Early Childhood Education
The Wolk Children’s Center believes children grow best through exploration, discovery, and play. We provide a warm, supportive environment where each child’s individuality is respected and caring relationships are nurtured. Our programs build a strong foundation for lifelong learning by fostering curiosity, confidence, communication skills, creativity, and independent thinking, while encouraging children to actively engage with and make sense of the world around them.
About Our Program
As a leading childcare provider, our center offers a secure, full day program (7:30 am to 5:30 pm) where children thrive in a space thoughtfully designed just for them. Our teachers create engaging weekly plans through our Brightwheel curriculum, supporting each child’s growth while building a strong educational foundation aligned with state standards. More than childcare, our program helps prepare children with the skills, confidence, and curiosity needed for lifelong learning.
Our experienced educators also engage in ongoing professional development, including Red Cross First Aid and CPR certification, food allergy awareness, and comprehensive safety training, giving families peace of mind that their children are in safe, capable, and caring hands.
Why Choose Us
At the Wolk Children’s Center, your child’s day is filled with big moments and small wins, with plenty of space to move, create, and connect. Our enrichment experiences are built into the week so children can explore new interests, build confidence, and have fun doing it.
Children enjoy a variety of enriching experiences including:
- Physical education and active play in our spacious Big Gym
- Water play in our Family Pool and Splash Pool (during warmer months!)
- Group swim lessons for ages 3 to 5
- Relaxing and playful yoga sessions
- Hands on arts and crafts
- Interactive music experiences
- Exploration of Jewish culture and values
- Multiple age appropriate indoor and outdoor play spaces
- Newly renovated gross motor rooms designed for movement and growth
And the best part? Families with at least one child enrolled full time receive a complimentary Two-Adult Family Core JCC Membership, so your whole family can enjoy time at the J and take advantage of all the programs, spaces, and experiences our community has to offer.
Ready to enroll? Click here to submit our inquiry form and get started today.
Have more questions? Email us at wolkadmin@jccrochester.org or call 585.461.2000 ext. 272.
Infant
8 Weeks –18 Months
Teacher to Child Ratio: 1:4
Little ones are busy crawling and climbing during days full of smiles, cuddles, and encouragement from our nurturing and attentive staff. As children progress, we encourage exploration with their new skills. Stimulating classrooms are designed to nurture their social, intellectual, and emotional growth.
Throughout the day, infants learn beginning social skills and enjoy music, art, stories, outdoor play, and sensory activities making this a truly wonderful beginning school experience.
Toddler
18 – 36 Months
Teacher to Child Ratio: 1:5
Children learn about themselves, their feelings, and others as they participate in age-appropriate group activities. Beginning self-help skills such as toilet-training, caring for personal belongings, washing hands, and eating with utensils are among the skills your child will develop during this year.
Our staff provides the balance between a toddler’s need for security and their growing desire for independence.
Preschool
3 Years Old (By November 1)
Teacher to Child Ratio: 1:7
Children build self-confidence as they develop new-found capabilities. Our curriculum is rich with language and communication, reading readiness, pre-mathematical concepts, science, art, and music.
Imaginative play and problem-solving experiences go hand-in-hand as we help children learn about themselves and the world around them in an atmosphere of love, joy, respect, and security.
Pre-K
4 Years Old (By December 1)
Teacher to Child Ratio: 1:8
Children prepare for their next steps into school and life. They are encouraged to embark on a deeper exploration of concepts, use materials with greater intent and focus, gain awareness and understanding of letters and numbers, and become more articulate.
Their more complex thoughts, increased concentration in critical thinking, and fine motor development are woven into curriculum, creating a unique and rich final year in preschool.