Preschool
For two-and-three-year-olds.
As a child begins to develop, they need opportunities to grow intellectually, emotionally, and socially. At the Alison Hendeles Early Childhood Center at Valley of the Sun J, they have it all.
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
Twos
Our Twos program is crafted to support your child’s natural curiosity and growing independence.
This program lays a strong foundation for future learning and development. Highlights include:
- Language Development: A playful curriculum that promotes language growth and exploration.
- Essential Self-Help Skills: Activities that foster independence and practical skills.
- Social Interaction: Opportunities to learn and
navigate social interactions. - Problem-Solving: Engaging tasks that encourage critical thinking.
Threes
Our Threes classrooms focus on preparing your child to be a confident and capable learner for Pre-K.
We create a dynamic and supportive setting to ensure your child is ready to soar in Pre-K. Key features include:
- Increased Autonomy: Activities that foster independence and decision-making skills.
- Routine and Problem-Solving: Guidance to help your child follow routines and tackle challenges.
- Social Skills: Opportunities to develop strong social skills and build lasting friendships.
- Vocabulary and Communication: A fun, interactive environment that nurtures language development.
- Basic Academic Concepts: Engaging activities that spark curiosity and a love of learning.
Pre-K
Get your child excited for kindergarten with our engaging pre-K classrooms!
Our program ensures your child is ready and excited for the next chapter! We offer:
- Child-Centered Approach: Hands-on, interactive learning that fosters a love of discovery.
- Exciting Adventures: Activities designed to spark curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.
- Social Skills Development: Collaborative play that helps your child build strong social skills and teamwork.
- Confidence Building: Preparation for a smooth transition to Kindergarten with the skills and confidence needed for success.
Other Enrichment Opportunities for Your Child
In addition to the educational experience offered at the ECC, we also offer a variety of enrichment programs to round out your child’s time with us.
Jolly Phonics
A proven, effective method developed by classroom teachers. This comprehensive approach teaches children to read and write through a systematic and multi-sensory approach, fostering strong phonemic awareness and decoding skills. Engaging children in a fun and interactive way, Jolly Phonics is an evidence-based program that equips educators with the tools to make every child a confident and proficient reader.
Reading with Ruach
A fun, hands-on early literacy program that reinforces Jewish ethics, values and traditions. Professional Literacy Coaches visit the Three’s and Pre-K classrooms weekly to give the children additional instruction in pre-reading and writing skills. This program was specifically created for The J by Jill Leshin.
Handwriting Without Tears
Handwriting Without Tears® (HWT) is a therapeutic curriculum that teaches pre-printing, printing, and cursive writing to children of all abilities. Kids can move from one program to the next as skills grow. HWT uses child-friendly language, child development concepts and fun teaching techniques.
Enrichment Classes
Catering to the whole child, the ECC also offers enrichment classes available as add-ons. These classes vary by session, season, and year, featuring both academic and physical education programming to extend your child’s learning beyond the traditional school day. Examples of enrichment include sports, dance, yoga, music, and Pre-K Academy.
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!
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Financial Assistance
Our programs, camps, and memberships are open to all. It’s who we are. It’s how we build community.