Gan Yeladim Early Childhood  Jewish Education in Skokie     

Gan Yeladim 

Gan Yeladim is a Jewish Early Childhood program for children ages 2 to 5.
We offer both half-day and full day programs.

Philosophy
Gan Yeladim places emphasis on understanding and meeting the many
needs of the young child in a warm, nurturing, Jewish environment that
fosters trust and positive self-esteem. Recognition is given to the level of
development of each child, physically, emotionally, socially and
intellectually.

We understand that positive, developmentally appropriate learning in each
of these areas is of the utmost importance. As a developmental early
childhood program we believe children learn best through play and
experiential, hands-on activities, including music, art, literature and
creative drama. We place high priority on parent and family involvement.

Judaism in our school permeates the entire atmosphere. Our curriculum
follows the Jewish calendar. We teach Jewish holidays, Shabbat, Hebrew,
prayer and above all, Jewish values. We want the children to love and feel
pride in their Judaism.

Family programming and involvement as well as good communication
between home and school receive top priority in our program. Our day
care setting provides for additional playtime opportunities, along with a
nutritious lunch and time for a relaxing nap. Additional enrichment classes
such as art, cooking, science, Hebrew and creative drama are available in
the early afternoon.

We are accredited by both the National Association of Early Childhood
Education (NAEYC) and the Jewish Accreditation program of the Chicago
Jewish Federation.

Program
We offer half and full day programs 3, 4 or 5 days a week. We are open
from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Half-day (morning) Program
The morning program runs from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon, with the option
of early morning drop-off, as well as the opportunity to stay for an hour of
supervised play and lunch from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

Our Gan Director:
We are proud to have Betsy Rotberg as our Gan Director, leading us in our
goal of an exciting and inspiring Early Jewish Education for all children.
Betsy has been involved with our Gan for over 20 years, as teacher,
assistant director, and director. She has a degree in Social Work, and
many hours of training in Early Childhood Education.

Our Faculty:
Our teachers are a group of creative, professional teachers trained in early
childhood education. Our faculty is dedicated to the idea that each child
deserves an exciting Jewish Early Childhood Education where each child
feels valued. Their goal is to provide a place where children can feel
comfortable to learn and grow, in an atmosphere that incorporates Jewish
values and Jewish culture, as well as the opportunity for children to play
and have fun together.