Junior pre-kindergarten, or JPK as we call it, is often a child’s first experience at school—which is an exciting time! Meeting your first teacher and seeing your first classroom is a big step in your child’s educational journey. Our JPK curriculum is designed for three-year-old learners, engaging them in developmentally-appropriate activities through exploration and play, with an emphasis on our outdoor eco-literacy program. A child’s academic foundation begins in the JPK classroom.
JPK students are placed in three classes of twelve students each with a lead teacher and an assistant teacher. Because of the small class size, our teachers are able to dedicate individual time to each child.
The teachers for JPK have a wealth of experience in developing young learners.
Karen Thompson has just started her 20th year teaching at Bright. Rachel Berger has been teaching this age group for 16 years, and this is her third year at Bright. Jenna Leckenby is new to Bright and has recently taught preschool-aged children.
Q&A with JPK Teachers
What do you like most about teaching this age group?
Ms. Karen said she likes “their excitement in learning new things, meeting new friends and their eagerness to please.”
“I love teaching this age group because they're excited about school and they love to learn,” said Mrs. Rachel.
“I love that preschoolers are so open to new experiences and awed by things grownups find mundane, like seed pods, sticks, and staplers. Everything is new and exciting when you’re 3,” said Mrs. Jenna.
What is some advice you would give parents?
“Going to school for the first time can be stressful for both the child and the parent. It can even be that way for the parents dropping off their third or fourth child, their "baby.” If there is a tearful separation, I will usually send a quick text and picture to the parents to show that their child is really OK and having fun. Once the children get into the routine of coming to school, they realize they are going to have fun playing with their friends and learning new things. The teachers provide a loving and safe environment for the children and they somehow sense this,” said Ms. Karen.
“I would advise parents to encourage independence, be consistent and establish routines, read to your child daily and enjoy every minute of this precious age because it goes by so fast,” said Mrs. Rachel.
“Remember that most kids work really hard to hold it together during the school day, and often melt down when they get home (especially early in the school year). This means they feel loved, safe, and secure at home with you, and they know they can just let go and you’ll still love them no matter what. When they save their most challenging behavior for you, it’s a sign of trust,” said Mrs. Jenna.
Why should parents choose Bright School for their child?
“The teachers provide a loving and nurturing environment for the children. Small class size is a definite plus,” said Ms. Karen.
“Parents should choose Bright School because it builds strong academic foundations while instilling the love of learning and also provides a loving, nurturing environment,” said Mrs. Rachel.
“I think Bright school is an amazing opportunity for any child because of the tight-knit community and commitment to serving the whole child. We want to help our students develop self-regulation, healthy relationship skills, and a moral framework, in addition to academic skills,” said Mrs. Jenna.
Meet our teachers and assistants on the Early Childhood page.
