Gan Keshet Preschool
To Request An Application: Call our Director, Wendy Stein at 413-584-3593 x204
Or send an e-mail to director.gankeshet@verizon.net
Click here for the School Year Calendar
PHILOSOPHY
During the early years, children form their basic attitudes towards learning, themselves and others. At Gan Keshet we strive to support a child’s development of self-confidence, respect and empathy for others, intellectual curiosity, creative expression, and a positive identity.
Gan Keshet
Preschool offers a rich, nurturing, play-based learning environment where children, families and staff together explore “being a community.” We strive to create an environment for children to explore, question and develop an authentic voice. Families and staff, of diverse backgrounds, partner together as we introduce the Jewish community and its values. Our curriculum focuses on social, emotional, and physical development while fostering intellectual curiosity and cognitive growth.
Since children grow at different rates, individual and group activities are offered. Children are encouraged to be actively involved in the learning process.
PROGRAM
The child’s day includes time for group play as well as time for exploring and working independently. A variety of developmentally appropriate materials are provided to support making of choices, sharing, experimentation, and problem solving.
The arts are woven into all facets of the program. Painting, collage, dance, movement, music, literature, and dramatic play are an important part of our program.
We are fortunate to have several large indoor areas and a spacious playground allowing for ample opportunity for physical activity on a variety of equipment. Our yard abuts a field near the bike path that adjoins the Barrett Street Marsh Conservation Area. Frequently we take walks giving children the opportunity to both observe and enjoy nature and seasonal changes!
Gan Keshet celebrates the rhythm of the Jewish year through explorations of Jewish holidays and customs, and an exposure to the Hebrew language.
Nutritious snacks are served daily. Shabbat is celebrated each Friday with challah, grape juice, and a candle lighting ceremony. Our kitchen is kosher.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Parents are an active and vital part of our program and are welcome in the classrooms to observe or participate in activities. As volunteers, parents are part of our Preschool Committee, fundraising activities, shopping, special events, and field trips. This affords parents the opportunity to share in the children’s experiences and helps to build a sense of community. Teachers and the Director communicate regularly with parents through written notices, informal chats, and bi-annual parent teacher conferences. Our curriculum is posted in daily write-ups.
ADMISSION POLICY
Established in 1985, the school is administered by a Director and is a part of Congregation B’nai Israel. We are licensed by the MA Department of Early Education and Care. Children must be between the ages of 2.9 and 5 years old as of September 1st of the enrollment year.
Congregation B’nai Israel members receive priority enrollment over non-member applicants. The official application period is from November 1st to February 28th of the school year prior to the student’s enrollment. Parents are notified of acceptance status as of March 1st. All enrollments are on a trial basis and are subject to the child’s adjustment to the program. Our non-discrimination and other school policies are available on request.
SCHEDULE - Click here for the School Year Calendar
Gan Keshet operates during the school year (Sept. – June). We believe the work of the 3 year old (socially/emotionally) differs from the four year old and divide our classrooms into two developmentally age appropriate groups. The school’s Morning Program starts at 8:15 a.m. and runs to 12:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Children may attend 3, 4, or 5 mornings a week in the Parpar (Butterfly) class and 4 or 5 mornings a week in the Chamaniah (Sunflower) class. Lunch Bunch is included in our Morning Program, Monday through Friday. Lunches are brought from home and must be kosher, dairy or vegetarian. An Afternoon Program (Tzohoraim) is also available four days a week (Monday – Thursday) from 12:45-3:00 p.m. for children who participate in the morning program.
TUITION
Tuition is subject to change annually. A rate sheet is available upon request. Ask us about the HGF Right Start Grant (go to http://www.pjlibrary.org/rightstart.php for eligibility guidelines) and/or any scholarships that may be available.
VISITS
Visitors are welcome. Please contact our Director, Wendy Stein, at (413) 584-3593 x 204, or via email at director.gankeshet@verizon.net to schedule an appointment.