Gan Shalom Nursery School

“RSNS practices “seeing the whole child” at their school through social emotional learning, appreciation of nature and natural materials, and child-centered art.” – The Jewish Education Project 

Philosophy: Begin with the Child

At Gan Shalom Nursery School, our educational approach places the child at the heart of our endeavors. We create a safe, engaging, and age-appropriate setting where each child’s unique journey is nurtured and celebrated. We view the power of play as a catalyst for children to forge friendships, foster a positive self-image, and internalize values that will shape their journey well beyond the boundaries of our school.

Our Home-School Connection

At Gan Shalom, our home-to-school connection is rooted in nurturing relationships and engaging experiences. Teachers begin to foster a bond with families by visiting each child’s home before the school year begins. Throughout the year, we invite parents to join us in celebrating special moments like birthdays, Shabbat, and Jewish holidays, creating a sense of togetherness and community. We embrace the diverse talents and valuable contributions parents and caregivers possess, encouraging their involvement in their child’s learning journey through classroom participation and regular workshops designed to empower and support families. Regular parent workshops further strengthen this partnership, providing opportunities for collaboration and support in nurturing each child’s development.

Our Values-Based Curriculum

Gan Shalom’s curriculum seamlessly blends the Creative Curriculum with Jewish Holidays, illustrating how traditions and celebrations can enrich our lives within a secular society. Through a STEAM and Literacy-focused approach, we engage children in hands-on projects and explorations that deepen their understanding of academic concepts and foster connections to Jewish values and traditions. Rooted in a Reggio-inspired approach to learning, we prioritize documenting children’s thoughts and concepts and embracing their perspectives as integral to the collective learning journey. By intertwining topics like friendship and community with our academic goals, we create a holistic learning experience where children can organically connect concepts across various subject areas, preparing them for a lifetime of meaningful learning.

Credentials and Affiliations

At Gan Shalom Nursery School, your child’s safety is paramount. We are licensed by OCFS, registered with NYSED’s Nursery Schools, and all our dedicated teachers hold current certifications in CPR and First Aid. Furthermore, their diverse educational backgrounds, ranging from CDAs to Masters in Education, ensure capable guidance. As a UPK participant in the Port Washington Public Schools and through our partnerships with QualitystarsNY and ElevatED, we actively invest in our staff’s professional growth, fostering an environment where inspired teachers cultivate inspired young minds. You can be confident that your child will be safe, inspired, and in truly capable hands with us.  

Schedule of Classes

Toddler Classes: 3 and 5-day options
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Three-Year-Old Classes: 5-day program
9:00 a.m.-1 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Four-Year-Old Classes: 5-day program
9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Extended Hours

From September-June we offer the following:

  • Before Care 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
  • After Care from 3:00 p.m. -5:00 p.m.