ABOUT GAN SHALOM
GAN SHALOM IS A CHILD AND FAMILY CENTERED SCHOOL ROOTED IN JEWISH TRADITION AND THE VALUES OF INCLUSIVITY, EMPATHY, AND EXPLORATION THROUGH PLAY.
Gan Shalom Cooperative Preschool is an inclusive Jewish Early Childhood Education program, inspired by the principles of Reggio Emilia and supported by Hill Havurah, catering to children aged 24 months through four years old. Our doors are open to both Jewish and non-Jewish students, fostering a diverse and welcoming community.
At Gan Shalom, we firmly believe in the power of play and exploration as the primary tools for children to construct their own knowledge and develop essential cognitive skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. Our carefully crafted curriculum celebrates the inherent competence of young children, taking into account their individual needs, interests, and developmental stages. We strive to create a nurturing environment where children, teachers, and parents all actively participate in the learning process.
Our mission is to provide a warm, loving Jewish environment where each child feels secure, happy, and valued. Learning at Gan Shalom is not only meaningful but also fun, encouraging a love for education that lasts a lifetime.
We recognize that the most influential teachers in a child's life are their parents, caregivers, or guardians. In the Gan Shalom community, we actively involve parents and caregivers in the educational journey of their children. They play a vital role by participating in classroom activities and assuming various responsibilities to support the school.
At Gan Shalom, we hold the belief that teachers, parents, the community and the child all have equally important roles in the learning process. We foster a spirit of collaboration and partnership, recognizing that a child's growth and development are enhanced when all stakeholders work together harmoniously.
In essence, Gan Shalom Cooperative Preschool is dedicated to providing a holistic and enriching educational experience, grounded in Jewish values, where children are nurtured, empowered, and inspired to become lifelong learners in a diverse and compassionate community.
At Gan Shalom, we firmly believe in the power of play and exploration as the primary tools for children to construct their own knowledge and develop essential cognitive skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. Our carefully crafted curriculum celebrates the inherent competence of young children, taking into account their individual needs, interests, and developmental stages. We strive to create a nurturing environment where children, teachers, and parents all actively participate in the learning process.
Our mission is to provide a warm, loving Jewish environment where each child feels secure, happy, and valued. Learning at Gan Shalom is not only meaningful but also fun, encouraging a love for education that lasts a lifetime.
We recognize that the most influential teachers in a child's life are their parents, caregivers, or guardians. In the Gan Shalom community, we actively involve parents and caregivers in the educational journey of their children. They play a vital role by participating in classroom activities and assuming various responsibilities to support the school.
At Gan Shalom, we hold the belief that teachers, parents, the community and the child all have equally important roles in the learning process. We foster a spirit of collaboration and partnership, recognizing that a child's growth and development are enhanced when all stakeholders work together harmoniously.
In essence, Gan Shalom Cooperative Preschool is dedicated to providing a holistic and enriching educational experience, grounded in Jewish values, where children are nurtured, empowered, and inspired to become lifelong learners in a diverse and compassionate community.
A Day in the Life
Each day children are greeted with inviting provocations using open-ended materials and options for continuing ongoing explorations. Every morning includes opportunities for free play to allow children to independently structure their learning and pursue ideas they would like to further investigate. Children are encouraged to strengthen self-care skills in each part of our daily routine, including serving snacks, getting dressed, and cleaning. Children are often seen helping and supporting each other in these self-care tasks, based on individual areas of growth to help each other fulfill their individual needs.
Daily Program
8:30 Children arrive
8:30 – 9:00 Settling in and free play
9:00 – 9:15 Greeting the day: Circle Time
9:15 – 10:15 Exploration Activity
10:15 – 10:30 Bathroom and Handwashing
10:30-10:45. Snack
10:45 – 12:00 Walk/Exploration/Freeplay
12:00 – 12:15 Bathroom and Handwashing
12:15 – 12:45 Lunch
12:45 – 1:00 Closing Circle/Song/Story
By 1:00 Caregiver pick-up or afternoon program
8:30 – 9:00 Settling in and free play
9:00 – 9:15 Greeting the day: Circle Time
9:15 – 10:15 Exploration Activity
10:15 – 10:30 Bathroom and Handwashing
10:30-10:45. Snack
10:45 – 12:00 Walk/Exploration/Freeplay
12:00 – 12:15 Bathroom and Handwashing
12:15 – 12:45 Lunch
12:45 – 1:00 Closing Circle/Song/Story
By 1:00 Caregiver pick-up or afternoon program
THE CO-OP APPROACH
GAN SHALOM WAS FOUNDED AS A COOPERATIVE PRESCHOOL, AND WE CONTINUE TO THRIVE WITH PARENT INVOLVEMENT.
Classroom Duty
Gan Shalom families are asked to assist in the classroom 2 to 4 times per year for one to two hours, or more if they choose. The duty parent is encouraged to share a skill, hobby, or special interest with the children. Classroom duty may be fulfilled by any caregiver designated by the parent before the beginning of the year, and may include parents, grandparents, or nannies. The classroom duty schedule is provided at the beginning of each semester, and families may sign up for the dates that work best for them.
Volunteer Positions
In addition to assisting the teachers in the classroom, each family is expected to support the school in one of two ways: Families may take on an administrative responsibility within the school. Examples of such responsibilities are listed below, and more information can be found in the Parent Handbook. Or a family may choose to support the school by making a $1000 contribution.
The coordinators will communicate directly with the Director to conduct their work, and committee members will work with the coordinators.
Gan Shalom families are asked to assist in the classroom 2 to 4 times per year for one to two hours, or more if they choose. The duty parent is encouraged to share a skill, hobby, or special interest with the children. Classroom duty may be fulfilled by any caregiver designated by the parent before the beginning of the year, and may include parents, grandparents, or nannies. The classroom duty schedule is provided at the beginning of each semester, and families may sign up for the dates that work best for them.
Volunteer Positions
In addition to assisting the teachers in the classroom, each family is expected to support the school in one of two ways: Families may take on an administrative responsibility within the school. Examples of such responsibilities are listed below, and more information can be found in the Parent Handbook. Or a family may choose to support the school by making a $1000 contribution.
- Classroom Coordinator: Responsible for sharing school-related information for upcoming events, and communicates sentiments of the parents to the director when appropriate
- Recruiting Coordinator: Responsible for developing strategies and activities to assist in spreading the word about Gan Shalom and encouraging enrollment.
- Recruiting Committee Member: Supports the coordinator in recruiting activities.
- Events Coordinator: Responsible for creating and executing events for students and prospective students and families.
- Events Committee Member: Supports the coordinator in carrying out activities.
The coordinators will communicate directly with the Director to conduct their work, and committee members will work with the coordinators.
Questions about Gan Shalom? Contact [email protected]
For more information about the Hill Havurah, please visit: www.HillHavurah.org
