Director of the Barbara & Jack Kay Early Childhood Learning Center, Brooke Pertnoy has dedicated her career to early childhood learning with working over 15 years at the preschool and a bachelor's degree in elementary education.
Brooke is a graduate of the prestigious Jewish Community Center Association of North America’s Sheva Center Leadership Institute for Early Childhood Professionals. This national leadership development institute is a three-year program that enhances the skills of exceptional early childhood staff interested in increased responsibilities and leadership roles in early care and education.
The Mandel JCC is one of five programs in the country that’s part of the JCCA’s Sheva Center Lab communities, which is a school that models excellence in early childhood education for other JCCs.
Brooke is also a graduate of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County’s Emergent Leadership Program.
Assistant Director of the Barbara & Jack Kay Early Childhood Learning Center, Lauren Strauss brings over a decade of experience in Early Childhood Education, working with children from infancy through six years old. She holds both Infant/Toddler Montessori certification and Primary 3–6 Montessori certification, providing her with a deep and well-rounded understanding of child development. Throughout her career, she has taught in a wide range of educational settings, including Public, Private, Charter, and Montessori schools.
From a young age, Lauren always knew she wanted to work with children, a passion that has guided her throughout her life. Her journey in education began in high school when she first worked as a camp counselor. Before joining the JCC, she spent six years as a Montessori Lead Toddler Teacher and later became the Toddler Department Head. During her time as a lead teacher, she also earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership.
Jewish values play a meaningful role in Lauren’s life and deeply influence her work with young children. She is committed to creating nurturing, inclusive, and community-centered learning environments that reflect those principles.
John Kabot is the Director of Special Needs for the Mandel JCC. Before joining the JCC family, he oversaw the Broward County Public Schools Preschool department. John also served as the Director of Education for The Victory Center, which provides services to children from 3 to 22 years old.
He started his career at the Baudhuin Preschool of Nova Southeastern University, where he served as a teacher, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and administrator. John has a forty-year-old brother on the autism spectrum which is his driving passion in the field.
Jessica serves as the Assistant Director of Curriculum for both the Barbara & Jack Kay and the Edward & Thelma Glantz Early Childhood Learning Centers. She holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Ramapo College and a Director Credential from the National Institute of Child Care Management.
She began her JCC journey as a classroom teacher and later held leadership roles, including Early Childhood Director at a temple nursery school, dedicating her career to Jewish education.
Passionate about early childhood learning, Jessica supports children’s developmental milestones while fostering collaborative relationships with teachers and families. She believes high-quality, engaging experiences rooted in best practices cultivate lifelong learners and innovative thinkers.
Jessica designs curriculum with the whole child in mind: cognitive, social-emotional, motor, and language development. From infant programs to structured VPK, she ensures each milestone is supported with meaningful, age-appropriate learning and aligns curriculum with local public school standards for academic success.
Her hands-on, multi-sensory lesson plans reflect monthly themes, seasons, holidays, and Jewish teachings, helping children develop a strong sense of Jewish pride.
Together with Jessica, we nurture lifelong learners and creative thinkers, preparing children for both their educational journey and future ahead.
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