Philosophy

At The Jennie we are guided by a child-led, and play-based, philosophy. We utilize child observation and teacher reflection in order to shape curriculum that serves our children as individuals and the class as a whole. Teachers foster secure attachments through responsive caregiving, understanding that optimal learning and growth comes only when children feel safe and secure. Children build foundational academic and life skills through play and interacting with their environment. Art and creativity is a daily practice and the children have opportunities to create their own art, and explore external creations. We strive to bring together the best practices in many developmental and educational philosophies, including the teachings of Maria Montessori, the principles of RIE – developed by Magda Gerber, and the warm nurturing environments found in Waldorf and Reggio Emilia programs.

Judaism has a longstanding commitment to excellent education and to providing an environment where children’s natural desire to learn is fostered. The Jennie empowers children from the youngest ages to ask questions, explore their curiosities, and be advocates for their learning desires. We strive for beauty and peace through respect, art, kindness, and Kehillah, the Hebrew word for community. This collaboration allows children to feel nurtured, and engage with their inner curiosity and inspiration to learn, providing a foundation for a lifelong love of learning to grow.

Bailey Brandt joins us from Chicago, where she worked as a Developmental Therapist, providing play-based interventions for children aged zero to three, tackling developmental delays. Prior to that, she worked as the Director of Early Childhood Education at a Montessori-based infant and toddler school. 

She has a Masters of Science in Child Development with a concentration in Infancy and Administration from Erikson Institute, and has been working with children and families for seventeen years, both as a direct caregiver and as parent support. Bailey is beyond excited to join The Jennie and CBI, and to join CBI staff in building an incredible school for our community.

Born in the Bay Area, Bailey moved to Portland as an adolescent, where she graduated from Metropolitan Learning Center (a few blocks away from CBI!) and obtained her undergraduate degree from Portland State University. After nine years exploring Chicago (and picking up her Master’s degree!) she decided it was time to come home and be near family again.

Bailey has spent her career practicing and building on the skill set of inclusive and anti-oppression early childhood care, and feels deeply that raising children with responsive and quality caregiving is the best way to create a peaceful and joyful future for all.  She uses a relationship and community building approach, believing that our communities and interpersonal connections as adults, fuels and supports positive childcare experiences for children.

Click here to email Bailey

Tuition and Pricing 

Advance tuition is due by the 1st of the month, which covers the month moving forward. For example, if your child is starting on May 1, May’s tuition is due by May 1 and June’s tuition is due by June 1. You may pay tuition in full on this date, or you may make installments the month prior leading up to the 1st of the month.

You will be sent an invoice in advance of tuition being due for your records and budgeting purposes.

A sibling discount of 10% of the eldest child’s tuition is available.

Monthly Tuition – Full Time, Full Day

Through June 2026

Please note that we are only able to offer part time care on a highly limited, case by case basis. To see if such is available, please contact the director, Bailey Brandt. 

Schedule 

The Jennie operates from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.  

The Jennie is closed for 5786 High Holidays Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. Classes will also break for one week in the Summer and one week in the Winter. Please click here for our 2025 calendar

For snow-related closures or late starts, we will take our cues from Portland Public Schools: when they close, we close.