The Gan Jewish Preschool was opened in Vancouver, Washington to serve the needs of the growing Jewish popluation. The Gan, is Hebrew for "garden". Our goal was to create an emotionally-safe learning environment where our children feel empowered to explore ideas, skills and an understanding of self; where they can blossom, flourish and grow to make the world around them a more beautiful place.
Inspired by the Reggio Emilia educational approach, our mission is
shaped by:
Jewish values An appreciation and respect for the child’s natural stages of development
The belief that children build knowledge through personal experiences
The recognition that the years of early childhood possess within them the capacity for life-long habits, behaviors and attitudes
The belief that each child possesses a unique inner voice that needs to be heard and encouraged by both the child and by those around him.
We work collaboratively - our children, their families, and our teachers - towards meeting this mission.
For preschoolers, ages 2 1/2 - 5.
Call us to talk about making this the place where your child will grow, thrive, learn and love.
The Gan, we’re a growing school; Come grow with us!
Philosophy
Current thinking in the field of early childhood education echoes a statement by King Solomon, found in the Book of Proverbs: “Educate a child to his way, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
We’re beginning to realize how wide is the scope of that simple phrase, “according to his way.” It is now commonly accepted that not all children learn at the same pace or in the same way. The incredibly wide range of learning styles among children tells us that as educators we have to provide a rich variety of experiences in order for all children to thrive.
As teachers, we strive to provide an environment that is emotionally secure and safe, where every child feels wanted and loved, and which promotes independence by offering choices and allowing the child to take the initiative. We believe in active learning, in encouraging children to manipulate materials, to use their senses to investigate, to explore by hands-on experience, and to search for answers to satisfy their curiosity. The classroom is planned to include a wide variety of open ended activities and materials so that children can learn in their own way and at their own pace and level. We strive to highlight the unique strengths of every child, and to help each one become an independent thinker.
Children learn best by first hand experience, and these experiences are the basis for new knowledge and growth. Family, community, and culture are by nature important to young children; their experiences in school allow them to make sense of their world and to further develop their perceptions. The Judaic aspects of the Gan curriculum (as all other aspects) are naturally and holistically woven into the child’s experience and are presented in a way that every child can be equally comfortable with. As their sense of self grows, so too, does their self-esteem.
Social relationships are crucial in so many areas of life, and a positive preschool experience is one of the most important keys to a child’s future success in connecting to other people. Teachers help children learn how to resolve conflicts without fighting, and they encourage the development of empathy and concern for others.
The staff at The Gan Preschool looks forward to working together with you throughout the school year to help each child to succeed. We encourage you to ask questions about the program and to share your ideas with us.
The Gan I (360) 256-0859 I info@TheGan.org
Garrett Jewish Preschool
