Tucson Jewish Community Center

The JCC Early Childhood program is a good place for kids and their families. It's a large program, so the school is big with many small classrooms and the transition from one age group to the next can be a bit jarring for families (drop off and pick up procedures are completely different from two to three year olds). Many of the teachers have been at the school for over 5-10 years. The teachers work really hard and probably don't get paid very well as it is a non-profit community center preschool. I hope that means they love what they do and they get benefits (I don't think preschools normally give benefits). Even though the program is expensive, families that qualify can apply and often receive a scholarship. I haven't been to any perfect schools, but I think that the JCC is doing a great job with kids and I feel welcomed each and every day.
--Submitted by a parent

The early childhood center has been horrible for my son. They have a policy that if your child doesn't want to do something, they cannot make them do it. Unfortunately in the case of my son, it meant that they cannot motivate him to learn. He is going to go into kindergarten well behind and probably fail. If your child is motivated to learn with their style, they will probably do fine.
--Submitted by a parent

We have absolutely loved this school. Our son has been a part of this school since summer 'camp' 2008. He loved it so much we signed up for a year round school year which began in the fall of '08 and we just renewed again for fall '09 for year round schooling. The teachers are excellent, they love the children, they give them their undivided attention and do wonderful activities. There is a splash park and swimming in the warm months, and lots of playground time as well (all year). There are a lot of children in the classes, but there are generally 3 teachers in each class as well so the ratio is very good.
--Submitted by a parent

Loved the teachers there, unfortunately they put way to many children in each class so the quality of care suffers.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 2 kids attending (3 yrs and 15 mo) and we love the JCC! We actually are not Jewish and that has not been an issue at all. I feel the kids are very well cared for and exposed to so many interesting/stimulating experiences. One of the great things is that since they are at the JCC, they have access to so many more resources. In the summer they do swimming lessons, while it's still warm in the spring and late summer/early fall they go to the JCC 'splash park', there are music, gym, and cooking classes. My kids have so much fun. The teachers and other parents are great too! If you are looking for a fun, play-based program, this is a great choice. The kids come home messy! I love the director of the program too!
--Submitted by a parent