Early Childhood
We provide a safe, nurturing, and stimulating child-responsive environment in which teachers are sensitive to the developmental stages of young children and towards each child as an individual. With many varied developmentally appropriate materials available, the children learn through play with one another. Educators focus on empathy, citizenship, and kindness as the children learn social-emotional skills that will serve them in future classes and learning environments.
At Gan Shalom we strive to create a bridge between home and school. We invite families to participate in Shabbat and Birthday celebrations in the classroom, and welcome family members to share different talents with the Gan Shalom community in collaboration with our educators.
Gan Shalom / Come Play With Me
1 - 2 Year Olds
Children along with their parents/caregivers play, paint, sing and share snacks.
Gan Shalom / Nursery School
1.9 Years – 5 Year Olds
Our innovative curriculum focus is teaching children how to be compassionate, accepting, caring individuals. Jewish activities are integrated into the program through play, music, art, cooking and Shabbat and holiday celebrations. The rich and enthusiastic introduction of Jewish experiences encourages the development of a strong Jewish identity. In addition to the classroom activities, parents together with their children are invited to participate in regularly scheduled synagogue programming. Workshops focusing on child development milestones, positive language and behavior supports,and Jewish family experiences are offered frequently.
Gan Shalom / Summer Program
This program is the perfect time to help your child transition into the preschool environment. Camp offers children a variety of age appropriate activities with air conditioned indoor spaces and plenty of outdoor space to play with friends, engage in water play, and have fun with friends. There are themed weeks for dress up and activities, and special programming is brought in for our children to have new experiences in a safe and familiar environment.
Gan Shalom / Before & After Care
Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm
Shalom Shabbat with Cantor Eric & Morah Adrienne
Birth - 5 Year Olds
Monthly on Saturdays, 9:00 - 9:45am
One Saturday a month, our youngest children, along with their parent/ grandparent/caregiver, celebrate Shabbat with challah and juice, songs, stories, and movement. All young families are welcome!
PJ Library with Morah Miriam, Morah Rebecca, & Our Clergy
Birth - 8 Year Olds
Monthly on Wednesdays, 5:30 - 6:30pm
Join our PJ Family! The RSNS clergy and Gan Shalom Nursery School partner with PJ Library (a national program) to fill your lives with Jewish songs and books. Enrolled families receive Jewish-themed books monthly through the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. The synagogue also offers monthly PJ Library programs which celebrate Jewish holidays with crafts, storytelling, and music.
Family Havurot supervised by Rabbi Jodie
Join a Family Havurah! Each Havurah is a small group of four to six families. We connect participants to each other and Judaism through a home- based experiential program that meets five times a year. We pair you with other family units OR you can make your own group. Non-members are welcome. Each Family Havurah is assigned a master teacher who mentors the Havurah as it engages in Jewish ritual, holidays and culture.