The Early Years are a time of discovery, curiosity, and rapid development. At CJA, children learn through play, exploration, meaningful relationships, and hands-on experiences that help build confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.
Open to families of all backgrounds, CJA offers Early Years programming for children ages 3–5 within a caring Nursery to Grade 9 school community. Our Nursery (age 3) and Junior Kindergarten (age 4) programs operate as licensed daycare programs, while Kindergarten (age 5) introduces more structured learning guided by the Alberta curriculum.
Guided by experienced educators, children develop social, emotional, physical, and early academic skills in a nurturing environment where they feel safe, supported, and known. Each program builds naturally into the next, creating a seamless pathway from daycare to Kindergarten and beyond.
Kindergarten marks an exciting transition into formal school learning. Students follow the Alberta curriculum while continuing to learn through engaging, hands-on experiences that build strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, and personal growth.
Discover how CJA’s Kindergarten program helps children build strong academic and social foundations for future success.
Our Nursery program introduces children to learning through play. Children develop confidence, independence, and social skills, learning through exploration, creativity, movement, and outdoor play.
Junior Kindergarten at CJA builds on the foundations established in Nursery and supports growing independence, curiosity, and school readiness. Children continue to learn through play while developing early literacy, numeracy, communication, and social skills.
CJA’s Nursery and Junior Kindergarten programs operate as licensed daycare programs within a Nursery to Grade 9 school community. Children become familiar with school routines, educators, and learning environments before entering Kindergarten, helping to create a confident and successful transition to school.
Click to learn more about our affordable Nursery and Junior Kindergarten daycare programs for children ages 3 and 4.
Children learn best when they feel safe, supported, and engaged. Through play, inquiry, exploration, and predictable routines, CJA’s Early Years programs help children develop confidence, independence, social skills, and a strong foundation for future learning.
Children learn through:
These experiences support the development of language, early literacy and numeracy, social-emotional skills, and a lifelong love of learning.
Jewish traditions, celebrations, and values are woven naturally into daily life in the Early Years. Through stories, music, holiday celebrations, acts of kindness, and shared experiences, children develop a sense of belonging and community while learning about Jewish culture and traditions in age-appropriate ways.
As part of a Nursery to Grade 9 school, Early Years students regularly connect with older students through reading, special activities, and school celebrations, helping them feel part of a larger caring community from their earliest days at CJA.
CJA offers morning and full-day early years program options to support busy families. Extended-day and after-school care are available to provide added flexibility for families.