More about the Rayner Center
Curriculum
We use The Frog Street and the Torah Alive Curriculums together. Our classroom environments are infused with Jewish music, artwork, toys and books. We learn Hebrew blessings and celebrate Jewish holidays.
Our extracurricular activities include Music class, Tumbling Tigers, STEM class, Happy Feet Soccer, EBR Library visits, and Tot Shabbat. Our small class sizes enable our teachers to connect deeply with each child and encourage their growth and development.
Application, Calendar + Parent Resources
If you are interested in enrolling your child in the Rayner Center, we encourage you to contact us to set up a tour. There is no fee to apply. We accept children aged three months through five years. We accept children from the waiting list in the order they entered the list, with first consideration given to:
- Siblings of children currently enrolled at Rayner, or
- Members of Unified Jewish Congregation of Baton Rouge
Forms and Calendar
Admission Application →
2023 2024 School Year Calendar →
Parent Handbook →
School Information Packet →
Contact Information
Address: 9111 Jefferson Hwy. Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Phone: 225-924-6772
Fax: 225-924-3697
Email: DirectorRLC@ujcbr.org
Dottie Smith Memorial Fund
A fund to support the Rayner Center’s Mission
The Rayner Center’s former director, Dottie Smith, passed away on Jan. 31, 2021. Dottie dedicated her career to the Rayner Center and served as its director until her retirement in 2018. She had a deep love for children and always put their health, safety and well-being first. To honor her memory and in accordance with the wishes of Dottie’s family, we have established the Dottie Smith Memorial Fund to be used to support the Center’s mission. May Dottie’s memory be a blessing.
Contact us to learn more about how to make a gift to the Rayner Center in honor of Dottie.
Leadership + Staff
The Rayner Council
The Rayner Council is a committee of parents and Beth Shalom Synagogue members who oversee the direction and operation of the Rayner Center.
Latonia Douglas
Latonia has been a member of the Rayner team for 15 years. She began as a teacher, then supervisor, where her responsibilities included training and supporting all teaching staff. She is now director and responsible for overall operations of the Rayner Center. Latonia has two business degrees as well as the National Administrator Credential for Early Childhood. Latonia has two children of her own.
Taneisha Davis
Taneisha Davis has over a decade of experience working with infants and young children and has been on the Rayner team for six years. She has four children of her own whom she enjoys spending time with when not at Rayner.
Our Teachers
Our teachers are dedicated Early Childhood Professionals, most of whom hold a CDA (Child Development Associate) degree, a Bachelor’s Degree, or higher. Our teachers are warm, caring and responsive to children’s needs. Continuing Education is very important to the Rayner Center, and our teachers work throughout the year to develop their skills and integrate their knowledge in the classroom.
