What is Jericho STEM Academy?
Jericho STEM Academy is an OCFS-licensed preschool program that provides a nurturing environment designed for children from 6 weeks old to pre-K. Our goal is to prepare your children for success in all aspects of their lives. Our STEM curriculum is aligned with New York State standards and designed to ensure your child thrives academically and socially.
We are committed to providing the highest quality program for your child. We conduct annual evaluations of our teachers, facilities, and curriculum to ensure that your child receives an exceptional education that gives you peace of mind. At Jericho STEM Academy, we recognize that every child is unique. Our flexible learning approach supports individual growth and development. We offered flexible scheduling options, including 2 to 5 day fixability schedules with half-day and full-day availability. Extended care was also available.

Can I enroll my child in the Jericho STEM Academy at any time? 
Yes. Enrollment is ongoing as long as space is available. 

What are the Admission Procedures?
Parents are offered a school tour with an overview of policies and procedures and our curriculum.  You will get to meet our staffs.  You can ask the director and assistant director any questions you may have.  If you would like to join our school family you will get a packet to fill out which includes a medical form to be filled out by your physician.

What is your policy regarding diapers? Do my child need to be potty trained?
Potty training is a developmental milestone that children reach at varying ages. Our teachers will collaborate with you throughout the process. Children are never made to feel uncomfortable about needing assistance, regardless of their stage in the process. Your child does not need to be potty trained before enrolling in our school. We work together with families during the potty training process.

Will my child be prepared for Kindergarten?
Jericho STEM Academy graduates are well-prepared for both public and private schools, and excel academically, socially, and developmentally due to our STEM program.  Parents and teachers report that our graduates have a significant advantage when starting primary school, and many pass rigorous entrance assessments to enter prestigious private schools in the area.

What happens if my child cries at drop off?
To facilitate children's adjustment to school, a parent or guardian may be asked to remain for a few minutes until their child feels comfortable. Our teachers are adept at recognizing signs of stress in children and understand when they require the support of a familiar adult. For Toddlers, we have a gradual separation process where parents or guardians come to the classroom with their child for the first few days. We will collaborate with you to ease your child's anxiety about starting school.

What are your student-teacher ratios?
As an OCFS licensed preschool, we adhere to all OCFS regulations. We maintain a 4:1 ratio (four infants to one teacher) in our infant program, a 5:1 ratio (five children to one teacher) in our two-year-old program, and a 7:1 ratio (seven children to two teachers) in our three-year-old program. Our Pre-K program maintains an 8:1 ratio (eight students to two teachers).  We always have two teachers in each classroom, with additional floaters available to assist as needed.

What are the school's precautionary measures for children with severe food allergies?
Each child's allergies are clearly posted in their respective classrooms and common areas, and all staff members undergo mandatory training to review and familiarize themselves with all student health information, including allergies and medical conditions, prior to the commencement of each school year. To ensure the well-being of all students, we maintain a strict nut-free policy and provide safe, healthy snacks that are free from common allergens. Additionally, our staff members are trained in first aid and emergency procedures, including the administration of epinephrine, to respond promptly and effectively to any allergic reactions or medical emergencies. We also participate in OCFS Non-Patient Specific Auto Injector Initiative. 

What are your security measures?
To ensure the safety and security of our students and staff, all exterior doors to our school building remain locked throughout the school day. Access to the building is strictly controlled. Visitors, parents, and guardians must use the designated doorbell located at the main entrance. This doorbell is equipped with a camera and two-way communication system. Upon ringing the doorbell, please wait patiently for a member of our office staff to respond via the intercom. You will be asked to state your name and the purpose of your visit. The office staff will then verify your identity and purpose before remotely unlocking the door to grant you access to the building.

What if someone else comes to pick up my child?
The names of at least two individuals who are authorized to routinely pick up your child must be on file. If any other individual will be picking up your child, it is imperative that you notify the office in writing, or by telephone. To comply with safety regulations, the school will not release a child to any individual who is not authorized to pick up the child. Additionally, the authorized individual must present photo identification and be over the age of 18 years.

​Do you perform background checks on your employees?
Our school adheres to the strictest safety standards, holding licenses from both the New York State and the Office of Children and Family Services. In compliance with New York State regulations, every employee who works within our building has undergone a thorough background check, including fingerprinting. This rigorous process ensures that our students are protected and cared for in a safe and nurturing environment. We believe that providing a secure space is foundational to effective learning and development, and we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety for all who enter our doors.

Is staff trained in First Aid and CPR?
While the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) license mandates that only one staff member be certified in CPR, our school goes above and beyond this minimum requirement to ensure the utmost safety for our students. We have made a conscious decision to invest in the well-being of our children by requiring that all employees, regardless of their role within the school, receive comprehensive training and certification in both pediatric CPR and first aid. This policy reflects our unwavering commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment where every staff member is equipped to respond effectively and efficiently in the event of an emergency.

How do we communicate with parents?
Teachers will communicate regularly with parents and post photos of students' progress and milestones on Brightwheel each school day. Brightwheel is a mobile app used for school communication, billing, payment, and messaging. The office can also be contacted via Brightwheel, phone, or email. A newsletter about the curriculum, activities, and parties will be sent home once a month.
Teachers will assess students' progress twice a year, in the spring and fall, and share the results with parents during parent-teacher conferences. Parents can request a meeting with their child's teachers at any time to discuss any concerns. To ensure that teachers can provide their undivided attention, parents are encouraged to schedule an appointment outside of drop-off and pick-up times.

Are the classrooms heated or air conditioned?
Yes! Our school's maintenance staff regulates the temperature daily to ensure comfort.

Is camp staff the same staff as the preschool staff?
Some of our teachers and assistants work year-round, while others only work during the school year.