Gan Israel Preschool emphasizes an emergent curriculum where the focus is on process more than product, on the children's interests more than the teacher's, on what happens rather than what is planned to happen. By helping children to see the lessons and learning in the world around them and among themselves, the teachers create lifelong, independent learners and foster creativity and problem solving. We present a activity-oriented program which includes Jewish teachings and traditions and fosters respect and interdependence among children.

The teachers at Gan Israel Preschool have extensive Early Childhood Education backgrounds, current First Aid and CPR training and participate in ongoing training and education

Parent-teacher conferences are held each semester with written observations provided for each child. We welcome parent involvement as guest-teachers, sharing a special skill or activity, as drivers and helpers on field trips and with fund-raising. The teachers work closely with an advisory board of parents and community members.

Gan Israel Preschool is nonprofit, licensed by the State of California Department of Social Services. We are a beneficiary of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties.

Some Program Highlights:

• Open to children of all faiths
  Teacher to child ratio 1:6
  Ages: 2- 5 years
  Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  2 or 5 day program
  Additional days and early and extended care possible
  Gymnastics program
  Afternoon enrichment programs include drama, arts and crafts, cooking, science, Spanish, Hebrew and more

Leslee Lauritzen, Director

Gan Israel Preschool
740 Western Avenue
Petaluma, CA 94952
(707) 763-5136