Jefferson Academy Coal Creek Canyon
11719 Ranch Elsie Road, Golden CO 80403
JA CCC Eagle's Nest Pre-K Program
Big Discoveries Start Here.
At Jefferson Academy at Coal Creek Canyon, Pre-K is more than a place to get ready for Kindergarten. It is a place where young children build relationships, discover their independence, explore their world, and begin to see themselves as learners.
Our Pre-K classroom is hands-on, exploratory, creative, and full of opportunities to learn through play and discovery. In our small-school environment, teachers have the opportunity to truly know each child and create a classroom community where children feel safe, supported, and excited to come to school.
Come grow with us, little Eagles!
Meet Our Pre-K Teachers!
Pre-K Director
Carol Wilson
Contact Me: CWilson@Jajags.com
Hi my name is Carol Wilson and I am the Pre-K Director & Teacher here at JA Coal Creek Canyon. I have been in Early Childhood Education field for over 30 years. I have been a teacher, a Curriculum Coordinator, an Assistant Director, and Director. This is my 3rd year at JA Coal Creek Canyon and I love that I can be a Director and also teach - it's the best of both worlds!
I have a daughter and a son, both of whom make me proud every day and I have 3 wonderful grandchildren who call me "mammy". I love spending time with them in my free time and wish they were all babies again!
I have recently taken up walking. I had 4 major surgeries in the last 5 years, so until recently I wasn't very active. I also enjoy going to the movies, I love going to brunch with friends and of course love a good concert - bonus if it's at Red Rocks!
I am looking forward to spending the school year with your little ones. Pre-K is absolutely the best grade ever!! We have a lot of fun and learn so much! My favorite thing to teach is writing and when we do our Space theme!
Pre-K Teacher
Ashlee McDonald
Contact Me: AMcDonald@Jajags.com
Hello pre-K families! I’m Ashlee McDonald, and I am so excited to welcome your child to Pre-K at Jefferson Academy at Coal Creek Canyon! We have a special, close-knit, hands-on, and exploratory classroom, and I can’t wait to build relationships with each of your children while introducing them to all the wonder and excitement that school has to offer.
I have been teaching for 15 years, and one of my favorite parts of being a teacher is making each day fun, meaningful, and full of opportunities to explore and learn. I love creating those special classroom moments and core memories that students will carry with them for years to come.
Outside of school, I’m married and have three children, two of whom are fellow Eagles! Our family also includes a dog and a ferret, so there is never a dull moment at our house. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy yoga, shopping, relaxing, and spending time with my family.
A few of my favorite things:
Color: Yellow
Food: Sushi
Season: Winter
Hobby: Walking
Subject: Writing
Animal: Dog
A few of my favorite things:
Food: Sourdough
Place: San Diego
Book: Pete the cat
Subject: Art
What does Pre-K look like at JA CCC?
Here's a peek into our class room
Slider is playing
No two days are exactly alike, and that's part of the fun!
Our Pre-K day combines intentional learning with plenty of opportunities for children to explore, move, create, play, and interact with their classmates.
Our Daily Schedule
8:25 AM — Soft Entry
8:30 AM — Class Begins
8:45 AM — Circle Time
9:10 AM — Morning Recess
9:45 AM — Morning Snack
10:00 AM —Theme Overview
10:15 AM — Small-Group Rotations
11:00 AM — Getting Ready for Lunch
11:15 AM — Lunch
11:40 AM — Weekly Elective
12:00 PM — Free Play
12:30 PM — Quiet Time
2:00 PM — Wake Up & Freshen Up
2:15 PM — Afternoon Snack
2:30 PM — Afternoon Recess
3:00 PM — Conclusion & Reflection
3:15 PM — Goodbye Song
3:25–3:30 PM — Dismissal
Weekly Electives Rotation
While our day follows a consistent rhythm, learning happens everywhere.
Children are developing early literacy and math skills during small groups, practicing communication and cooperation during play, building fine and gross-motor skills through movement and outdoor activities, and developing independence through everyday routines like unpacking, cleaning up, preparing for lunch, and caring for their belongings.
The Pre-K Details: The Nitty Gritty
All the practical stuff you want to know before you enroll.
Flexible Options for Your Family
We know that every family has different needs, which is why our Pre-K program offers flexibility.
Depending on availability and classroom ratios, families can choose from options such as:
Full days, 5 days a week
Full days, 2–3 days a week
Half days, 5 days a week
Half days, 3 days a week
Other combinations that may work for your family
We are happy to work with families to find a schedule that makes sense for their child and their family, as long as enrollment allows us to maintain appropriate classroom ratios.
📩 Questions? Contact our Director: Carol Wilson
At a glance Program Details
Children must be 4 years old by October 1 of the school year to attend our Pre-K program and Fully potty trained
Full-Day: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM,
Half-Day: 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Limited to 20 children (1:10 ratio)
Naptime included for full-day students
Explore UPK Funding
You May Be Eligible to Reduce Your Pre-K Tuition
Colorado's Universal Preschool (UPK) program provides funding to help eligible families access preschool. Depending on your family's eligibility and the number of hours awarded, UPK funding may significantly reduce the amount you pay for Pre-K.
How Does UPK Work?
1. Apply for UPK
Families interested in using UPK funding should complete the Colorado UPK application.
2. Choose Jefferson Academy CCC
When completing your UPK application, select Jefferson Academy at Coal Creek Canyon as your preferred preschool provider.
3. Match With Our School
After receiving your UPK placement, connect with us before completing your enrollment. We'll work with you to confirm your UPK placement, discuss your desired schedule, and determine how the funding can be applied to your Pre-K tuition.
4. Build Your Schedule
Once we know your UPK award and your family's needs, we'll work with you to determine the Pre-K schedule that works best for your child and your family.
Pre-K FAQ's
Contact us:
Carol Wilson: CWilson@jajags.com
Ashlee McDonald: AMcDonald@jajags.com
720-719-3003 Ex. 3021