The Early Childhood Center at the J is dedicated to educating the whole child. We offer both an academic and a social/emotional curriculum, and our program is licensed and accredited. In addition to our student-driven school day, we offer dozens of "extra-curricular" activities on-site – swimming, yoga, dance, sports and more.
Our program is committed to providing quality care and education that embraces the development of children's minds, bodies and souls. We stimulate the minds of young children through innovative and individualized curriculum, implemented by a well-trained staff in a safe, nurturing and developmentally appropriate environment. One hundred percent of our Pre-K graduates are prepared for kindergarten as measured by a state developmental checklist.
The Early Childhood Center at the J provides year-round care for children ages six weeks to 5 years, Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Full time, part-time and combination schedules are available. J Day Camps are included during the summer months at no extra cost.
Two locations give parents in both the Creve Coeur and Chesterfield areas easy access to our program, and our children enjoy the benefits of all the J's facilities – including year-round swimming and physical education classes. We are one of very few Jewish parenting centers in the St. Louis community and our programs are open to people of all faiths as well as to J members and the public.
Visit us on the web for more information or to arrange a tour!


At this free art program for ages 3-6 the focus is on the process of making art rather than the finished product. Dress to get messy!
Bring your babies and toddlers to this free story time at the Missouri History Museum.
Storytelling in the Museum is an in-person storytelling event happening at 10:30 a.m. at the Missouri History Museum. This event, perfect for the preschool set, features engaging stories with themes like Juneteenth, Sweet Treats, Summer and more. Storytelling in the Museum is free.
Families of all ages can enjoy festive decorations, entertainers, special food and drink menus and more at the Saint Louis Zoo's nighttime, non-scary Halloween experience Boo at the Zoo! Boo at the Zoo is a long-time St. Louis family favorite, with fun. spellbinding decorations for great photo opportunities, spooktacular entertainment as actors bring the decorated areas to life, interaction with the animals, fun at the 4-D Theater, & the Conservation Carousel and much more.
Visit The Magic House for Toddler Time, a special early-morning program for toddlers. Children age 1-4 can take part in exhibits and exclusive interactive activities designed just for little ones. There are new themes every week!