Our Forms

2024-2025

Dear Potential Parent/ Guardian of Gan Shelanu Preschool,

The following information is a short overview of our program at Gan Shelanu Preschool Center. A more detailed handbook will be given to you at the time of registration.

• Our Philosophy: All children have the right, and therefore should be given the opportunity, to grow, develop and learn in a nurturing, supportive, healthy, enriching and safe environment. At Gan Shelanu Preschool Center we believe that children are curious about the world, want and are able to learn in many different ways unique to them. We strive to encourage our children to be creative, develop a sense of self, self-respect, confidence, community and responsibility all within the Jewish curricular frame work.
• Operation Hours: The program at Gan Shelanu Preschool Center takes place between 8:00-5:00 pm Monday- Thursdays, Fridays 8:00-4:00pm. We offer early drop off care as early as 7:30 on an extra fee sign up option.
• Curriculum:

  The curriculum at our school is based upon developmentally appropriate practice. The classroom is set up in learning centers which include blocks, art, dramatic play, books and manipulatives. Learning centers allow the children to have choice and to actively explore. The child learns by interacting with people, peers and things in his/ her environment.

  Our daily schedule is planned to include active and quiet times, large and small muscle activities and child-initiated and staff-initiated activities. Outdoor play is scheduled each day. Planning for the classroom involves consideration to the age appropriateness for the group and individual appropriateness for each child. Children are explored through inquiry and research methods.

  Gan Shelanu Preschool Center is inspired by the DEVELOPMENTAL approach of curriculum learning which is completely open- ended learning program with an integrated, on-going observation and assessment system. Our approach of learning offers strategies in building literacy, math, science, social skills and more. Furthermore, it stimulates thinking, reasoning, decision-making and problem- solving.

  The Judaic/Hebrew curriculum at Gan Shelanu Preschool Center is integrated beautifully with our general studies curriculum. We will study Hebrew, Jewish concepts, symbols, holidays, bible stories, blessings, and the importance of Tikun Olam. Our goal is to help children establish a deep connection to their Jewish identity and to the state of Israel.

• Staff: The staff at Gan Shelanu Preschool is dedicated to creating a safe, caring and stimulating environment. While we cannot replace parents/ guardians, we are committed to modeling positive behavior which will encourage a strong self-image and a happy confident outlook of life. Our staff has been chosen for their ability and commitment to provide skilled care which recognizes every child’s individuality and unique needs.
• Specialists: Our specialists who visit our school during the month are experienced educators in their field with many years of experience working with young children. Our specialists oversee teaching a specific curriculum while following the California Early Childhood Standards and implementing the safety and well-being of hers/his assigned children.
• Tuition: Tuition is due once a month. Postdated checks will be collected at the time of registration and will be cashed on the first of each month. Holidays mentioned in our handbook where school is closed are paid holidays and should be included in your payment for a full paid period. Personal vacation and sick days are paid days and should be included in your payments for a full pay period. A fee of $50.00 will be charged for returned checks. Tuition checks should be made to Gan Shelanu Preschool.
• Registration Fees: At the time of registration, an annual nonrefundable registration fee of $150.00 is required
• Meals: At Gan Shelanu Preschool we serve well balanced kosher meals and snacks that meet with the guidelines of the Federal Government Food Program. We serve breakfast, Lunch and a nutritious PM snack.
• Calendar: We observe some Federal holidays as well as all major Jewish holidays. Winter and spring breaks will be announced at the time of registration. We are closed two weeks in August for summer break. A detailed calendar will be given to you at the time of registration.
• Summer Camp: We offer a summer program at Gan Shelanu. It is a themed program where we have a more relaxed, fun, and active schedule. We offer the same hours of operation, same rate of tuition and lots more.

Please contact me at (818) 909-7500 should you have any questions.

Thank you,

Ilanit Meir- School Director

Gan Shelanu Preschool 2024-2025

Emergency Packet- (To be packed in a one gallon ziplock with the child’s name written on it)

• Dry Snacks- healthy bar, chips, small water bottle.
• One set of warm clothes including socks.
• Three diapers and a small pack of wipes – if applicable
• Current emergency card filled- Available in the office for pick up.
• Child’s current photo enclosed in the bag.

Personal Cubby Items: First week of school- Every item must be labeled.

• Diapers – if applicable
• Wipes three packs
• Pacifiers- if applicable
• Ointment / Cream
• Two Boxes of Band-aid – Kid friendly
• Fever reduces- permission slip must be signed and it is available in the office for pick up.
• One Set of clothes
• Extra underwear
• Three boxes of tissue
• Two packages of Ziplock (1 package( one gallon)+ 1 package (sandwich))
• Two packages of brown paper bags

First Day items: To be placed in a reusable bag which will be used throughout the year. Absolutely no pillows- Thank you

• Reusable shopping bag
• Sheet- Toddler group only
• Blanket
• Sippy cup- preferably no straw

Other items might be requested upon your child’s teacher request as needed. For all questions, please contact me. Ilanit