Fort Lee, New Jersey

Play. Learn. Grow.

Child-centered, experience-based learning at two Fort Lee locations: infants and toddlers at Itsy Bitsy, and preschool at Genesis.

Enrollment & visits Explore programs
2–30 monthsat Itsy Bitsy
2.5–10 yearsat Genesis
Two smiling preschoolers outdoors holding potted marigolds
“Nurturing children with individuality and kindness.”Our philosophy
A girl filling in a nature-walk clipboard on the grass
About us

A modern school rooted in the traditions of early childhood

Our goal is to offer a modern school that returns to the roots of traditional early childhood education, where children learn through meaningful play, hands-on experiences, and strong foundational teaching in small groups.

We prioritize time-honored methods that support each child’s natural development and individual learning style, delivered in a warm, respectful environment. We want you and your children to feel at home at Genesis, and we believe in open, consistent communication and collaboration with every family.

Meaningful play

Children learn by exploring, creating and discovering.

Hands-on experiences

Experience-based learning across every developmental domain.

Small groups

Strong foundational teaching suited to each child’s learning style.

Jinah & J.R. Pacheco, Owners & Directors

Jinah and J.R. have spent the last twenty years as specialized early childhood instructors and consultants in private and public preschool settings in New York and New Jersey, and have served as behavioral specialists to New York City schools. Both hold dual B.S. degrees in Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education from New York University. Jinah earned her M.S. from Hunter College’s School of Education. J.R. earned his master’s from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Education. He brings specialized training in Applied Behavior Analysis and a bilingual extension that lets him teach and assess English language learners. Jinah and J.R. live in Bergen County with their two sons, Jacob and Jude.

Certified Minority & Women-Owned Business Enterprise
Programs

Two schools, one gentle approach

Students are grouped by age, and each cohort is made up of children whose birthdays fall within six months of each other.

Two babies sitting back to back playing with toysToddlers holding a walking rope under blossoming trees
Itsy Bitsy Early Learning Center

Infant & Toddler Care

1275 15th Street, Fort Lee

Our infant and toddler center at Itsy Bitsy is for babies 2 months to 30 months old.

  • Newborns2–7 months · 1:2 ratio · max 4 babies
  • Infants8–12 months · 1:3 ratio · max 8 babies
  • Teeny Toddlers12–18 months · 1:3 ratio · max 8 children
  • Toddlers18–24 months · 1:3 ratio · max 8 children
  • Little Learners24–30 months · 1:5 ratio · max 10 children
Two preschoolers smiling over a water sensory bin with sea animals
Genesis Preschool & Academy

Preschool, PK1–PK4

1209 Anderson Avenue, Fort Lee

Child-centered, experience-based learning for children 2.5 to 5 years old.

  • PK12.5 years old at enrollment
  • PK23.0 years old at enrollment
  • PK33.5 years old at enrollment
  • PK44.0 years old and Kindergarten-eligible the following year
  • Elementary AftercareGrades K–4

Aftercare

For elementary school children in grades K–4, with transportation arranged from local elementary schools and childcare on half days and school closings. Homework help, themed activities, and time in our indoor gym or on the playground.

Limited space; current families first.

Summer Camp

An 8-week summer program for ages 2.5–10, with two to three field trips per week, specials classes and enrichment programs.

Current families register first in March–April; public enrollment opens in April.

School Closing Care

A full day of care when local public schools are closed. Registered students spend the day with us enjoying themed activities, hands-on projects, and time in our indoor gym or on the playground.

Available to registered students only.

A day at Genesis

Small hands, big discoveries

A few moments from our classrooms, shared on @genesisschools.

Three children looking closely at a plant cutting rooting in a jar
Watching roots grow
Two boys building with magnetic tiles and a wooden train track on the rug
Collaborative play
Two girls tracing a snowman drawing on light boards
Light-board tracing
Children gathered around a teacher playing a small colorful xylophone in music class
Music class
Children at a big window looking out at cranes and shipping containers on a sunny day
Watching the port
A child rolling a wooden rolling pin over a green leaf to press it into clay
Leaf printing
What parents think

“We can not be more thankful getting the right place for our daughter, it is a safe place, clean, organized, the most important thing they are learning and having fun at the same time.”

Sandra M.

“This place is amazing. My daughter who is in pre-k1 loves it here! Super clean, and friendly staff and very trustworthy! A special thank you to Ms. Shenielle, Ms. Sam and the director Jinah for taking care of my daughter here!”

Leah Briscoe · Google

“Genesis preschool is absolutely amazing! The teachers are so kind, patient, and dedicated to the kids. Especially Ms. Kat who's been like a family member for our child. The school feels like a second home — always clean, safe, and full of joy.”

Erinda B. · Google

“Genesis has been amazing for my son both during the school year and summer camp. The teachers are caring, creative, and make every day fun with activities and trips. I love the community feel, and my son always comes home happy and excited.”

Ilya Shapiro · Google

“We have had a great experience with our 15 month old. His teachers are so sweet and caring, I couldn't have asked for a better team. Above all, they seem to genuinely care about the wellbeing of our babies.”

Jenny Thompson · Itsy Bitsy · Google

Swipe to read more

Enrollment

Accepting applications for next year

We enroll new students continuously throughout the school year, and we would love to tell you more about our programs.

  1. Call or email us

    (201) 224-7700 or info@genesispreschool.org

  2. Visit us

    Tours are offered on weekdays mornings between 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM.

  3. Apply

    Application forms and tuition information will be shared at the time of your tour.

Call (201) 224-7700
Two boys in eclipse glasses looking up at the sky outdoors
Contact

Our schools

Genesis

Preschool & Aftercare · ages 2.5–10
Address
1209 Anderson Avenue
Fort Lee, NJ 07024
Phone
(201) 224-7700
Email
info@genesispreschool.org
Hours
Monday – Friday
7:30 AM – 6:30 PM

Itsy Bitsy

Early Learning Center · 2–30 months
Address
1275 15th Street
Fort Lee, NJ 07024
Phone
(201) 224-4250
Email
info@genesispreschool.org
Hours
Monday – Friday
7:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Send us a note

Or email us directly at info@genesispreschool.org.