FAQs

What makes your program distinctive?
Our beautiful learning spaces, kind and nurturing teachers, and small class sizes creates a truly child-centered experience. Children go outside every day, embracing nature as an essential part of their learning. Older students engage in project-based learning, developing interdisciplinary skills and learning to think independently and confidently. Our creative Judaic program nurtures a sense of spirituality and meaning through stories, mitzvot, and traditions.  

On my visit to the school, I noticed Montessori materials, Reggio-inspired displays, natural materials like Waldorf—and you’re a Jewish school too! How do you blend it all?
Great observation! At our core, Zimmer is a Reggio-inspired and Jewish early childhood center. These two identities shape our values, our image of the child, and our approach to learning and community. That said, we thoughtfully draw from a range of educational philosophies—Montessori’s emphasis on independence, Waldorf’s use of natural materials—when they enhance our environment or support children’s development. Every choice is intentional, grounded in what we believe best serves the whole child: intellectually, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.

What is your policy on discipline and conflict resolution?
Our goal is to help children develop empathy, self-regulation, and the lifelong skills of peaceful conflict resolution. We use positive discipline approaches that focus on growth, understanding, and accountability—not control.

What We Don’t Do:

• Talk down to or lecture children

• Use time outs as punishment

• Bribe or threaten, to control behavior

Why:
These methods may yield short-term compliance but don’t foster genuine self-control or empathy. Instead, they often cause children to shut down or rely on external approval rather than internal motivation.

What We Do Instead:

• We prepare the environment to minimize frustration and set children up for success.

• We set clear expectations so children feel secure and know what’s expected of them.

• We use natural and logical consequences to help children understand the outcomes of their choices.

• We offer meaningful choices to encourage cooperation and build independence.

• We help children recognize, name, and understand their emotions.

• We gently redirect children toward more appropriate activities when needed.

• We stay calm and supportive, giving children the time and space to process and learn.

• When conflicts arise, teachers act as neutral guides—listening without judgment, echoing concerns, clarifying issues, and helping children collaborate on fair solutions. The process is never rushed; language is clear, and our focus is on resolution, not blame.

• We teach social-emotional skills through stories, games, and conversations—especially when children are calm and ready to learn.

• We model kindness, patience, and respect in all our interactions.

• We observe and celebrate positive behavior to reinforce internal motivation and confidence.

Does the curriculum prepare students for ongoing schools (public or private)?  
Absolutely. Zimmer children leave with strong academic foundations and the skills that support lifelong learning. Through meaningful, child-centered experiences, they build readiness in literacy, math, science, creativity, and motor development. Just as importantly, they grow socially and emotionally. Our graduates transition smoothly to both public and private schools, equipped with confidence, curiosity and a love of learning.

How will my child be assessed? 
Assessment happens in real time, through daily observation and documentation of your child’s learning and growth. Twice a year, we reflect on each child’s development using a skills-based checklist to help us track progress and guide our teaching.

Do you go outside every day? 
Yes! Outdoor time is a core part of our program. We believe nature is essential to healthy development, and the benefits of fresh air, movement, and exploration are immense. In colder months, we ask families to send hats, gloves, and boots—children enjoy dressing in layers so they can regulate their comfort. In warmer months, sunscreen is applied at home and reapplied at school as needed.

Tell me about Zimmer’s staff…
All of our lead teachers meet or exceed New Jersey’s licensing requirements, and many hold dual degrees in early childhood education and related fields. More than just credentials, our teachers bring warmth, insight, and a deep understanding of young children. We conduct thorough reference and background checks for all staff, including temporary hires.

What does your ongoing professional development look like? 
Following our belief that teachers are learners too, we have bi-weekly staff meetings, and two full-day meetings each year. During these times, we reflect, plan, study, and collaborate—continually growing as educators and deepening our work with children.

What are the safety procedures you have in place?
We take safety seriously. Doors remain locked at all times, with security cameras monitoring both the interior and exterior of the building. Children are only released to individuals listed on parent-authorized forms. We conduct regular fire and evacuation drills, and staff are certified in CPR and First Aid. We also maintain a close relationship with our local police department and regularly review our protocols to ensure we’re prepared for any emergency.

How often do you clean the classrooms and toys?  
We have a full-time professional cleaning team that sanitizes classrooms and toys on a regular schedule.

What’s your policy on potty training?
When children are physically ready, we partner with parents to support toilet learning in a consistent, positive way; we use appropriate words for body functions. We celebrate successes and maintain a positive attitude when accidents happen. (Cloth diapers are welcome, but per state regulations require they will be bagged and sent home unwashed.)

Do the older children nap?
Per state regulations, children three and younger are offered a half-hour rest period. We provide each child with a mat, and families bring washable blankets and sheets, which are sent home weekly. Children who don’t fall asleep use this time to relax—a valuable skill in today’s busy, noisy world.

What is your lunch/snack policy?
Children bring their own lunch and snacks from home. All food must be dairy or vegetarian (guidelines and suggestions are provided in the Parent Handbook). To ensure safety and inclusivity, children do not share food, and we encourage healthy choices.

How do you accommodate food allergies? 
We address allergies on a class-by-class basis. If a child has a food allergy, all parents in that class are notified of any necessary restrictions. Staff are trained in allergy awareness and EpiPen administration to ensure every child’s safety.

I love your school, but I need daycare hours…
To accommodate working parents, we offer extended care from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., wrapping around our core program (9am-3pm). We also provide holiday care on many days when school is otherwise closed—giving families the best of both worlds!

How do you handle snow days?
We follow Bernards Township’s decisions on school closings and delayed openings. We send out an electronic message by 7:00 AM.

Do you have a summer program?
Our 8-week summer program is centered around arts and nature. Please click here for further details.

What is the application process for new students?
Families begin by visiting the school, meeting with our Educational Director, and touring the classrooms. Enrollment is confirmed once the application and registration fee are submitted.

What are the payment options/procedures?  
For the 10-month scholastic year, tuition may be paid in full (with a 10% discount) or in 10 equal monthly installments. The first payment is due upon registration, and the second is due August 1, before the school year begins.

Our 8-week summer program requires a minimum enrollment of 3 weeks. Tuition is based on the number of weeks selected and is due in full at the time of registration.
Payments may be made by check, cash, or credit card. Please note there is a 3% processing fee for credit card payments.
Families who withdraw temporarily (e.g., for vacation) are still responsible for the full term. All deposits, fees, and tuition are non-refundable.

Does the school offer ways for parents to be involved?   
Absolutely! We host family events throughout the year, scheduled at varied times so all families have a chance to join. Parents are welcome to visit for lunch, birthdays, or just to see their child in action. We also invite parents to share their talents, hobbies, or professions with the class. Our parent group, Parents of Zimmer (POZ), plan special events and fundraisers that support our program and staff.

What kinds of communication should I expect from my child's teacher?  
We believe strong communication between home and school is essential. Teachers stay in touch regularly, sharing anecdotes and moments from your child’s day—sometimes just because! We use the Brightwheel app to share daily photos and monthly classroom blogs. At least one parent–teacher conference is built into the school year. And when deeper conversations are needed, the trust between teacher and family ensures open and respectful dialogue.

Can you put us in touch with a current Zimmer family?
Yes! Several parents are happy to speak with prospective families. Let us know, and we’ll gladly connect you.