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. 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