APJCC Preschool

APJCC Preschool offers a play-based program where children engage in activities such as play, group exercise classes, swim lessons, and after school enrichments. Enrolled preschool families have access to fitness childcare, personal training, and Camp Shalom through their APJCC Center Family Membership, which also includes use of fitness rooms, a gymnasium, a pool, and tennis/pickleball courts. The program follows a curiosity-driven curriculum where children learn through play, conversation, movement, art, storytelling, and real experiences in a warm, community-centered environment.

• Ages: 1–5 years old
• Schedule: Open Monday–Friday with class options between 6:00am–8:00pm, and Saturday–Sunday between 7:00am–3:30pm

APJCC Preschool offers a toddler group starting at 18 months, a 2–3 year-olds program, a 3–4 year-olds program, and a TK group for 4–5 year-olds, with flexible scheduling options. The program is play, inquiry, and emergent learning based, with a focus on social-emotional development and milestones in an inclusive community. Every active, enrolled student receives a full APJCC Center Family Membership for their immediate family, which includes full access to fitness rooms, the gymnasium, the pool, tennis/pickleball courts, and more, plus free access to over 80 weekly group exercise classes, member discounts on swim lessons, fitness childcare, personal training, and Camp Shalom, and a Health & Fitness Orientation for each adult in the household. APJCC Preschool operates under License #430709398.

The mission of APJCC Preschool states that its learning program makes early education an adventure, encourages learning through play, and focuses on what interests each child most while preparing children before they enter primary school. The mission also states that the education programs are created to provide a safe and nourishing environment under the supervision of teachers, support emotional development and self-expression, and offer a hands-on interactive environment where children learn while playing. The program describes itself as a nurturing preschool environment where children can grow socially, emotionally, and intellectually while feeling connected to their classroom community, and notes that teachers support each child’s curiosity while helping them build confidence, independence, and early school readiness.

The leadership team includes Cyndi Sherman as Senior Director of Preschool, Youth, & Family Engagement; Henrietta Garcia as Inclusion Specialist; and Rachel Rose as Early Childhood Office Manager. Cyndi has been a member of the APJCC Preschool faculty team since 1989 and has led the team as Early Childhood Director since 2003. Rachel began as a teacher at APJCC Preschool in 1993 and returned to the preschool as part of the admin team in 2013. Henrietta Garcia has worked in the special needs field for 8 years.

Jewish Silicon Valley, which APJCC Preschool is part of, is involved in the Koret Initiative on Jewish Peoplehood. Parent testimonials describe the preschool as a place where children have learned, grown, and thrived over multiple years, and where families experience a warm and loving environment with strong relationships with teachers and staff. Another testimonial notes that the team has been wonderful and welcoming and highlights a feeling of belonging and a special bond within the community.

Last updated June 4, 2026.