INTRODUCTION TO THE GANON PROGRAM
Among the best known tales in Jewish folklore is that of a man who encounters an elderly gentleman carefully planting a young tender sapling on a spot along a sun drenched path. Seeing the aged farmer sweating and sighing as he went about his work, the young observer chuckled and
proclaimed the man a fool for laboring over his task The young tree would never bear fruits in the senior's lifetime. The aged worker looked up long enough to explain that the fruits were for his grandchildren about to be born. It is in this spirit of community responsibility, and the binding of
one generation to another, that Peninsula Temple Beth El opens our doors to our youngest members.
Judaism has always taken special note in its children. To teach them diligently is among our highest priority. Ganon comes from the Hebrew word Gan which means garden. Our infant, toddler, and pre-school programs have been established to provide a nurturing, secure, dependable environment for our tender blossoms: Our Children.
The Ganon Infant/Toddler and Pre School Center is open for full time enrollment only, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. year-round, with the exception of major Jewish or national holidays. We care for children ages three months through five years. The center is composed of seven classrooms, infant through pre-school. We have access to a spacious and sunny yard filled with equipment for each child to enjoy. We also use our temple's Sanctuary, Fellowship Hall, and Fireside Room on rainy days and for special occasions.
We are committed to offering loving and enriching care in a warm atmosphere. During the day, children can explore their environment through both choice and structured play experiences. The opportunity to experiment with music, rhythm, and movement is provided on a daily basis. Art, games, and puzzles
help develop large and small muscles and support language skills. Wheel toys, cars, push toys, balls, a sandbox, two wading pools, and a sand and water table are available for outdoor fun. We introduce Jewish holidays and Shabbat celebrations through the use of songs, food, stories, and craft projects. Our toddlers through pre-schoolers bake Challah for Shabbat weekly.
Our staff is chosen for their warmth, sensitivity, creativity, and flexibility as well as their experience working with children of each age group. We provide for and encourage ongoing educational training to sharpen our staff's observations and developmental planning for each child. Staff members are First Aid and CPR re-certified annually and hold credentials from the California teacher credentialing program.
Tours of the Ganon Center are scheduled daily. We will be happy to talk with you about availability, enrollment, program content, as well as answer any questions you may have. Please call or email us at the numbers above if you would like additional information.
