Learning through play
Individual attention
Learning Through Play, Discovery, and Exploration
Children learn best when they are actively engaged. Every day includes opportunities for creative play, hands-on discovery, outdoor exploration, art, music, group learning, and independent problem-solving. These experiences help children build communication, problem-solving, motor, and social-emotional skills while making learning exciting and meaningful.
More Than a Preschool
One of the things that makes JCC Buffalo different is that learning doesn’t stop in the classroom. Our students enjoy enrichment opportunities that many preschool programs simply cannot offer.
Limited Openings for Four-Year-Old Preschool
Our four-year-old preschool program combines exceptional academics with enrichment experiences that help children grow socially, emotionally, and physically.
Children Enjoy
✓ Weekly swim lessons
✓ Gym
✓ Music
✓ Creative movement
✓ Early literacy
✓ Math readiness
✓ Science exploration
✓ Social-emotional learning
✓ Hands-on discovery
Optional Enrichment Opportunities
Benderson Family Building:
Movement, Soccer Shots, American Sign Language, and Spanish may be offered to four-year-old classrooms during rest time for an additional fee.
Holland Family Building:
Offerings may include Spanish, Soccer Shots, dance, swim lessons, and other seasonal programs.
One Less Stop After Work
Instead of adding another stop after work, your child can continue learning right here with teachers they already know and love.
Every Child Grows Here
At JCC Buffalo, children grow academically, socially, emotionally, and physically through experiences designed to support the whole child.
What Makes JCC Buffalo Different
Exceptional early childhood education, meaningful enrichment, and a welcoming community come together under one roof.
NAEYC Accredited
Experienced Early Childhood Educators
Low Student-to-Teacher Ratios
Weekly Swim Lessons for Ages 3 and 4
Gym, Music & Creative Movement Included
Spacious Indoor & Outdoor Play Areas
Two Convenient Western New York Locations
Flexible Scheduling Options
A Warm, Inclusive Community
More Than an Early Childhood Program
When your family joins JCC Buffalo, you’re becoming part of a community that continues to grow with you.
Many of our families continue their JCC experience through Camp Centerland, swim lessons, family memberships, KidsCare, Saturday Night Out, cultural events, and family programs.
For many families, preschool is simply the beginning of their JCC story.
Early Childhood FAQs
Have questions about our Early Childhood Center? Here are some of the most common questions families ask before enrolling.
What ages do you accept?
Our Buffalo location welcomes children from 6 weeks old through prekindergarten, while our Amherst location serves children from 9 months old through prekindergarten.
Is JCC Buffalo open to everyone?
Yes. As Buffalo’s Jewish Community Center, our Early Childhood Center welcomes families of every faith, background, and religious affiliation. Whether you’re looking for a Jewish early childhood center rooted in community values or a trusted local preschool, families of all backgrounds have called JCC Buffalo home for more than 80 years.
What does NAEYC accreditation mean?
Accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children is a recognized mark of excellence. It demonstrates that an early childhood program meets high standards for learning environments, teaching, health, safety, family engagement, and program leadership.
What is included in tuition?
Tuition includes much more than exceptional early childhood education. Children also enjoy music, gym, creative movement, Hebrew lessons, and weekly swim lessons in our 3- and 4-year-old classrooms.
Are swim lessons included?
Yes. Children in our 3- and 4-year-old classrooms receive weekly swim lessons as part of their regular school day.
Do you offer Universal Pre-K?
Yes. At the Holland Family Building, JCC Buffalo partners with Buffalo Public Schools to offer Universal Pre-K.
What enrichment classes are available?
During the school year, children enjoy activities such as gym, music, Hebrew, and creative movement as part of their regular curriculum. Additional enrichment opportunities vary by location.
- Benderson Family Building: Optional fee-based classes for four-year-old classrooms during rest time may include Movement, Soccer Shots, American Sign Language, and Spanish.
- Holland Family Building: Optional enrichment offerings may include Spanish, Soccer Shots, dance, swim lessons, and other seasonal programs.
Can I schedule a tour before applying?
Yes. Families are encouraged to tour our classrooms, meet our teachers, and learn more about the enrollment process before applying.
Request a Tour →How do I apply?
Complete the enrollment application for the location where you are applying and return it to the appropriate Early Childhood Center.
Amherst Application → Buffalo Application →Do you have a waiting list?
Availability varies by age group, classroom, and location. When a classroom is full, families may be added to a waiting list and contacted as space becomes available.
What are your program hours?
Full-day enrollment is available from 7:30 am–6:00 pm, and half-day enrollment is available from 7:30 am–12:30 pm.
Do you serve families in Williamsville and the surrounding area?
Yes. Our Benderson Family Building in Amherst is convenient for families throughout Williamsville and the surrounding communities, offering NAEYC-accredited early childhood education, experienced teachers, and meaningful enrichment opportunities.