A Community of Wonder, Belonging, and Discovery
At the J’s Early Childhood Centers, we see every child as capable, curious, and full of potential. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach and grounded in Jewish values, our programs nurture the whole child, mind, body, and spirit. We welcome families of all faiths and backgrounds into our inclusive and vibrant school community. Learning unfolds through meaningful experiences that honor each child’s questions, ideas, and unique way of seeing the world. Our educators serve as co-learners and guides, creating spaces where children can think deeply, express themselves in many ways, and build strong connections.
Our Students
We offer high-quality care and education for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, with a strong foundation in both cognitive development and social-emotional growth. Whether your child is just beginning to explore or preparing for kindergarten, our Early Childhood Centers are places where their voice matters, their identity is honored, and their learning journey is nurtured with care and intention.
Infants & Toddlers
Ages 6-weeks to 2 years
Monday–Friday | 7:30am–5:30pm
From six weeks and up, our infant and toddler classrooms reflect our commitment to kehillah, a strong and connected community. Our educators build meaningful relationships with each child and their family, creating a warm, inclusive environment where everyone belongs. Through responsive care and intentional learning experiences, we nurture each child’s development in the context of trusting relationships and shared community values.
Pre-Schoolers
Ages 3 to 5 years
Monday–Friday | 7:30am–5:30pm
Learning at the J is a shared journey between children, families, and educators. Our classrooms are guided by the Reggio Emilia philosophy and grounded in a commitment to intentional and joyful learning. With Conscious Discipline and a deep respect for children’s questions and ideas, we help young learners explore, interpret, and connect with the world around them. Through this process, they build empathy, curiosity, problem-solving skills, and a strong sense of identity. These are the foundations for school readiness and lifelong learning.
Every preschool child participates in our EC Summer Camp, which provides the chance to enjoy outdoor adventures, splash in the pool during daily swim lessons, explore nature, and celebrate summer joy with their friends. Children have beautiful campgrounds and outdoor spaces designed for young learners.
Our School Day
Learning is woven through project work, inquiry, and play, building skills in language, math, science, creative thinking, and collaboration.
The school day is enriched by experiences that support creativity, movement, and connection to the natural world. These include:
- Swimming, sports, yoga, and dance
- Science and nature explorations in our gardens and outdoor classrooms
- Year-round access to our expansive campgrounds and natural play spaces
- Seasonal Jewish celebrations that are developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and joyful
- Each week begins with Havdalah and closes with a communal Shabbat celebration, bringing rhythm, reflection, and connection
- Nutritious kosher meals provided daily, with accommodations for most dietary needs
History of the J’s Early Childhood Center
The J’s Early Childhood Center has a long and proud legacy of nurturing children and families in the St. Louis Jewish community. Established in 1940, it was one of the first accredited early childhood programs in Missouri. The center was created in response to the growing need for daytime care when many women entered the workforce during World War II.
From the beginning, our work has been rooted in the Jewish values of community, learning, and care for others. As the St. Louis Jewish population grew and shifted westward, the center relocated to its current Creve Coeur campus in the 1960s. The Susan Jacobs Daycare building provided full-time, year-round care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, while the neighboring JCCA Preschool offered a part-time, school-year program. These two programs later merged to form the high-quality, relationship-based Early Childhood Center we know today, committed to both academic readiness and social-emotional growth in a values-driven environment.
In 1996, a second location opened in Chesterfield to meet the needs of the expanding Jewish community. Today, both our Creve Coeur and Chesterfield centers are licensed by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and proudly accredited by the Missouri Voluntary Accreditation Program.
Throughout our history, we have remained dedicated to creating joyful Jewish experiences for young children, while warmly welcoming families of all backgrounds into our inclusive, supportive community.
Licenced by 
Accredited by 
Contact
Creve Coeur
Melissa Burgess
Early Childhood Administrative Assistant
314.442.3224
Chesterfield
Kathy Coldiron
Early Childhood Administrative Assistant
314.442.3450