading and writing poetry