Jennifer Wilkinson Named New JCC North Director

Jennifer Wilkinson has been named the new director of JCC North Preschool, replacing Nikki Henry, who now is serving as the director of JCC College Avenue Preschool.

Licensed in Early Childhood Education, Jennifer holds a master's degree in education from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, as well as a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Michigan.

In addition to her teaching experience in Kindergarten and 1st grade classrooms in Columbus, Westerville and Worthington, Jennifer also has served as a Sunday School teacher at Congregation Beth Tikvah, where she teaches four- and five-year-olds and 5th graders a curriculum including Bible stories, Jewish holidays, prayers and Hebrew.

"My philosophy of teaching has evolved slowly over the years from experiences I have had directly with students, teaching staff, school personnel and my college classes," she said. "I believe that teaching requires discipline, flexibility, continual refining, and a sense of humor."

Jennifer said she strongly believes in teaching students at his or her level of readiness, rather than teaching the class as a unit. "I also believe in the Reggio Emilia approach, which seizes upon the students' interests in directing teaching so that the students have a sense of meaning in their learning," she said. "Children - and adults - learn better when they have a vested interest in the materia being studied.

"We also learn by building upon previous knowledge, so I believe it is extremely important to get to know my students and their interests and experiences," she said.

So, when it's Back to School for your preschooler, stop by the JCC North's office and welcome Jennifer to the "JCC family.

Enroll today! A limited number of spots are still available in for this coming school year at JCC North Preschool. For more information, contact Linda Fischer at (614) 764-2414.