We've been happy there (child is 3), they have done some really amazing activities in the classroom. I do think the aftercare is a bit disorganized/chaotic and the aftercare staff only sort of pays attention- I mean, it's a tough job- who wants that job for like 2-3 hours a day? In other schools they have the main teachers and floaters do varied schedules so some come in early some days and others stay late other days- I think that approach works better. That being said, you can pay more for extracurricular classes (swimming, acting etc.) which has been great.

Anonymous wrote:IMHO The DCJCC is fine -- not great, not terrible -- just fine. In my experience with my kids in the school, it totally depends on the teacher. Our first year, we had amazing teachers and didn't realize how lucky we were. The following year, they were okay. This year - they are really inexperienced and it shows. If the tuition was cheaper, I wouldn't bat an eye at sending kids here, but with the tuition at this rate, I'd expect higher quality staff (or at least a clear mentorship program for inexperienced teachers).

How old is your child? Have you you had the same child there for 3 years in a row? Asking because I'm curious if there's a difference between the younger classrooms and the older classrooms.

IMHO The DCJCC is fine -- not great, not terrible -- just fine. In my experience with my kids in the school, it totally depends on the teacher. Our first year, we had amazing teachers and didn't realize how lucky we were. The following year, they were okay. This year - they are really inexperienced and it shows. If the tuition was cheaper, I wouldn't bat an eye at sending kids here, but with the tuition at this rate, I'd expect higher quality staff (or at least a clear mentorship program for inexperienced teachers).

Anonymous wrote:Hello! This feedback on DC JCC preschool has been so helpful.

Does anyone have any other recent experience or thoughts? It would be helpful to understand if the teacher and management situation has improved since a few years ago?

Thanks for any thoughts

We're a current family. The teachers in our class seem super engaged and happy. The leadership has been very responsive (though we haven't really had any issues to escalate).

We are about to re-enroll for next year (our child will be turning 3 this spring) and hope that things continue to be as great as they have been this year. We're really happy all around. Also, fwiw, there are fewer days off next year than this year and an additional benefit that we enjoy is that by being a preschool family you are also members of the JCC so you have access to the gym and pool, and exercise classes. It's a nice addition.

Anonymous wrote:Bump. New facilities seem amazing but I am concerned about teacher workload and management. Have those issues been resolved? When we took a tour we were told that they put a lot of effort into supporting teachers and avoiding burnout - a good sign given some comments above. However this translates to more costs for families(eg a separate bill for aftercare starting at 415) and closing for 2 weeks in August (which means parents need extra coverage) in addition to Jewish holidays and Christmas week.

the two week break in august is literally their summer vacation... kids move classrooms after it. teachers deserve at least a month off

Hello! This feedback on DC JCC preschool has been so helpful.

Does anyone have any other recent experience or thoughts? It would be helpful to understand if the teacher and management situation has improved since a few years ago?

Thanks for any thoughts

Aftercare is great! The first week or so the transition from daytime teachers to aftercare was a bit tough for my DC as DC tends to get attached to teachers, but since then DC seems to have lots of fun in aftercare. There are always lots of kids when we pick our kid up around 5:50. I think at least 50-75% of my kid’s class does aftercare. For holidays- combo of taking time off, hiring teachers to watch a few of the kids at home. I know some people had grandparents come up. October was the major holiday month this year. During the Passover holidays in April we will just go on or annual trip to visit spouse’s family.

Recent JCC people: how do you handle all the days off? Do you wind up hiring the teachers to babysit? How do you like the after care program? How many people use it? Will my kid be the only one?

We also have a 3 year old at JCC and are really loving it. The facilities are beautiful and we really like DC's teacher. DC is excited at drop off every day (in our old daycare, which we also liked DC would often be clingy). Love that they have art, music and yoga (my DC likes to pretend to be the yoga teacher and teach us at home, it's so cute). We were hesitant because it was more expensive then our old place, but we haven't looked back since switching. Very happy.

I have a 3 year old at the JCC and have had good experiences so far. The new facilities are modern and bright and the teachers are great- nurturing but also always making sure the kids are learning something new and learning to become more independent. The biggest issue so far is closures due to the Jewish holidays but those are known ahead of time- just can add up in terms of finding alternative coverage.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Bump. New facilities seem amazing but I am concerned about teacher workload and management. Have those issues been resolved? When we took a tour we were told that they put a lot of effort into supporting teachers and avoiding burnout - a good sign given some comments above. However this translates to more costs for families(eg a separate bill for aftercare starting at 415) and closing for 2 weeks in August (which means parents need extra coverage) in addition to Jewish holidays and Christmas week.

You should look into School for Friends which is close by.

+1. When we looked at preschools, school for friends teachers seemed super happy.

That was the case many years ago but not when I toured last year. The place has changed a lot from when it was run by Jim. JCC was our part preferred choice over SFF, even though the tuition was more.

Anonymous wrote:PP here. Will look into friends but would also appreciate JCC feedback.

We're a current JCC family. Our DC is in one of the 2 1/2 year old classrooms. We love it. The teachers a great and seem happy, our DC is super happy. They have yoga, art, music incorporated into their day. They go to the playground nearly everyday (unless it's raining). We're working on potty training and the teachers have been super supportive. It's a calm, nurturing environment. Every Monday our DC can't wait to go back to school. It's extremely heartening.

PP here. Will look into friends but would also appreciate JCC feedback.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Bump. New facilities seem amazing but I am concerned about teacher workload and management. Have those issues been resolved? When we took a tour we were told that they put a lot of effort into supporting teachers and avoiding burnout - a good sign given some comments above. However this translates to more costs for families(eg a separate bill for aftercare starting at 415) and closing for 2 weeks in August (which means parents need extra coverage) in addition to Jewish holidays and Christmas week.

You should look into School for Friends which is close by.

+1. When we looked at preschools, school for friends teachers seemed super happy.

Anonymous wrote:Bump. New facilities seem amazing but I am concerned about teacher workload and management. Have those issues been resolved? When we took a tour we were told that they put a lot of effort into supporting teachers and avoiding burnout - a good sign given some comments above. However this translates to more costs for families(eg a separate bill for aftercare starting at 415) and closing for 2 weeks in August (which means parents need extra coverage) in addition to Jewish holidays and Christmas week.

You should look into School for Friends which is close by.