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Welcome Pre-K 3 & 4 BBOED Families!

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! We're excited to have you join our nurturing community and partner with your family throughout the year.

  A WELCOME FROM OUR CEO

We are honored that you have chosen our program to be part of your child’s educational journey.

The preschool years are a remarkable time for growth, discovery and wonder. At the JCC, we are committed to providing a warm, nurturing and engaging environment where every child feels safe, valued and inspired to learn. Our dedicated teachers and staff work each day to foster curiosity, creativity and confidence and a lifelong love of learning while celebrating the unique strengths of every child. Our classrooms are equipped with the latest new furniture and manipulatives to encourage a high level of learning.

Throughout the year, your children will explore, create, play, laugh and develop new friendships while building the foundational skills that will prepare them for future success. Together we will celebrate milestones, embrace new experiences and create lasting memories.

Thank you for entrusting us with the privilege of caring for and educating your child. We look forward to partnering with you and wish your family a wonderful, healthy and successful school year.

Warm regards, Dr. Ellen Goldberg

  MEET OUR DIRECTOR

Hello! I'm Mrs. Leticia Ortiz, and I am excited to serve as the Director of the Lauren Wendroff Early Childhood Center for the Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4 Program of BBOED.

For more than 26 years, I have dedicated my career to early childhood education. I earned my bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and leadership, and throughout my journey I have had the privilege of serving as a teacher, mentor, and educational leader. Each experience has strengthened my belief that the early years are the foundation for a lifetime of learning.

I believe every child deserves a safe, nurturing, and joyful environment where they can learn through play, build meaningful relationships, and develop confidence. I also believe that strong partnerships between families and educators are essential because children thrive when we work together.

Outside of my role as director, I enjoy spending time with my family and continuing to learn and grow as an educator. I truly love what I do, and I feel incredibly grateful to be part of each child's early learning journey. I look forward to getting to know every child and family and working together to create a school community where everyone feels welcomed, supported, and valued.

Your First Day Guide To Pre-K

Preparing for School

Wear & Bring

Uniforms are not required.
Bring a small backpack with lunch (if applicable), two snacks, and a water bottle.
Provide two complete changes of clothes (including underwear, socks, and shoes) to keep at school.
Label all personal belongings.
Please leave toys at home unless requested by the teacher.

MEALS & SNACKS

The district participates in the National School Lunch Program. Free meals are available only to families who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Families may also purchase school lunch through the program. Applications will be sent to you.

Otherwise, please send a lunch daily. We are unable to microwave or refrigerate food, so we recommend using an insulated thermos and/or ice packs. Please also send two disposable snacks each day—one for the morning and one for the afternoon.

CALENDAR

Keep track of school holidays, scheduled closures, important dates, and special events throughout the year. Download your copy now and keep it handy as you plan your family's schedule!

Download

The School Day

Drop Off & Pick Up

Drop Off: 8:30a
Pick Up: 2:30p

Entrance Locations:
JFK BLVD - All Pre-K 3 (Rooms 3, 5, 8, 10, B4, B6)
45th ST - Pre-K 4 Rooms 1, 6, 9
44th ST - Pre-K 4 Rooms B1, B2, B3

Please arrive as close to the listed times as possible. To keep arrival and dismissal running smoothly, please communicate with your child’s teacher outside these times.

FIRST WEEK SCHEDULE

The first three days of school (September 2–4) will follow an abbreviated schedule to help children ease into the new school year. Pick-up is at 12:30p each day. Please send one snack only—lunch is not needed. Wrap-around extended care will not be available during these abbreviated days.

REST TIME

Children receive at least 40 minutes of rest time each day. Rest time provides children with an opportunity to slow down, recharge, and have some quiet time during the school day. Teachers create a calm and comfortable environment and support each child's individual needs and routines. Bedding is provided by the JCC.

Health & Safety

Children must be up to date on immunizations and remain home when sick.

JCC Policy: Staff do not administer medication; if medication is required, a parent must be present. A physician's note is required after 3 consecutive days of absence due to illness.

Fire drills and lockdown drills are conducted monthly. In an emergency, parents will be contacted immediately. Emergency Contact Forms must be completed before the first day of school.

ATTENDANCE

Regular attendance supports your child’s learning and development. If your child will be absent, please notify the school as soon as possible.

BBOED Attendance Policy: Children absent for more than 10 consecutive school days in a month without documented medical illness will be removed from the program.

STAY IN TOUCH

We use several ways to keep you informed:

Kaymbu: Message your child's teacher, receive daily updates, and view classroom photos and videos.
Email: School updates and important announcements.
Phone: For urgent matters or if your child becomes ill.

Prefer a printable version OF OUR FIRST DAY GUIDE?

Download PDF

Before & After School

Our Wrap Around Care Program provides families with added flexibility before and after the regular Pre-K day. Children enjoy a comfortable, supervised environment where they can play, socialize, and participate in age-appropriate activities while in the care of JCC staff.

Before Care: 7:30 - 8:30a
After Care: 2:30 - 5:30p

Our extended care program is available on regular full school days and does not operate on scheduled BBOED school closure days. Before Care is available on scheduled BBOED half days, but After Care is not.

Learn more