Preschool
Gesher L'Torah Preschool
(15 months to 5 years)
Welcome to the Gesher L’Torah Preschool. Our program was established to meet the needs of families desiring a warm, nurturing preschool experience for their children in a safe and secure environment. We were founded in 2000 to help foster a growing Jewish population in North Fulton County. Our preschool programs have earned a reputation for excellence and we have seen our preschool grow from a small group of children to the rich and vibrant community it is today.
The first few years of a child's life are the most important for growth and development. In recognition of how crucial these early years are to later learning, the early childhood programs of the Gesher L’Torah Preschool integrate the best of early childhood theories and ideas, based on the work of Piaget and Vygotsky, current research into best practices in early childhood education, and NAEYC Developmentally Appropriate Practice guidelines. We use active learning to promote cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and creative development. Our children are also provided with a rich Judaic environment, in which they can experience and learn about Jewish rituals, customs, celebrations
and joys. We offer Mother's morning out, 2-year old, 3-year old programs, as well as an accredited Pre-K program. Our Pre-K participates in Georgia's Qualified Education Expense Tax Credit Program. The organization through which we participate is the Georgia Student Scholarship Organization (GASSO), and in 2012-2013 all of our Pre-K students received GASSO funds!
Curriculum materials are designed to facilitate children's construction of knowledge by encouraging them to explore, experiment, problem-solve, and share ideas with one another.
In addition to our regular curriculum, all students participate in our movement and music program. This is offered twice a week and introduces the children to music appreciation as well as music expression through the use of a variety of instruments, musical styles, singing, & rhythm/dance.
The teaching staff is the foundation of our quality program. All of our classes are taught by educated teachers who far exceed minimum licensing requirements and who are trained in pediatric First Aid and CPR. Our teachers continue to participate in ongoing professional development and work in teams to provide quality experiences for children.
Unlike some preschools, which have 25 children in one class, our small student/teacher ratio has a profound effect on our students. Small class sizes mean more individualized attention and instruction. Our teachers are eager to nurture and love your child, as well as spend much one-on-one educational time with them.
All children bring a dairy lunch or may purchase a hot lunch to eat at school. Snack is provided.
The most effective Early Childhood programs encourage parent participation and involvement in their children's program. Communicating with parents is the first step and is a continuing process in our program. Personal contacts through informal, daily interactions permit the sharing of valuable information between parents and teachers. Scheduled conferences, telephone calls, e-mail, and our weekly newsletters are other means of communication with parents. These exchanges often provide greater opportunity for meaningful parent-child interactions and conversations by involving and informing parents of the happenings in their child's day. Even in their absence, parents can become active participants through conversing with their child specifically about a snack, activity, or a special song that was shared that day
.
Our preschool strives to foster Jewish identity through talking and learning about God, Torah, holidays, the people and the land of Israel. We encourage the practice of Mitzvot (commandments/good deeds) and Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) in our daily interactions within the classroom and as part of the greater school community. Click here to read more about our Judaics curriculum.
Our classrooms are a model of Jewish living, one in which the atmosphere and environment is Jewish every day. Our goal is to address the whole Jewish child and pave the way for a positive, warm, Jewish identity.
Our preschool is also fortunate to be part of the larger Gesher L’Torah community and with this comes the nurturing guidance and support of
Rebecca Gordon, Education Director,Curriculum Specialist Carla Birnbaum, the synagogue administration and the Gesher L’Torah Board of Trustees and Education Board.
Gesher L’Torah, a community organization, is a place for the entire family. We welcome you to the Preschool and hope you take advantage of all the special programs the Preschool and Synagogue has to offer you and your family.
Please contact our Preschool Director, Amy Cox for additional information and to schedule a tour.
Call 770-777-4090
Or email preschool@gltorah.org
4320 Kimball Bridge Road
Alpharetta, GA 30022
Divert your tax dollars in support of our preschool Pre-K program!
Information on the GASSO donation process and how it impacts our preschool can be accessed by clicking on the links above. Pre-approval, donor recommendation and student applications can be found by clicking on the name of the form you'd like.
REGISTRATION INFO for 2013 Preschool Summer camp has been released. For more information or to register for our 18-month to 3-year-old camp, please fill out the form above. For more information or to register for our 4 & 5-year-old camp, please fill out the form above.
2012-2013 Enrollment paperwork MMO, 2 and 3 year olds
2012-2013 Enrollment paperwork, Pre-K
Early Childhood Links
National Institute for Health: Childhood diseases, growth charts, everything early childhood from the medical and psychological fields. www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/childdevelopment.html
NAEYC: Great resource for parents and early childhood professionals. www.naeyc.org
Scholastic: Not only do they sell great books, but they have great tips as well. www.scholastic.com
National Institute for Mental Health: They always have new and innovative research about children, brain growth, etc. www.nimh.nih.gov
