Growing. Together.
Alison Hendeles Early Childhood Center
Safe, loving, Judaic-infused, experienced-based preschool education for every child.
Tour Early Childhood
Grow Together from 6 Weeks to Pre-K
The Valley of the Sun J Early Childhood Center (ECC) preschool program nurtures each child’s natural curiosity, intelligence, and interests while developing their Jewish identity.
Our Early Childhood Center isn’t just a place where your child goes. It’s where they will grow.
Specialty and academic enrichment classes
Low child-to-teacher ratios
Individualized care
The Valley of the Sun Educational Experience
The Alison Hendeles Early Childhood Center at The J offers a program that prepares children for the world through a strengths-based, play approach, aligned with the Arizona Early Learning Standards.
Our loving environment, small classes, and caring educators support each child’s unique development, fostering curiosity and intelligence from infancy through pre-k.
For Infants and Toddlers
Because learning starts at birth, and you want to give your child the best start in life. Our educators focus on individualized nurturing, growth, creativity, and play.
Infants
Toddlers
For Twos, Threes, and Pre-K
As a child begins to develop, they need opportunities to grow intellectually, emotionally,
and socially. At The J, we have it all.
Twos
Threes
Pre-K
“We have seen our son grow into a happy, communicative, and well-adapted young boy as he has progressed through the ECC!”
Elizabeth
Our Philosophy
Expansive Teaching Philosophy and Judaic Programming
Our facility is committed to maintaining a high-quality learning environment.
We ensure ongoing professional development for our staff through orientation, monthly meetings, collaboration with local education partners, and participation in external conferences and training. We welcome families of all faiths and beliefs, offering a program that provides childhood wonder through a Jewish perspective. By teaching concepts like Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) and Mitzvot (good deeds), we help children develop a sense of responsibility and foster a dynamic, inclusive community rooted in Jewish values and traditions.
Discover Our New Early Childhood Playground!
Our new Early Childhood Center Playground is now open, providing a safe and fun space for young learners to grow through interactive play. With engaging structures designed for exploration and development, it’s the ideal environment for children to build motor skills, social connections, and creativity.
Quick Facts about our Early Childhood Center
Availability
Availability varies each year. We have a set capacity per age group and fill spaces in each classroom on a first come, first served basis.
Age Groups
As a school we follow the Arizona September 1 cutoff, meaning:
- Ones – Toddlers: One on or by August 31
- Two’s: Two on or by August 31
- Three’s: Three on or by August 31
- Pre-K: Four on or by August 31
Potty Training
Children in our Infant to Three’s programs are not required to be potty-trained. Teachers will work with families of children who are still using diapers, as well as families that are working on transitioning to underwear.
Nap Time
For our Toddlers through Two’s rooms, nap time is 1-3pm. We understand that as a child gets older, the amount of nap time needed may vary and some may not need to nap at all. In our Three’s rooms we try to accommodate both those children who nap and those who do not.
Food
While all snacks purchased by the ECC are certified kosher, the lunch that you send in with your child is not required to be. However, we do request that you refrain from sending in pork or shellfish products. We are also a nut-free facility.
Join the Waitlist!
Your child’s lifelong love of learning starts today. We’d love to have you and your child be part of our Early Childhood Center community of care.
We are currently fully enrolled, but you can join our waiting list. Spaces become available through rolling admissions. Registration for the upcoming school year opens in January, with sessions starting in August.
Enrollment Process
We appreciate your interest in our Early Childhood Center! Here’s a simple step-by-step list to help you plan for your registration and enrollment.
Step 1
If you would like to visit our school, schedule a tour.
Step 2
Register online. You must have a J Family Membership at time of registration. Please contact our Membership Department by email membership@vosjcc.org or phone 480.481.7090 for more information.
Step 3
Our School’s Administrative Team will reach out to you about your child’s space.
Step 4
If space is available in your child’s age group, fill out any remaining forms that will be sent to you by our team.
Step 5
Welcome to the ECC! Information on class lists, teacher welcome letters, instructions for our communication app, and more will be sent to you prior to your scheduled start date! To reach us for any questions you might have you can always email us!
Have questions? Send us a message!
"*" indicates required fields
Financial Assistance
Our programs, camps, and memberships are open to all. It’s who we are. It’s how we build community.