The Children’s Preschool has a committed staff of experienced, professional teachers who are passionate about their work with young children. Parents prize the teaching staff for its considerable experience and length of time working together. Collectively the teachers have over one hundred years of experience in the field of early childhood education. All staff members participate in professional development activities throughout the year. The ratio of children to teachers is approximately 7:1.
Students and student teachers seeking field experience from area colleges occasionally work in the classroom under close supervision by the teaching staff.
- Jessica Giacalone
- Teacher
Jessica Giacalone has been teaching at The Children’s Preschool since 2018 and has been in the field for over fifteen years. She has an associate degree in Early Childhood Education from Gateway Community College and a B.A. in psychology from Southern Connecticut State University. She has worked with infants and toddlers as well as preschoolers in various settings. Jessica lives in North Haven with her husband, daughter and son.
- Julanne Juncker
- Teacher
Julanne Juncker has been teaching at The Children’s Preschool since 2015. She has a B.S. in criminal justice from St. John’s University. Over the years she has worked with toddlers as well as preschoolers. Her sixteen years of experience in the field includes running an after-school program three days a week. Julanne lives in Shelton with her husband and two sons.
- Christy Lennington-Asch
- Teacher
Christy Lennington-Asch is excited to join The Children's Preschool staff this year. She received a BA in psychology from Texas A&M University and a master's degree in psychology from Stony Brook University. Christy has previously taught adolescents in the Norwalk Public Schools and has worked with children and families in a variety of settings. She loves reading, singing, and discovering the natural world. Christy lives in Hamden with her husband and three children.
- Maria Lewis
- Teacher
Maria Lewis has been teaching at The Children’s Preschool since 1990. On a year-long sabbatical, Maria was the teacher of a multilingual Pre-Kindergarten class at the European School in Frankfurt, Germany. Maria earned her undergraduate degree from Tufts University, with a B.A. in anthropology. She received her master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Southern Connecticut State University. A native of New Haven, Maria and her husband have two grown daughters, who began their educational journeys at The Children’s Preschool, many years ago.
- Jackie Lucas
- Teacher
Jackie Lucas has been teaching at The Children’s Preschool since 2018. She has a B.S. in psychology from Sacred Heart University. Prior to joining the staff at The Children’s Preschool, she worked for several years as an early intervention teacher in a Birth to Three program. Jackie lives in West Haven with her husband, two sons and her Goldendoodle puppy.
- Andrew Myers
- Director
Andrew Myers is a former CPS parent who brings over 30 years of early childhood teaching and administrative experience to the team. A graduate of Albertus Magnus College, he is a life-long learner who enjoys reading, singing, and cooking... both at school and on home days. He has an affinity for strong coffee, most things Disney, dark chocolate, half of the Star Wars/Trek movies, New Haven pizza, and underdog sportzball teams. Andrew lives in Wallingford with his wife Amy, their two children, and various pets.
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“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I remember, involve me and I learn.”
