Helping Little Learners Build a Strong Foundation for the Future
Early Childhood Education at the Mandel JCC's Preschool in Boynton Beach, FL
At the Edward & Thelma Glantz Early Childhood Learning Center, children from infancy through voluntary pre-kindergarten (VPK) are welcomed into a caring community where they feel safe, supported, and inspired to grow. Our preschool provides exceptional early childhood education with hands-on learning experiences that help children build confidence, independence, and strong values for kindergarten and lifelong success.
Every Child Deserves a Strong Start
Choosing a preschool means finding a place where your child feels known, encouraged, and excited to learn. At the Edward & Thelma Glantz Early Childhood Learning Center, we believe children are naturally capable, curious learners. Our role isn't simply to teach, but to observe, encourage, ask thoughtful questions, and create meaningful experiences that allow every child to discover, investigate, and grow. Our caring teachers create a supportive space where children feel secure enough to ask questions, build friendships, explore new ideas, and gain confidence through everyday experiences.
With a thoughtful balance of structured learning, creative play, early literacy, social-emotional development, and hands-on exploration, we help children develop the skills they'll use throughout elementary school and in life.As an extension of the Mandel JCC community, we also believe early childhood education is about building meaningful relationships with children, their parents, our teachers, and one another to support your child's growth from the very beginning.
With a thoughtful balance of structured learning, creative play, early literacy, social-emotional development, and hands-on exploration, we help children develop the skills they'll use throughout elementary school and in life.As an extension of the Mandel JCC community, we also believe early childhood education is about building meaningful relationships with children, their parents, our teachers, and one another to support your child's growth from the very beginning.
What Makes Our Preschool Different
- Modern, spacious classrooms designed for every stage of early childhood development
- Full-day and part-time program options for infants through VPK
- Low teacher-to-child ratios that allow for individualized attention and meaningful relationships
- Project-based learning experiences that encourage curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking
- Caring teachers who support each child's unique interests, strengths, and developmental milestones
- National JCC Association School of Excellence campus
- Outdoor learning spaces, a community garden, splash pad, and weekly swim experiences
- Age-appropriate enrichment programs that extend learning beyond the classroom
- Jewish values, traditions, and celebrations in an inclusive community, naturally woven throughout the school year
- Strong family partnerships through JParent, FCCC, and community events
Purposefully designed classrooms, outdoor learning environments, a community garden, splash park, weekly swim, and inviting shared spaces encourage children to investigate, create, move, and connect throughout the day. Every environment has been thoughtfully planned to support curiosity, collaboration, and meaningful discovery.
Foster Your Child's Success with Early Learning Programs at Our Boynton Beach Preschool
Our Educational Approach: Child-Centered Early Learning
Children are naturally driven to understand the world around them. Our teachers build on that curiosity by inviting children to ask questions, investigate meaningful topics, experiment with ideas, and share what they discover.
Our child-centered, inquiry-based approach allows classroom experiences to grow from children’s interests while supporting their developmental needs. Rather than simply giving children answers, educators guide them through in-depth investigations that encourage observation, collaboration, creative thinking, and problem-solving.
Projects naturally bring together early literacy, math, science, movement, art, and social development, helping children make connections across subjects through experiences that feel relevant and engaging. Flexible classrooms, open-ended materials, and hands-on activities give children the freedom to test ideas, revisit questions, and take an active role in their own development.
Children have daily opportunities to:
Our child-centered, inquiry-based approach allows classroom experiences to grow from children’s interests while supporting their developmental needs. Rather than simply giving children answers, educators guide them through in-depth investigations that encourage observation, collaboration, creative thinking, and problem-solving.
Projects naturally bring together early literacy, math, science, movement, art, and social development, helping children make connections across subjects through experiences that feel relevant and engaging. Flexible classrooms, open-ended materials, and hands-on activities give children the freedom to test ideas, revisit questions, and take an active role in their own development.
Children have daily opportunities to:
- Ask thoughtful questions and investigate topics that capture their interest
- Document their thinking through drawings, storytelling, writing, and conversation
- Collaborate with classmates, exchange perspectives, and solve problems together
- Express ideas through art, music, movement, dramatic play, and construction
- Make predictions, test ideas, and observe what happens
- Revisit earlier ideas and build on what they have already discovered
- Reflect on their experiences and explain how their thinking has changed
- Explore concepts through hands-on projects and open-ended materials
- Compare possibilities, notice patterns, and make meaningful connections
- Explore indoor and outdoor environments as active spaces for discovery
A Place Where Every Child Is Known and Belongs
Children are more willing to participate, take healthy risks, and try something new when they feel secure in who they are and connected to the people around them. Our early childhood educators take time to understand each child’s personality, interests, strengths, and stage of development. Relationships grounded in trust and care create a strong sense of security, while classrooms that represent children and their families help everyone feel seen, welcomed, and valued.
Throughout the day, children are encouraged to express their ideas, listen to different perspectives, care for others, and recognize that their actions can make a meaningful difference in their classroom and community. Teachers celebrate individuality while helping children develop empathy, responsibility, self-awareness, and respect for others.
Children are encouraged to:
Throughout the day, children are encouraged to express their ideas, listen to different perspectives, care for others, and recognize that their actions can make a meaningful difference in their classroom and community. Teachers celebrate individuality while helping children develop empathy, responsibility, self-awareness, and respect for others.
Children are encouraged to:
- Feel confident expressing their ideas and individuality
- Build trusting relationships with teachers and classmates
- Practice empathy, kindness, and responsibility
- Approach challenges with patience and perseverance
- Find meaning in the process, not only the outcome
- Develop a sense of wonder about everyday experiences
- Recognize their ability to contribute to their community
- Wonder and ask thoughtful questions
- Appreciate the perspectives of others as they build empathy and confidence
Families are part of this process, too! Ongoing communication and active parent engagement create consistency between home and school. Our foundation fosters each child’s growth within a caring community, helping children become adaptable, confident learners prepared for kindergarten, elementary school, and every stage that follows.
Our Early Childhood Programs
From infancy through VPK, each stage of early childhood offers indoor and outdoor opportunities to explore, discover, and grow. Our age-appropriate programs are thoughtfully designed to support children's developmental milestones while helping them build confidence, independence, and a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Program Hours and Age Placement
Age placement is determined by each child's birthdate as of September 1.
- Before-school care is available from 7:45–9:00 am for eligible programs.
- After-school care is available from 3:00–6:00 pm for eligible programs.
- Full-time and part-time schedules are available for select age groups.
Ages 3-11 Months
Infant Room
Monday–Friday | 7:45 am–6:00 pm
Our Infant Program provides a warm, nurturing environment where babies begin exploring the world through their senses, movement, music, language, and meaningful relationships. Because our classrooms maintain low teacher-to-child ratios, children receive individualized attention and the emotional support they need to thrive during these important first months.
Teachers create responsive routines that help infants feel secure while encouraging curiosity through sensory play and early communication. Babies have opportunities for tummy time, reaching, grasping, rolling, sound exploration, and movement. Teachers narrate routines, sing songs, introduce familiar words, and respond to each child’s cues, helping infants build connections through repetition and caring interactions.
Babies develop:
Teachers create responsive routines that help infants feel secure while encouraging curiosity through sensory play and early communication. Babies have opportunities for tummy time, reaching, grasping, rolling, sound exploration, and movement. Teachers narrate routines, sing songs, introduce familiar words, and respond to each child’s cues, helping infants build connections through repetition and caring interactions.
Babies develop:
- Early language and communication skills
- Trust and secure relationships
- Sensory awareness through sound, touch, movement, and visual exploration
- Fine and gross motor development
- Confidence through consistent routines
- Early understanding of cause and effect through repeated experiences
Ages 12–23 Months
Toddler Program
Full Day: Monday–Friday | 7:45 am–6:00 pm
Part-Time Options:
M W F | 9:00 am–3:00 pm
Tu Th | 9:00 am–3:00 pm
Toddlers are naturally curious, energetic, and eager to explore. Our Toddler Program encourages active discovery while providing the consistency and support young children need to feel safe and confident. Children begin developing independence, communication skills, and meaningful friendships while learning through everyday exploration. Teachers give toddlers room to walk, climb, carry, sort, fill, empty, and investigate materials in different ways. Language-rich routines, songs, books, and conversations help children connect words with people, objects, actions, and familiar experiences.
Toddlers develop:
Toddlers develop:
- Emerging language and vocabulary
- Social awareness and classroom routines
- Balance, coordination, and motor planning through active movement
- Fine motor control through stacking, grasping, placing, and manipulating materials
- Early problem-solving skills
- Confidence and independence
- Curiosity through active exploration
Ages 2–3 Years
Two-Year-Old Program
Full Day: Monday–Friday | 9:00 am–3:00 pm
Part-Time Options:
M W F | 9:00 am–3:00 pm
Tu Th | 9:00 am–3:00 pm
The preschool years are filled with wonder, discovery, and growing independence. Our Two-Year-Old Program encourages children to explore their world through creative play and meaningful interactions with teachers and classmates. Hands-on experiences help children strengthen communication, social-emotional development, fine motor skills, and early academic concepts while building confidence in a supportive classroom community.
Children work with manipulatives, art materials, puzzles, pegboards, books, songs, and movement activities that invite them to sort, count, compare, make choices, and solve simple problems. Teachers support the transition from parallel play toward cooperative interactions while helping children express their needs and develop trust outside the home.
Two-year-olds develop:
Children work with manipulatives, art materials, puzzles, pegboards, books, songs, and movement activities that invite them to sort, count, compare, make choices, and solve simple problems. Teachers support the transition from parallel play toward cooperative interactions while helping children express their needs and develop trust outside the home.
Two-year-olds develop:
- Language and communication
- Fine and gross motor skills
- Empathy and awareness of classmates’ feelings
- Independence and self-help skills
- Social-emotional confidence
- Creativity and imagination
- Early math concepts such as counting, sorting, matching, and patterns
- Pre-reading skills through books, rhymes, songs, and classroom print
Ages 3–4 Years
Three-Year-Old Program
Full Day: Monday–Friday | 9:00 am–3:00 pm
Part-Time Options:
M W F | 9:00 am–3:00 pm
Tu Th | 9:00 am–3:00 pm
As children's confidence grows, so does their curiosity about the world around them. Our Three-Year-Old Program builds on that excitement through engaging classroom projects, collaborative activities, and purposeful play that encourage children to ask questions, solve problems, and think creatively.
Children examine materials closely, compare attributes, notice patterns, explore spatial relationships, and begin connecting classroom investigations with their own experiences. Storytelling, picture discussions, rhyming, mark-making, and letter recognition help them understand that spoken and written language carry meaning. These opportunities help develop stronger communication skills, greater independence, and deeper friendships while preparing for the transition to VPK.
Three-year-olds develop:
Children examine materials closely, compare attributes, notice patterns, explore spatial relationships, and begin connecting classroom investigations with their own experiences. Storytelling, picture discussions, rhyming, mark-making, and letter recognition help them understand that spoken and written language carry meaning. These opportunities help develop stronger communication skills, greater independence, and deeper friendships while preparing for the transition to VPK.
Three-year-olds develop:
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Early literacy and writing skills
- Independence and classroom responsibility
- Pattern recognition and spatial awareness
- Confidence in classroom routines
- Cooperative play and teamwork
- Early math and science concepts
- Emotional awareness, empathy, and self-esteem
- The ability to follow increasingly complex, multi-step directions
Age 4
Free Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) Program
Monday–Friday | 9:00 am–3:00 pm
Our VPK program proudly accepts the Florida Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Voucher.
Our Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) Program gives four-year-olds the opportunity to build the academic, social, and emotional skills needed for a successful transition to kindergarten. Children investigate questions over time, collaborate with classmates, describe observations, test possible solutions, and represent their thinking through conversation, drawing, writing, construction, and classroom projects. Early reading, writing, math, and science skills are woven into meaningful experiences so children can understand how ideas connect rather than relying on memorization alone.
VPK students develop:
VPK students develop:
- Kindergarten readiness
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Early reading, writing, and comprehension skills
- Observation, reflection, and sustained attention
- Confidence for elementary school
- Number sense and early math concepts
- Independence and responsibility
- Measuring, classifying, and pattern recognition
- Cooperation, negotiation, and emotional regulation
Creative Preschool Enrichment Programs for Growing Minds
More Ways For Children to Create, Move & Explore
Learning doesn't have to stop when the classroom day ends. Our Preschool Enrichment Programs give children additional opportunities to discover new interests, express their creativity, and continue learning through engaging, age-appropriate experiences.
Designed for children enrolled in our Three-Year-Old and VPK classrooms, enrichment programs encourage exploration through hands-on activities that help children build confidence while discovering what they love.
Enrichment opportunities may include:
Designed for children enrolled in our Three-Year-Old and VPK classrooms, enrichment programs encourage exploration through hands-on activities that help children build confidence while discovering what they love.
Enrichment opportunities may include:
- Art and creative expression
- Dance and movement
- Sensory activities
- Physical activity
- Music
- Science exploration
- Creative play
- Seasonal specialty classes
Children enrolled in aftercare transition directly into their after-school program when enrichment ends, making participation easy for busy families.
JBaby
Supporting Families From the Very Beginning: JBaby
JBaby provides a welcoming place for parents, grandparents, caregivers, and young children to connect from the very beginning. Designed for babies, toddlers, and their grown-ups, JBaby offers engaging opportunities to learn, play, and build community through music, movement, sensory exploration, and age-appropriate activities that encourage early development while helping families create lasting friendships.
Whether you're preparing for preschool or simply looking for meaningful ways to spend quality time together, JBaby helps families feel connected long before their first day of school.
Whether you're preparing for preschool or simply looking for meaningful ways to spend quality time together, JBaby helps families feel connected long before their first day of school.
JParent
JParent: A Connected Family-Centered Community
Parenting is filled with exciting milestones and plenty of questions along the way. JParent brings families of children in 2nd grade and younger together through educational workshops, social gatherings, holiday celebrations, and community events that provide support, encouragement, and opportunities to connect with other parents navigating similar stages of childhood.
By creating meaningful relationships beyond the classroom, JParent helps strengthen the partnership between home and school while fostering a welcoming community for the entire family.
By creating meaningful relationships beyond the classroom, JParent helps strengthen the partnership between home and school while fostering a welcoming community for the entire family.
Stay Connected to Our Early Childhood Community
Experience our holiday celebrations, special events, parenting programs, enrichment opportunities, and community gatherings that make the Mandel JCC a place where lifelong memories are made, generation after generation.
A Preschool Community for the Whole Family
Our Families Are Our Partners
Children thrive when the important adults in their lives work together. At the Edward & Thelma Glantz Early Childhood Learning Center, we believe families are an essential part of the learning journey. Joining our Early Childhood Learning Center also means becoming part of a community that grows with your family. From preschool and enrichment programs to summer camp, youth activities, family events, and lifelong friendships, the Mandel JCC offers opportunities to connect, celebrate, and continue growing together through every stage of childhood. And for many families, into the next generation!
Together, we celebrate milestones, navigate new challenges, and help every child feel known, supported, and confident.
Together, we celebrate milestones, navigate new challenges, and help every child feel known, supported, and confident.
Discover the Difference at Our Boynton Beach Preschool
Enroll Your Child at the Edward & Thelma Glantz Early Childhood Learning Center Today
The earliest years of child development shape a lifetime of learning.At our Boynton Beach preschool, children are encouraged to ask questions, explore new ideas, develop meaningful relationships, and build the confidence they'll carry into kindergarten and beyond.
We invite you to schedule a tour, meet our caring teachers, and discover how our nurturing community helps every child thrive.
We invite you to schedule a tour, meet our caring teachers, and discover how our nurturing community helps every child thrive.
FAQs About Our Boynton Beach Preschool and Daycare
What ages do you serve?
What ages do you serve?
The Edward & Thelma Glantz Early Childhood Learning Center welcomes children from 3 months through VPK. Our age-appropriate programs include Infant, Toddler, Two-Year-Old, Three-Year-Old, and Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) classrooms, each thoughtfully designed to support every stage of early childhood development.
What does tuition cost at your Boynton Beach preschool?
What does tuition cost at your Boynton Beach preschool?
Tuition varies based on your child's age, program, and schedule. We offer full-time and part-time options for select classrooms, as well as Florida's Free Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) program for eligible four-year-olds. For current tuition rates, registration fees, payment information, and available schedules, please contact our admissions team or request a tuition guide.
Is your preschool in Boynton Beach open to everyone?
Is your preschool in Boynton Beach open to everyone?
Yes! We welcome families of all backgrounds to our Early Childhood Learning Center. Jewish values, traditions, and celebrations are naturally woven into the school year while creating a warm, inclusive environment where every child and family feels welcomed, respected, and connected.
What curriculum do you use?
What curriculum do you use?
Our educational approach combines project-based learning, purposeful play, and research-based early childhood education to create meaningful learning experiences that reflect each child's interests, abilities, and developmental stage. Through hands-on exploration, classroom projects, creative expression, and strong teacher relationships, children build confidence while strengthening cognitive, physical, social-emotional, language, and early academic skills.
How do you prepare children for kindergarten?
How do you prepare children for kindergarten?
Kindergarten readiness is about much more than recognizing letters and numbers. Our programs help children develop early literacy, math, communication, executive functioning, independence, and social-emotional skills through engaging, age-appropriate experiences that encourage curiosity, confidence, and critical thinking. By the time children leave our VPK program, they are prepared not only academically, but also socially and emotionally for a successful transition into elementary school.
How big are the class sizes?
How big are the class sizes?
We intentionally maintain classroom environments that allow teachers to build meaningful relationships with every child while providing individualized support and attention. Teacher-to-child ratios vary by age group and meet or exceed Florida licensing requirements. For current class sizes and teacher-to-child ratios, please contact our admissions team.
Is there a waitlist?
Is there a waitlist?
Enrollment availability varies by program, age group, and time of year. Some classrooms may have limited availability or a waitlist depending on demand. Early registration is always recommended. We encourage families to schedule a tour and begin the enrollment process as early as possible to learn about current openings and upcoming enrollment opportunities.
Does my child have to be potty trained to start preschool?
Does my child have to be potty trained to start preschool?
Potty-training expectations vary by classroom and age group. Our teachers understand that every child develops at their own pace and work closely with families to support important developmental milestones. Please contact our admissions team for the specific potty-training requirements for your child's program.
What are your preschool and daycare hours?
What are your preschool and daycare hours?
Program schedules vary by age group:
- Infant Program, ages 3–11 months: Monday–Friday, 7:45 am–6:00 pm
- Toddler Program, ages 12–23 months:
Full day: Monday–Friday, 7:45 am–6:00 pm
Part time: Monday, Wednesday & Friday or Tuesday & Thursday, 9:00 am–3:00 pm - Two-Year-Old Program:
Full time: Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–3:00 pm
Part time: Monday, Wednesday & Friday or Tuesday & Thursday, 9:00 am–3:00 pm - Three-Year-Old Program:
Full time: Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–3:00 pm
Part time: Monday, Wednesday & Friday or Tuesday & Thursday, 9:00 am–3:00 pm - VPK Program: Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–3:00 pm
- Before-school care: 7:45–9:00 am
- After-school care: 3:00–6:00 pm
Before- and after-school care is available for eligible programs. Contact our admissions team for additional scheduling details.
Do you offer Free VPK?
Do you offer Free VPK?
Yes! Our Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) program accepts the Florida VPK Voucher for eligible four-year-olds. Children participate in a high-quality, developmentally appropriate learning environment that strengthens early literacy, math, language, problem-solving, and social-emotional skills while preparing them for kindergarten. VPK is available for children turning 4 by September 1.
How do I know if your preschool is the right fit for my child?
How do I know if your preschool is the right fit for my child?
The best way to experience our school is by visiting in person. During your tour, you'll meet our teachers, explore the classrooms, learn about our educational philosophy, and see firsthand how children learn through project-based experiences, creative play, meaningful relationships, and hands-on exploration.
We encourage families to ask questions, explore our campus, and discover what makes the Edward & Thelma Glantz Early Childhood Learning Center a trusted choice for early childhood education in Boynton Beach.
How do I schedule a tour?
How do I schedule a tour?
We'd love to welcome you to campus! Schedule a personal tour to meet our educators, visit the classrooms, learn more about our programs, and experience the warm, nurturing environment that helps children build confidence from the very beginning.
Schedule a Tour →
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