F.A.Q.
What if i can’t afford tuition?
We understand that high quality childcare can be expensive. Even if Jean Lyle tuition does not seem financially doable for your family, there are options!
Jean Lyle is proud to be a Parent Aware highest rated program. Our rating gives our families access to scholarships through Think Small. This scholarship covers the cost of the full tuition for your child.
The state of Minnesota offers need-based scholarships for childcare through a program called The Minnesota Childcare Assistance Program (CCAP). This scholarship covers the majority of the cost of tuition for your child.
Jean Lyle offers an additional work exchange program for families. An adult from your family could come weekly for a few hours and help with general office work, cleaning, snacktime, or library book shelving in exchange for tuition assistance. See the director for more information about this option.
For those with financial need, we offer longer-term payment options. Please see our program manager for more information about this option.
Any tuition assistance/scholarship received is completely confidential.
What is your teacher/child ratio?
6 students per 1 teacher or better
Usually our classes have a ratio of five students to one teacher, but often the ratio is 4:1, depending on the individual needs of the enrolled children. For instance, for the 2022-23 school year, ratios are as follows: 3-Day AM: 9 students/3 teachers; 3 Day Pm: 9 students/3 teachers; 5 Day AM: 16 students/3 teachers; Kindergarten: 8 students/2 teachers
What is your Typical class size?
3-Day AM: Maximum enrollment: 20 students/4 teachers. In recent years, actual class size has been around 11.
3-Day PM: Maximum enrollment: 17 students/3 teachers. In recent years, actual class size has been around 10.
5-Day AM: Maximum enrollment: 20 students/4 teachers. In recent years, actual class size has been around 15.
Kindergarten: Maximum enrollment: 18 students/3 teachers. In recent years, actual class size has been around 13.
Are other adults in the classroom?
Every year we welcome students from Northwestern University to enter the classroom as early education students who complete their practicum or student teaching placements here. We have also maintained a close relationship with Macalester College, from our former lab school days. We are fortunate to have energetic, bright and eager Macalester students spend time with our children as part of an off-campus student employment opportunity.
Parents are welcome and encouraged to visit the classroom and spend time with their child, particularly on birthdays or other days that work for the family. We also benefit from parents who bring their special area of expertise into the classroom; we have enjoyed up–close, age-appropriate activities such as visiting with parent paramedics, firefighters, dentists, and doctors for example.
When do the children go outside?
We make every effort for all or our student to go outside to play each and every school day, weather permitting. If the temperature is 0 degrees or warmer with the wind chill and it isn’t raining, we will go outside. Children enrolled in a half-day program typically are outside for about 30 minutes. Children enrolled for a full day at school typically go outside for about 60-90 minutes, depending on when children in Lunch Bunch finish eating.
Do we offer EARLY enrollment?
It is a Jean Lyle Children’s Center policy to accept children into our program who are 3 (3-Day AM/PM) or 4 (3-Day PM and 5-Day PM) by September 1st of the school year they will attend. However, we have made exceptions to this policy on a case-by-case basis, only when there is space available, with the following considerations:
Early enrollment will be considered in our 3 Day AM or our Mixed-age, 3-Day PM program for 3 and 4-year old children if the child meets the following criteria:
Child is potty trained
Child turns 3 by November
Child is developmentally prepared for enrollment-this will be determined by a class visit and consultation with the family
Family understands that the child will not necessarily be eligible for early enrollment in the St. Paul Public Schools or other schools with a September 1st cutoff
Child will enter program once they have turned three, not before.
Family understands that early enrollment may necessitate a minimum of three years enrollment at JLCC prior to being accepted into St. Paul Public Schools. The sequence of programs may vary. For instance, the child may attend two years in the 3-Day PM program, followed by 1 year in JLCC Kindergarten/Pre K. Or, 1 year in 3-Day, 1 year in 5-Day AM and 1 year in Kindergarten/Pre K. Enrollment into any of our programs will be based on readiness and recommendation of the Jean Lyle teaching staff.
How long has Jean Lyle been around?
Jean Lyle Children’s Center was an outgrowth of the Stella Louise Woods Children’s Center & Lab School located on the Macalester College campus from 1948 to 1979. It was part of the Education Department and served the Macalester community.
When the College elected to discontinue funding the Lab School, three members the of Lab School’s board, Betty Hills, Rica Van and Maxine Simon, decided to continue its mission and open their own school. They located the site of St. Mary’s Church and named the new school in honor of Jean Lyle, the director of the Early Childhood Education Department at Macalester for 16 years. Naming the new school in honor of Jean Lyle, a remarkable teacher and friend, Jean Lyle Children's Center opened in the fall of 1980 and continues to serve children and families today.