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 their considerable experience and length of time working together. Collectively, the teachers have over one hundred years of experience in 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
- Director
Jessica Giacalone has taught at The Children’s Preschool since 2018 and has been in the field for over twenty 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 recently earned her master’s degree in Early Childhood General and Special Education from Bank Street College of Education. She has worked with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in various settings. Jessica is passionate about providing an enriching, progressive curriculum in an emotionally responsive environment. She lives in North Haven with her husband and two children.
- 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 and preschoolers. Her sixteen years of experience in the field include 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 joined The Children's Preschool staff in 2023. 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 various settings. She loves reading, singing, and discovering the natural world. Christy lives in Hamden with her husband and three children.
- 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. Before joining the Preschool staff, 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.
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I remember, involve me and I learn.”
