Gan Shalom Early Childhood

Gan Shalom Nursery School fosters curiosity, creativity, and empathy in our young learners. 

 

Philosophy 

Begin with the Child

We provide a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment in which teachers are sensitive to the developmental stages of young children. With many developmentally appropriate materials, children learn through play with one another.  Our Educators focus on empathy, citizenship, and Jewish Values as children learn social-emotional skills alongside their peers. We pride ourselves on supporting children and their families to connect with each other and our community in learning experiences both during and outside of regular school hours.

Our Home–School Connection

At Gan Shalom we strive to create a bridge between home and school. Our teachers visit each child in their home before the school year begins to meet children in their most comfortable and familiar space to ease the transition between environments for our young learners.  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.  

Our Values-Based Curriculum

Our innovative curriculum focuses on 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 issues, positive language and behavior supports, and Jewish family experiences are offered frequently.

 

Credentials and Educational Affiliations

  • Licensed by the New York State Office of Child and Family Services
  • Registered with the New York State Department of Education 
  • Affiliated with the Quality Stars New York Program
  • A participant in the Port Washington Universal Pre-K Program

Our Director 

 Adrienne Rosen is our Director of Gan Shalom.  She holds a B.S. Degree in Education from Indiana University, an ESOL Certificate from Teachers College, and a Masters Degree in Art History from Queens College.  Her educational focus is experiential learning through project-based inquiries at all age levels.  She has been affiliated with the RSNS community since 2006, and both of her children are Gan Shalom Alumni.  She was involved in Gan Shalom first as a class parent, on the Educational Advisory Committee, and as the Parent Liaison between the families and staff. She is so excited to build upon the foundation of kindness and love her own children experienced at Gan Shalom as the Director.  She looks forward to creating an environment where school and home environments are connected, and where our families and staff work hand in hand to raise our unique and wonderful children.

 

History

Gan Shalom Nursery School at RSNS, a non-profit school, was organized in 1994 by a committee of dedicated rabbis, early childhood educators and child development professionals, to provide the best possible Jewish and secular experience for young children and their families. We are licensed by the NYS Office of  Child and Family Services and Registered with the NYS Education Department. Gan Shalom Nursery School is a proud participant of the Universal Pre-K Program of the Port Washington School District and  Quality Stars NY.

GAN SHALOM FORMS - CLICK HERE

 

Grownup and Me Programming: Ages 0-5

 

Join us on Wednesdays at 9:45 for your children to experience a "Pre-Preschool" Class.  Children experience free play, circle time, snacks, crafts, and music all with their trusted grownups.  

Ages 14-24 Months

Enroll Here

 

 

Join Actor and Early Childhood Educator Carolyn Fagan in playing with your children through puppet play and improvisation.  Two times are offered to accommodate child's schedules and naptimes!

Ages 0-2

Enroll Here

 

 

 

 

Beginning Fall 2023: One Friday/Month

Join our PJ Family! RSNS and Gan Shalom Nursery School partner with PJ Library (a national program) to fill your lives with Jewish songs and books. Make Challah with Morah Miriam, sing Shabbat songs with Cantor Eric and Morah Rebecca, and read stories with Rabbi Jodie to bring in the Shabbat spirit with our community. 

For Families with Children Ages 1-8 

RSVP Here

PJs Welcome :)

Contact Us

To see our learners in action and learn more about upcoming events, 'Like' us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram.
 
Thank you for your interest in Early Childhood Programming at RSNS. We would love to connect and arrange a visit to see our school.  
To contact Adrienne Rosen, Gan Shalom Director, fill out this form.