Gan Neve Shalom Preschool
'Oasis of Peace'

Honoring the beauty and spirit of childhood
Roots and Wings.... These are the gifts that are bestowed upon us at birth. These are the gifts I yearn to preserve.

"I wish to empower children to find the strength to hold on to these precious gifts, thus finding their true voices and the freedom to express their unique and vital spirits.

When we are in touch with our own souls and our intuitive selves, I truly believe that each and every one of us has the power to make a difference in our universe.."

Linda Myerson Cohen

Introduction
We are a play based, child-centered preschool, influenced by various educational philosophies, and deeply inspired by the Waldorf approach. The program is holistic, imparting a love and respect for Mother Earth, and enriched by Jewish spiritual Values.

The day includes indoor / outdoor creative play, art, music, movement, dance, storytelling, gardening, cooking and baking.

Gan Neve Shalom is a magical nest where fantasy will abound and the imagination is nourished.

Philosophy
The child centered curriculum of Gan Neve Shalom is based on the trnst that the young child, when provided with a loving and nurturing environment, will blossom as beautifully and gracefully as a flower. Each child in her uniqueness will develop in her own time...at the perfect moment.

Our function as teachers is to carefully observe, listen, and gently guide the child in order to meet his needs without imposing our will upon him.

With this in mind, we provide an environment that will invite the child to explore, interact, and discover the world and her relationship to it. We offer help when needed, enthusiasm for joyous endeavors, encouragement through struggles, and firm loving support through challenges.

Our program is created with sensitivity, respect, and is developmentally appropriate for the young child. Young children have absorbent minds, and the spirit of Judaism will manifest through their experience of our school community.

They will be stewards of Mother Earth through the garden they plant and tend, experience the miracle of nature through the harvest they reap, and share the food that they have prepared together. They will live the values that are essential to build strong community as well as a strong sense of self.

At Gan Neve Shalom children are offered a safe haven to revel in the sacred place of childhood.

A day at Gan Neve Shalom provides structure and order without rigidity. There is always room for spontaneity as it arises.

Who we are
Gan Neve Shalom is a non-profit school belonging to Havurah Shir Hadash. We honor diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, or diverse family structure.

Facts about Gan Neve Shalom
Location: Havurah Shir Hadash on 185 N. Mountain Ave. in Ashland.
Contact Linda Cohen : 541- 488 8887

Facility
Our classroom opens onto a spacious patio and lawn with trees, garden, play structure, and sand box. The beautiful mountains of Ashland surround us.

Enrollment
Ages 3 - 6

Class Size
9 children

Hours
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday
9A.M.- 12:45 P.M.
* optional fourth day subject to minimum enrollment

Parent Participation
Gan Neve Shalom encourages strong community. Parents are invited to participate in special celebrations, and to share their talents in the classroom. Families are requested to contribute 20 hours of their time per school year. This provides much needed help, while building strong community.

Fees
$230 members $240 non members
Fees subject to change in 2004
Materials fee: $150 annually
One time application fee: $35
Enrollment deposit: one tuition payment (becomes June tuition)

Director/Teacher
Linda Myerson Cohen is a credentialed early childhood educator with eight years of experience teaching in diverse classroom environments at both secular and Jewish preschools in the S.F. Bay area . Her training includes educational kinesiology and brain gym. She has traveled and studied abroad, has lived with her family in Israel, and speaks Hebrew. Linda has just celebrated her 1st anniversary with Gan Neve Shalom.