Frequently Asked Questions

We welcome children from six weeks through Pre-K. Our programs include Infants, Toddlers, Preschool for children ages 3-4 and Pre-K for children ages 4-5.

Yes. We offer programming throughout the year, including summer. Holidays, teacher professional-development days and other planned closures are listed on our school calendar.

Enrollment begins with a personal tour led by Anna Mil'man, our Assistant Director. During your visit, Anna will show you the classrooms appropriate for your child's age, explain our play-based approach and answer questions about schedules, tuition and availability.

You will receive current tuition information, our Parent Handbook and the materials needed to enroll. If an appropriate opening is available, your child's place is secured after we receive all required enrollment forms, the non-refundable registration fee and the first month's tuition.

Complete the Book a Tour form, call us at (520) 325-0390 or email info@straussece.com. Anna will contact you to arrange your visit. Tours are available by appointment so that Anna can reserve enough time to show you around and answer your questions.

Program placement is based on your child's age and, when applicable, potty-training readiness. Specific classroom assignment depends on availability, your requested schedule and other enrollment considerations. Anna will discuss the appropriate options for your child during your tour.

If an appropriate opening is not currently available, Anna will explain the waitlist process. To join the waitlist, families complete a waitlist application and submit a non-refundable $50 waitlist fee. Availability and timing depend on your child's age, requested schedule and the openings available in the appropriate classroom. We will contact you when a suitable space becomes available.

Tuition varies based on your child's program, selected schedule and number of days attending each week. Because we offer several enrollment combinations, current tuition information is provided during your tour. A tuition discount is available to Kol Ami Synagogue members.

The STRAUSS ECE is open Monday through Friday from 7:30AM to 5:30PM.

Extended Care is available from 5:30 to 6PM, Monday through Thursday. Extended Care is not available on Fridays.

Families may choose from three schedule options:

Full Day: 7:30AM - 5:30PM
Mid-Day: 8AM - 3PM
Half-Day: 7:30AM - 12:30PM

Children may attend between two and five days per week, with a minimum enrollment of two days. Schedule availability depends on the child's program and available classroom space.

We provide morning and afternoon snacks for children ages two and older. Families provide lunch for their children. Our older classrooms follow kosher dietary guidelines, so families are asked not to pack pork products or shellfish in their child's lunch. Feeding arrangements for infants and younger toddlers are reviewed with each family based on the child's individual needs.

Our snacks include a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, yogurt and cheese. The current snack schedule is posted on the ECE information board inside the main entrance.

The STRAUSS ECE is peanut-free, but it is not completely nut-free. Please tell us about any food allergy or dietary need before enrollment so that our administration can review your child's needs and discuss the appropriate safety procedures with you.

Our lead teachers hold at least an associate degree or higher in early childhood education, and several members of our teaching staff hold master's degrees. All staff members complete background checks and fingerprint clearance, maintain infant and child First Aid and CPR certification, and complete at least 18 hours of continuing early childhood education each year.

We use an emergent, play-based approach. Teachers observe children's interests, questions and developmental needs and use them to create meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.

Throughout the day, children build language, early literacy, mathematical thinking, scientific curiosity, creativity, motor skills, independence and social-emotional understanding. These skills are developed through purposeful play, conversations, stories, art, music, movement and exploration rather than isolated drills or worksheets. Our learning experiences incorporate the Arizona Early Learning Standards while giving children the time and space to develop at their own pace.

Children experience Jewish values and traditions through songs, stories, holidays, Shabbat celebrations, Judaics, age-appropriate Hebrew and time with Kol Ami's clergy. These experiences emphasize values such as kindness, gratitude, responsibility, community and caring for others.

No. The STRAUSS ECE welcomes children and families of all backgrounds, faith traditions and family structures. Jewish values and traditions are an important part of our school community, but families do not need to be Jewish or members of Kol Ami Synagogue to enroll.

The STRAUSS ECE is part of Kol Ami Synagogue. This connection gives children opportunities to experience Jewish traditions, learn from Kol Ami's clergy and participate in a larger intergenerational community. Membership in Kol Ami is not required to attend the STRAUSS ECE, although synagogue members receive a tuition discount.

Visit www.katucson.org or call the Kol Ami office at (520) 327-4501 to learn more about the synagogue, its community and membership opportunities.