Our Teaching Philosophy
Play Based Learning
Gan Preschool has a play-based, emergent curriculum based on each child's interests. Teachers scaffold and build on those interests with an approach that is engaging, developmentally appropriate, and geared toward kindergarten readiness.
Our goal is to create lifelong learners who independently seek out opportunities to grow and discover. Teachers connect with children through positive, nurturing interactions that build social and emotional development and self-regulation.
Special Programs
We offer a range of exciting special programs, including guest speakers such as dentists, book share, walking field trips, environmental awareness teaching, grandparents week, birthday celebrations, Jewish cultural celebrations, and much more!
An Inclusive, Welcoming Community
We are an inclusive program and welcome students of all faiths, races, and national or ethnic origins. Every family has a place in our community.
Jewish Cultural Discovery
We present an activity-oriented program that incorporates Jewish teachings and cultural traditions through play-based activities, art projects, stories, and songs.
Every Friday, the children celebrate Family Shabbat by breaking challah bread, singing songs with the rabbi, and performing Shabbat rituals. Families are invited to join at 12:40 to welcome in the weekend.
Shabbat Camp
The first Friday, from 4:00–5:30 PM, the Jewish Center hosts Shabbat Camp. Families are welcome to learn more about Jewish traditions and holidays through games, crafts, songs, and food!
Jewish Center Events
The Jewish Center hosts holiday events and gatherings throughout the year. Preschool families are invited to connect and participate in these social events to build a sense of community and support.
Example Daily Schedules
Lady Bugs (age 2)
Butterflies (Age 4-5)
Bumble Bees (Age 3)
8:30-9:00 am - Arrival, wash hands, backpack, water bottle and lunch away. Goodbye window and diaper check.
9:30 am - Morning circle, singing and music.
10:00 am - Wash hands, snack, outside time, diaper check.
11:00 am - Story time, art, free play.
12:00 pm - Outside time, art, free play.
12:30 pm - Diaper check.
1:00 pm - Dismissal
1:00 pm - Nap for full day kids.
3:00 pm - Snack, outdoor play.
4:00 pm - Dismissal
Bumble Bees (Age 3)
Butterflies (Age 4-5)
Bumble Bees (Age 3)
8:30-9:00 am - Arrival indoors. Put backpack, water bottle, and lunch away.
9:30 am - Morning circle, wash hands, potty time/diaper check.
10:00 am - Outside time, snack, free play.
11:00 am - Indoor time, story time, music movement, art, free play.
12:00 pm - Lunch outdoors, free play.
12:30 pm - Potty time/diaper check.
1:00 pm - Outdoor play, dismissal.
1:00 pm - Nap for full day kids.
3:00 pm - Snack, outdoor play.
4:00 pm - Dismissal.
Butterflies (Age 4-5)
Butterflies (Age 4-5)
Butterflies (Age 4-5)
8:30-9:00 am - Arrival outdoors. Put lunch and backpack away in cubby.
9:30 am - Morning circle inside, wash hands, potty time.
10:00 am - Snack indoors, centers, art.
11:00 am - Outdoor play.
11:30 am - Lunch outdoors.
12:00 pm - Circle, table top centers.
12:45 pm - Clean up, story time.
1:00 pm - Out play, dismissal.
1:30 pm - Nap, rest time, quiet play for full day kids.
3:00 pm - Snack, outdoor play.
4:00 pm - Dismissal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at Teri@bnaiisrael.net if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Gan Preschool uses a play-based, emergent curriculum built around each child's interests. Teachers scaffold learning through engaging, developmentally appropriate activities geared toward kindergarten readiness, while nurturing social and emotional growth and self-regulation.
Days include arrival and free play, a morning circle with singing and music, snack and outdoor time, story time, art, and free play, with lunch and a nap or quiet time for full-day children. Schedules are tailored by age group — Lady Bugs (age 2), Bumble Bees (age 3), and Butterflies (age 4).
Beyond daily learning, children enjoy guest speakers such as visiting dentists, book sharing, walking field trips, environmental awareness lessons, grandparents week, birthday celebrations, and cultural celebrations.
Gan Preschool is an inclusive program that welcomes children of all faiths, races, and backgrounds. Jewish cultural traditions are woven into the program through play, art, stories, and songs, including a weekly Family Shabbat, and families of every background are warmly included.
The emergent, play-based curriculum is designed with kindergarten readiness in mind, building early academic skills alongside the social-emotional development, independence, and self-regulation children need to thrive in elementary school.
We guide behavior with positive reinforcement and gentle redirection, helping children build self-regulation and social-emotional skills rather than simply correcting them. Our caring teachers model kindness and problem-solving, and we have a clear behavior management plan in place when additional support is needed, developed in partnership with families.
Gan Preschool (License # 490102569)
740 Western Avenue, Petaluma, California 94952, United States
Copyright © 2026 Gan Preschool Petaluma - All Rights Reserved
Enrollment is Now Open for the Fall of 2026
We're welcoming new students for the upcoming school year. Come see our play-based classrooms, meet our teachers, and find out why Petaluma families have trusted us for nearly 50 years. Reserve your spot today!