The Gan School

The Gan

The Gan at Temple Sinai inspires children and their families to embrace Jewish values by providing meaningful and authentic Jewish educational experiences in a nurturing, stimulating, and safe environment. We are a NAC (National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs) Accredited school with a 4.5 (out of 5) Quality Star Rating!

We are committed to:
  • Offering the highest quality education that fosters love of learning, creativity, and wonder.
  • Providing a variety of opportunities that will allow each child to grow at his or her own pace and develop a positive self-image.
  • Teaching each child to live life in a compassionate Jewish way.
  • Ensuring that the faculty and staff are knowledgeable and skilled in child development and Jewish education and that they participate in ongoing self-reflection and evaluation.
  • Encouraging families to maintain their connection to Temple Sinai through involvement in congregational life.
  • Partnering with and serving as a gateway into our larger Jewish and secular community.
The Gan School (18 months to Pre-Kindergarten)

In regard to learning, a gan is a program for young children.  At the Gan, we respect each child's unique spirit and recognize that each person develops differently.  Because children have varied interests and strengths, we provide opportunities for them to gain mastery in many areas at their own pace.  Please click HERE for a separate page with The Gan Curriculum Overview.

Our School

Early care from 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM, $2.50 per day

Tziporim ("Birds")

18-24 months old by September 1st
Tuesday/Thursday, 9:00 AM to Noon
Cost: $250/month

Shoshanim (“Roses”)

Must be 2 years old by September 1st
Three days (M/W/F) or 5 days per week, 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Cost: 3 days $310 per month, 5 days $485 per month

Parparim (“Butterflies”)

Must be 3 years old by September 1st
Three days (M/W/F) or 5 days per week, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Cost: 3 days $305 per month, 5 days $485 per month

Devorim (“Bumble Bees”)

Must be 4 years old by September 1st
Five days per week, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Cost: 5 days $500 per month

KEF (“fun”) TIME

Monday-Thursday 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM, Friday 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Includes nap time (for younger children) themed activities each day of the week, snack, outdoor play, and story/circle time.
Cost: $5.00 per hour,

Registration Fee (non-refundable): $250
Temple Members receive a 10% discount. Siblings receive a 10% discount.

Enrichments and Family Programming

Gymnastics (2-5 years)
Ms. Kristi Mezick runs a safe, fun class that teaches basic gymnastics skills. Improve your child’s agility, flexibility, and strength. 30 minutes/weekly $28/4 wks

Tae Kwon Do (2-5 years)
Master Jin Hwang and Red Tiger Martial Arts provide a fun learning environment that teaches respect, focus, and coordination. 30 minutes/weekly $30/4 wks

Computers (3-5 years)
Ms. Terri Seymore teaches a fabulous computer class where your child will learn technology skills and terminology while utilizing educational software programs. 30 minutes/bi-weekly $17/2 wks

Reading Class (3-5 years)
Geveret Bethany Leinweber conducts a special reading class for those children that show signs of readiness. A mixture of Primary Phonics, Montessori techniques, and developmental appropriate games provide your child with a great foundation for PreK and/or Kindergarten. FREE!

Music (18 months – 5 years)
Music with Chazzan Abramson once a week for 20 minutes. Chazzan teaches the children Hebrew and Jewish holiday melodies as well as some creative secular songs. FREE!

Music Together/Allisongs for Tots (6 months – 5 years)
Ms. Alli nurtures the musical growth of your child. Your child and you will discover the pleasure and educational value of making music in a fun, interactive, and informal setting. Go to www.allisongsfortots.com for schedule and prices

Tot Shabbat (Birth – 5 years)
Welcome Shabbat with young families on the first Friday of selected months. Short age-appropriate and interactive musical service led by Rabbi Huntting, Chazzan Abramson, and Bethany Leinweber. Traditional Shabbat dinner in the social hall follows. $18/family

Play and Pray (Birth – 5 years)
Join us for an energetic and enjoyable Shabbat morning experience for the whole family with music and dancing, circle and story time, arts and crafts. Light Breakfast included.

Holiday Celebrations (18 months – 5 years)
For every major holiday during the school year we plan a celebration with our families, which includes an activity and/or performance as a class or school and lunch together.

Music with Geveret Karin on Tuesdays (ages 3-5)
During class time, included in tuition fees . From 9:30-10:30am.  Children will be exposed to various aspects of music and musical instruments; recorders, violins, drums, piano, and more!

Story Time in the Library (18 months – 5 years)
Amazing volunteer readers from our very own Temple Sinai come and read age appropriate books to the children in our Temple library. They learn library behavior and enjoy an inter-generational experience.

For more information or to schedule a visit contact Bethany Leinweber, MS Ed, Director of Early Childhood Education 926-9462 or email bethany@templesinai-sarasota.org

Click HERE to download a Temple Sinai School Application Form for the Gan

 

Parent Workshops

Targeted for parents of pre-schoolers, but open to all. All classes are open to the community and on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM facilitated by Bethany Leinweber, MS ED, Director of The Gan. We must have a minimum of 4 participants for each class to take place and a maximum of 12. Reminders will be sent out 2 weeks prior. Prices include all materials.

Beginning a New Year with your Family – Rosh Hashanah at its Finest

Make the Jewish New Year just as important for your family as January 1st. Learn ways to celebrate Rosh Hashanah as a family to make it age appropriate, meaningful, and memorable. September 15. Class fee $18.

Positive/Conscious Discipline – A Positive Approach to Parenting while creating a Connection Between School and Home

STEP-Systematic Training to Effective Parenting Becky A. Bailey's approach to regulating behaviors. Stop saying no and start saying yes. Understand how your child thinks. Stress free way of parenting. This class offers a chance to get ideas, advice, share challenges and successes with other parents. September 22 – November 10th (8 sessions). Class fee $80.

Chanukah is not just about The Gifts/Xmas Dilemma

Learn other ways to celebrate Chanukah than just gift giving. Discuss challenges you face when celebrating both Chanukah and Christmas in your home and how to handle questions and make a clear stand. December 8. Class fee $18.

Speech and Language – Red Flags

Meet with a Speech and Language Pathologist and learn how to recognize speech delays/issues. January 12. Class fee $18.

Potty Training – No Pressure!

Learn techniques to make Potty Training fun and less stressful! Figure out ways to notice signs of readiness and learn when to back off. February 9. Class fee $18.

A Seder for Little Ones – How to make Passover Age Appropriate

You will receive a Hagaddah for ages 2-5 and gain a wonderful bag of tricks to make the Passover Seder fun, age appropriate, interactive, and memorable for everyone involved. March 23. Class fee $36.

Parent Shmooze:

Parent Shmooze is targeted for parents of school age children, but open to all and offers an opportunity for parents to informally explore the challenges of Jewish parenting. All sessions are Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM. These classes are for Temple Sinai members. There is no fee for these classes.

Making a Jewish Day: Incorporating Jewish Rituals into Your Child's Day.

October 18 facilitated by Sue Huntting, Religious School Director.

Making a Jewish Life: Exposing Your Child to the Rituals of the Jewish Lifecycle from Womb to Tomb.

January 10 facilitated by Hazzan Cliff Abramson.

Making a Jewish Year: Building Jewish Identity through the Celebration of Jewish Holidays.

March 7 facilitated by Rabbi Geoff Huntting.

 

Click HERE for a Registration Form. We must have a minimum of 4 participants for each class to take place and a maximum of 12.

 

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