Ages 5-6
Kindergarten at the J means an academic focus on early literacy and math skills, along with social-emotional growth. The curriculum is consistent with Common Core state standards, so children are ready for first grade and beyond. Children thrive at the J in an environment rich with experiential learning opportunities.
Academically Focused
Consistent with the Common Core State Standards Initiative that most states – including ours – have adopted, our kindergarten curriculum will focus on developing the critical-thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills students will need to be successful throughout their lives. Families unfamiliar with the Common Core State Standards may wish to learn more at www.corestandards.org.
Each child’s developmental progress in reading, writing, math, reflective thinking, and social-emotional growth will be individually tracked and shared with parents on a regular basis. The program will also emphasize intrinsic motivation and student ownership of their learning.
Curriculum
Educational standards like Common Core are the learning goals for what students should know and be able to do at each grade level. Curriculum— how students learn the standards—is designed and implemented by the skilled educators who know their students and community best.
A Proven Combination
Children in SJCC’s kindergarten program will thrive in an environment rich with experiential learning opportunities. For example, building and exploring structures naturally includes mathematical concepts of sorting, counting, adding/subtracting, measurement, comparison, logical reasoning, and more. Spending time in our very own Kesher Garden, children will begin to understand the fundamentals of weather, life cycles, biology, and will appreciate the amazing ways in which people and the environment are dependent on one another. Literacy skills such as sound recognition, vocabulary building, and letter formation will emerge and grow as children engage in story creation, special projects, and more.
Jewish Values
In addition to the academic curriculum, students will learn in an environment infused with Jewish culture, values, and traditions. We will naturally integrate Jewish values into the classroom as we believe Judaism’s core values foster compassion, kindness, and a commitment to bettering the communities in which we all live.
Financial Assistance
We will have limited scholarships available. Please contact Dana Weiner DanaW@sjcc.org for more information and how to apply.
How do I Enroll My Child?
Enrollment for returning families for the 2021-22 school year begins on January 26. New family applications for fall open February 3. Applications for new families are also available and reviewed on a rolling basis year-round; you can fill out our Enquiry Form at any time for more information. Please contact Carrie Stull to learn more.
Kindergarten FAQ
Is SJCC kindergarten part of the SJCC Early Childhood School?
Yes, the SJCC kindergarten program will operate under the SJCC’s Child Care License and as such will follow WA Department of Health, Public Health Seattle and King County, Licensing and CDC guidelines. SJCC kindergarten will operate as any other kindergarten: it will be academically focused, consistent with the Common Core State Standards for developing the critical-thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills students will need to be successful throughout their lives, ensuring our children will be ready for First Grade and beyond. Families unfamiliar with the Common Core State Standards may wish to learn more. We will also carry over Reggio Emilia inspiration and the Jewish values that have made our ECS program unique and rich with community connection.
Is SJCC kindergarten a full year?
Yes, our kindergarten runs for 10 months.
Can I request a friend to be in my child’s classroom?
Yes, you can request one friend, but the request must be mutual. Please email any requests you may have at CarrieS@sjcc.org While we do our best, we cannot guarantee we can accommodate your request.
Drop-off and Pick-Up Procedures
Curbside drop-off begins at 8:45 a.m. At drop-off, your child will undergo a health screening including a temperature check, and will be walked to class. Curbside pick-up will be at 3:00 p.m.
How is the SJCC managing with COVID-19?
SJCC is following WA Department of Health (DOH), Public Health Seattle and King County, licensing and CDC guidelines for mitigating the spread of COVID-19. To that end, we are keeping our classroom sizes small. While DOH allows us to have 22 children in a group, we will have no more than 12 kindergarten students in each classroom, with one teacher and an aid if needed. Children will have their own personal supplies — like pencils, scissors, markers, crayons, etc. — to limit the sharing of these frequently touched items.
Each classroom group will remain together, limiting interactions with other class groups and/or SJCC programs, both in and outside the building. Groups will be kept separate on the playground, and playground equipment will be cleaned and sanitized between groups. Handwashing will happen frequently, we follow the state mask mandate. Everyone who enters the SJCC — children and adults — undergoes a health screen and temperature check every day upon arrival.
At this time, parents are not permitted in the building, thereby minimizing additional exposure. Please note, that as authorities adapt the guidance, these protocols could change to remain compliant with those guidelines.
For more information, please click on our SJCC Stay Healthy link to see a video that further explains our protocols.