Our Early Years Programs

Early Years students at CJA are welcomed into a warm, nurturing environment where curiosity is encouraged and a love of learning begins. Learning is guided by play, exploration, and predictable routines that help children feel safe, confident, and ready to learn.

At CJA, our Early Years include three distinct programs designed to support children as they grow in confidence, independence, and readiness for school. Our Nursery and Junior Kindergarten programs provide licensed daycare, while Kindergarten introduces structured academic learning guided by the Alberta curriculum.

Each program builds naturally into the next, easing the transition into elementary school and building a strong sense of belonging within the CJA school community.

Students, from all backgrounds are inspired to learn about heritage, and culture in order to strengthen their individual spirituality and Jewish identity. This includes:

  • Love of learning and intellectual curiosity
  • Judaism and Israel
  • Creativity, imagination, and individuality
  • Menschlekeit (striving to be a good person), friendship, and acceptance
  • Safety and security
  • Respect of others and ourselves
  • Diversity, inclusion, and tolerance
  • Tzedakah (generosity) and Gemilut Hassadim (helping others)
  • Citizenship, leadership, Tikkun Olam (repair of the world)

The CJA believes that preschool children learn best through an interdisciplinary approach that includes:

  • Play
  • Inquiry and exploration
  • Curiosity and discovery
  • Self-regulation
  • Interaction with other children and their environment
  • Observation, modelling and repetition
  • Being part of a classroom, school, Jewish, and greater community
  • Taking risks
  • Assuming responsibility
  • Taking initiative

Take the First Step of a Memorable Journey

If you would like more information, a tour, or feel that it is time to register your child at the CJA, the very first step is right here. Click the link below to provide your information and a member of our admissions team will reach out to you.