Register for Gan Israel Preschool
We have openings for the fall program. Tours daily at 3:00 p.m. Call Gan Israel Director Teri Porter at (707) 763-5136 to schedule an appointment.
ACCEPTING SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS
Gan Israel can offer partial- and full-tuition scholarships for children of Jewish families through the Jewish Community Federation.
Click here to download the Scholarship Application
WE ALSO ACCEPT 4C VOUCHERS FOR QUALIFYING FAMILIES
Covid and Childcare Guidance
Gan Israel Preschool
Gan Israel has a play-based curriculum based on the child's interest. Teachers scaffold and build on the areas of interest with an emergent curriculum that is engaging and developmentally appropriate.
The goal is to create lifelong learners who independently seek out opportunities to grow and discover. The teachers connect with the children through positive and nurturing interactions, creating opportunities for social and emotional development and self regulation.
We are an inclusive program and accept students of all faiths, any race, color, and national or ethnic origin. We present an activity-oriented program which incorporates Jewish teachings and cultural traditions into its environment and fosters those values in children through play-based activities, art projects, stories and songs.
As part of the Jewish Center, families are invited to connect and participate in social events to build a sense of community and support.
If you are interested in a tour or being on the wait list, please click the Brightwheel link and share your contact information. This is the easiest and quickest way to assure a spot. We are currently enrolling.
For more information please call Gan Israel Director Teri Porter at Teri@bnaiisrael.net or (707) 763-5136
Click here to meet our teachers
Check out our Facebook page here
Monthly Rates Starting September 2023
Our School year begins in September and goes til mid-June. We follow the local school district calendar for school breaks and holidays. Tuition is based on an annual 10-month school year rate. It can either be paid in full in September, or payable on a monthly basis (September through June). If paid on a monthly basis, tuition is due on the first of each month. There is a $50 late fee if paid after the 5th of the month.
There is a yearly non-refundable registration fee of $190
Part Day Schedule: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Two Days M T W Th F $440 = $4,400 year
Three Days M T W Th F $590 = $5,900 year
Four Days M T W Th F $735 = $7,350 year
Five Days M T W Th F $815 = $8,150 year
Extended Full Day 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Two Days M T W Th F $595 = $5,950 year
Three Days M T W Th F $810 = $8,100 year
Four Days M T W Th F $920 = $9,200 year
Five Days M T W Th F $1,150 = $ 11,500 year
The daily drop in ½ day fee is $55 and $85 for full day. Hourly aftercare is $12 per hour, with a 24 hour notice. This is a set schedule, and we cannot substitute days due to ratios and staffing requirements. Please let us know through the Brightwheel app if your child is sick or absent. There is a $5 late pick up fee if you are over 5 minutes late. Tuition is spread out over a 10 month period with a monthly installment regardless of breaks or absences.
Steps to Enroll:
1. Fill out a Brightwheel application from the link on our website, bnaiisrael.net
2. Request a tour, done daily Monday to Friday at 3:00 p.m. - 707-763-5136, Gan Israel Director, Teri Porter, Teri@bnaiisrael.net
3. Complete registration packet from tour and arrange a start date.
4. Download Brightwheel app on your phone. Please communicate through your Brightwheel app.
5. All billing and schedules will be available in your Brightwheel account.
Gan Israel 2023-2024 Schedule:
First Day of Gan Israel Preschool - Friday September 1, 2023
Labor Day – Monday, September 4, 2023 – CLOSED
Erev Rosh HaShana – Friday, September 15, 2023 – NO AFTERCARE
Yom Kippur – Monday, September 25 – CLOSED
Erev Sukkot – Friday, September 29, 2023
Erev Simchat Torah – Friday, October 6, 2023
Veterans Day – Friday, November 10, 2023 – CLOSED
Fall Break – Monday, November 20 through Friday, November 24, 2023 – CLOSED
Chanukah – Thursday, December 7 to Friday, December 15, 2023 – Celebration TBA
Winter Break – December 22, 2023 through January 5, 2024 – CLOSED
Martin Luther King Day – Monday, January 15, 2024 – CLOSED
Presidents’ Day – Monday, February 19, 2024 – CLOSED
Purim – Saturday, March 23, 2024 – Carnival TBA
Spring Break – Monday, April 8 though Friday April 12, 2024 – CLOSED
Passover – Monday, April 22 to Tuesday, April 30, 2024 – Closed one day for Seder – Date of Seder TBA
Memorial Day – Monday, May 27, 2024 – CLOSED
Last Day of School – Friday, June 7, 2024 – Graduation time TBA – NO AFTERCARE
Summer Break – Monday, June 10 through Friday, June 14, 2024 – CLOSED
Gan Israel Summer Camp – Monday, June 17 to Friday, August 9, 2024 – (8 WEEKS)
Juneteenth – Wednesday, June 19, 2024 – CLOSED
Fourth of July – CLOSED on July 4 and July 5
Last Day of Gan Israel Summer Camp – Friday, August 9, 2024
First Day of Gan Israel Preschool – Monday, September 2, 2024
We are not closed for Jewish holidays unless indicated. We follow the Petaluma City School calendar for federal holidays and breaks. Tuition is based on a yearly basis, and divided evenly for 10 monthly payments, Sept-June. The full amount is due each month regardless of vacations, illness or school holidays or breaks. If you plan to leave the program, you are required to give a 30-day notice. We cannot hold your spot unless you pay full tuition for extended leaves of absence.
Program Highlights
- OPEN TO ALL FAITHS
- Kindergarten readiness
- Ages 2-5 years
- Two to five-day programs available
- Additional days and early care (starting at 8:30 AM) upon request
- Teacher to student ratio - 1:8
- Yoga program
- Music and movement, local field trips, environmental awareness program, and basic skills for healthy living
* Every child enrolled in our Preschool must meet the state requirements for immunization. The only exemption is for medical conditions.
For more information please call Gan Israel Director Teri Porter at (707) 763-5136 or email Teri@bnaiisrael.net
Meet Our Teachers
Gan Israel Preschool Director - Teri Porter
Teri Porteris our director of Gan Israel Preschool. Teri has a wealth of experience in Early Childhood Education and has directed infant, preschool, and after-school care programs in Sonoma and Marin counties. She received a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Pacific Oaks College, Pasadena. Teri has lived in Petaluma for over 30 years, and has two grown sons, Garrett and Marshall. She enjoys photography, hiking, yoga and traveling.
Teri may be reached at (707) 763-5136. Email her at Teri@bnaiisrael.net
Miss Molly
My name is Molly Vongchanh. I was born in Laos and came to the United States as a refugee when I was 10. I’ve lived in Santa Rosa since 1990. I have two wonderful sons, aged 30 and 22. I’m also happily engaged to my soulmate, and we plan to get married this fall.
Prior to coming to Gan Israel, I worked in medical accounts receivable for over 17 years. During the pandemic, I decided to pursue my love for children and studied Early Childhood Development at Santa Rosa Junior College, where I earned my certification. I am passionate about working with children and helping them grow.
When I am not working, I enjoy hiking, cooking, photography and spending time with my family. I am happy and excited to be the part of the Gan Israel family.
Miss Lori
Hi! My name is Lori Martinez. I come to Gan Israel with more than 25 years teaching experience. I hold an AA degree and Child Development certificate from Santa Rosa Junior College. I also hold a Site Supervisor Permit through the State of California. I have been happily married to my husband, Paul for 5 years — together for 13 years. We enjoy going to the movies, going out to dinner and watching and attending sports events, especially the Warriors, Giants, A’s, Sharks, and Raiders! We also enjoy taking trips to Disneyland, Reno and Santa Cruz, as we enjoy quality time together.
Miss Krista
My name is Krista Leone. I have lived in Petaluma all my life. My husband and I have three girls age 16, 12 and 10. After high school I went to Santa Rosa Junior College and received my Associate Teacher credentials in Early Childhood Education. This was all before marriage and children. I have taught in Montessori classrooms in the past and also have play-based experience. I took a number of years off to raise my children but I am ready to come back and teach in the classroom again! When I am not taking my children to their many activities, I enjoy working in my garden and yard.
We accept 4Cs vouchers for qualifying families
