JCC’s Nierman Preschool is a play-based, nurturing environment that utilizes emergent curriculum and focuses on children’s interests and learning needs. Our primary goal is creating community through building trusting relationships with children, teachers, and families. We celebrate the joy of learning, intertwined with lasting friendships.
We strive to develop curiosity, imagination, the pleasure of discovery, self-esteem, caring for others, and the ability to play both cooperatively and independently. With attention to developmental stages, educators offer an integrated approach to education, combining learning and play, skillfully building on what children can already do, and challenging them to try new things. Music and physical education are additional components, and our strong Judaic curriculum is woven throughout.
Jewish culture, traditions, holidays, and heritage are studied and celebrated with songs, stories, dance, cooking, and crafts. Shabbat is celebrated at school each week in an atmosphere of joyful togetherness and sharing, and cultural diversity is promoted and respected as children and families share their traditions from around the globe.
Experiences are multi-sensory and encourage growth in Fine and Gross Motor Coordination, Sensory Integration, Cognitive and Adaptive Skills, Brain Development, Socio-emotional Development, Language Development, Moral Development, Spanish as a Second Language
Creativity is a big part of each day.
Children express themselves through art, music, dramatic play, and open-ended materials. They paint, build, imagine, and create freely, learning that their ideas matter.
These experiences help children build confidence, take risks, and see themselves as creators.
Learning happens in relationships. Children build strong connections with teachers and peers, creating a sense of trust and belonging. They learn how to work together, share ideas, and be part of a group. As part of the J, children are also connected to a larger community filled with culture, movement, and shared experiences.
Our Infant Care Center offers a nurturing environment where babies feel safe, loved, and known. Teachers follow each child’s natural rhythm while supporting early learning through play, music, and sensory exploration.
First smiles, first friendships, and first discoveries happen here.
Busy mornings and late afternoons are easier with Extended Care. Children can arrive early or stay after school in a warm, supervised environment designed to support family schedules.
Hours
Monday – Thursday from 7:30 – 9:00 AM & 3:30 – 5:30 PM.
Friday from 7:30 – 9:00 AM and 3:30 – 5:00 PM.
Learning and fun continue after the school day. Children can explore soccer, science, arts and crafts, and more through engaging enrichment classes that change throughout the year.
Open to children ages 3½ to 5.
By enrolling in one of our Spanish Immersion classes, Nierman Preschoolers are offered a unique opportunity to build pathways needed to acquire a new language while also enhancing cognitive and creative abilities. Learning a second language is a 21st-century skill that will prepare our students to live and work in a global society. Cutting-edge research in brain development emphasizes the benefits of learning a foreign language at a very early age. In addition, younger learners have the capacity to develop near native-like pronunciation and intonation in a new language.
When school is out, the fun keeps going.
Our Holiday Camps give children a joyful place to play, create, and connect during school breaks. Each day includes art, music, movement, and outdoor fun, all led by our caring educators.
Nierman Preschool has proudly served the La Jolla community as part of the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center for many years. We believe in nurturing the whole child—socially, cognitively, and emotionally—within a safe, loving, and inclusive community.
Our history, values, and strong connection to LFJCC’s broader mission make us more than a preschool: we are a place where families grow together, children feel they belong, and lifelong learning begins.
“It's really wonderful to have watched my daughter form her own community the same way i did in a place like this.“
“Nierman Preschool is pure joy. One year after another. From one sibling to another.“
“Life seems to always be in flux, so I'm incredibly grateful to have found Nierman Preschool for my daughter. It's been one of the few constants in her life, and it provides her with so much love and learning.“
A member of our administrative team will be in touch within 2–3 business days to guide you through the next steps in the enrollment process, we’re so excited to welcome you!
Enrollment in Nierman Preschool now includes full J Membership benefits! Enjoy access to our fitness center, cultural arts programs, and exclusive savings on members-only events and programs all year long.
A limited number of scholarships are available to JCC Members. Requests for financial assistance must be submitted no later than [updated deadline]. Requests received after that date will be considered only if funds are available.
Child Care Aware of America (CCAoA) provides child care fee assistance for active military families. Please connect with a member of the Nierman Preschool’s administrative staff for more information. To learn more about CCAoa, Click Here.
Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego offers cost-free, interest-free loans to members of the San Diego Jewish community. These loans can help with education, family needs, business start-up costs, and unexpected expenses. This can also be used for participation in JCC programs. To learn more about eligibility and how to apply, Click Here.
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION & PROGRAMS
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION & PROGRAMS
HEALTHY LIVING MANAGER
Fran Forman, Senior Director of Early Childhood Education & Programs
858.362.1171
fran.forman@lfjcc.org
Nataliya Telerman, Associate Director of ECE & Programs
858.362.1134
nataliya.tlerman@lfjcc.org
Full-Day: Monday - Friday 9:00 am to 3:30 pm
Half-Day: Monday - Friday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
The beautiful Glickman-Galinson Early Childhood Education Complex houses sixteen state-of-the-art classrooms, specially-designed bathrooms, a central outdoor playground, a special toddler/two-year-old play yard, an outdoor amphitheater, a kitchen, and a STEAM lab.
Security and safety are our top priorities. Our security remains vigilant in maintaining and updating security enhancements to keep the JCC and all in attendance safe. We are also very fortunate to have the San Diego Police and Fire Department next door as our neighbors with whom we share a close and supportive working relationship.
