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