Gan Haverim Preschool
Designed for children 18 months-6 years, inclusive of all faith backgrounds and those with no religious affiliation.
Gan Haverim means “Garden of Friends” in Hebrew, and has evolved from the vision of a group of Bet Haverim parents who worked with passion to develop and nurture the concept of the school. Since 2005, offering the Yolo County community a unique, Jewish-inspired, play-based learning environment.
Rooted in Reform Jewish values, our Reggio Emilia Reggio inspired, play-based curriculum nurtures curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning. Children explore and grow through hands-on, inquiry driven experiences in both our indoor and outdoor classrooms, which are equally valued as vibrant learning environments. With a strong connection to nature, community, and whole child development, we offer flexible program options throughout the year.
Choosing a school for your child is an important and personal decision, and we’re so glad you’re taking the time to learn about Gan Haverim. We believe every child is unique and deserves to be seen, known, and supported as an individual. With our small, intimate classroom sizes, our teachers are able to truly meet children where they are and respond to their interests, strengths, and needs. We work closely with families to create a caring, connected community where children feel safe, confident, and excited to learn each day.
“If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.” -Ignacio Estrada
The Classroom as a Place to Explore and Grow: Emilio Reggio-Inspired Classrooms
Our classrooms are carefully set up to encourage curiosity, creativity, and independence. In our Emilio Reggio-inspired approach, the classroom itself acts like a “third teacher,” inviting children to explore and learn on their own terms.
Each space has thoughtfully designed learning centers where children can follow their interests at their own pace. Materials are refreshed every two weeks so there’s always something new to discover, while giving children the freedom to choose what excites them most.
From art and sensory experiences to building, science, and reading corners, every area is meant to spark curiosity and encourage problem-solving. Here, children are not just learning, they’re guiding their own journey, exploring ideas, and building confidence along the way.
We observe and listen to each child, responding to their interests and providing experiences that help them grow socially, emotionally, and intellectually. It’s a space where every child can feel empowered, inspired, and truly at home in their learning.
Welcome to Redwood!
In this classroom, we nurture the curiosity and wonder of our
3-6-year-old students through a child-led approach. Our teachers are dedicated to meeting the individual needs of each child, fostering their natural learning style. With developmentally appropriate materials to encourage independence with a small teacher-to-student ratio, we create an environment where every child can explore, grow, and thrive.
Welcome to Sunshine!
In this classroom, we support the growth and exploration of our 18-36 month toddlers! Our teachers are committed to understanding and meeting the unique needs of each child, encouraging their natural curiosity. With developmentally appropriate materials, with a small teacher-to-student ratio, we provide a nurturing environment where every child can begin their journey of discovery and learning at their own pace.
Why Our Program Can Be a Fit for Your Child
Our program is built on strong relationships and trust, creating a nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued, and supported. We focus on educating the heart, helping children develop lifelong skills such as empathy, cooperation, and the ability to work together as a team.
Every child is supported with guidance and given opportunities to learn from experience, explore their interests, and grow at their own pace. We truly believe in no child left behind, ensuring that each child receives the attention, encouragement, and resources they need to thrive.
Through thoughtful interactions and intentional learning experiences, children build confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills that will benefit them for years to come.
We are open and available for tours and would love to show our classrooms and outdoor spaces. For inquiries or to schedule a visit, please reach out at Ganhaverim.bethaverim.org. Click HERE for registration information.
Meet our Teachers:
At Gan Haverim, our teachers are not just certified professionals, they’re a passionate, caring team who truly connect with each child and family. They’re all about making that transition from home to school as smooth and positive as possible. Our teachers believe in the power of play, knowing that kids learn best when they’re having fun and exploring the world around them.
What makes our approach unique is how we build a community. Every teacher is involved in every child’s journey. Even though each child has their own “home” teacher, all of our educators are familiar faces to the kids. This means that if a teacher needs to step into another classroom, they’re already comfortable and connected with the children. At Gan Haverim, it’s not just one teacher for each child, it’s a whole community of teachers, working together to support and care for every child.
What We Offer
Music Together
Every Wednesday, Teacher Karen comes to the classroom for our weekly Music Together class. Music at an early age supports language development, listening skills, coordination, and social growth. Most importantly, it gives children a fun and positive way to learn through singing, movement, and shared experiences.
Z’man Kef (“Fun Time”) with Rabbi Leah
Every Thursday, Rabbi Leah comes into the classroom for Z’man Kef. Children learn Hebrew letters and words through songs, stories, and movement in a warm, engaging way. This time helps children build a joyful connection to Jewish learning while having fun with their friends.
Every Friday, we celebrate Shabbat together in the sanctuary in a way that’s meaningful and age-appropriate for the children. We gather for songs and simple prayers, and the kids enjoy a special morning snack of challah and grape juice as part of our Shabbat routine.
We celebrate major Jewish holidays throughout the year, including Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Hanukkah, Purim, Passover, Shavuot, and Tu Bishvat.
Testimonials
“I couldn’t be happier with my experience at Gan Haverim Preschool. The play-based learning approach keeps my daughter engaged while supporting her social, emotional, and academic development in a fun and meaningful way. The teachers are patient, caring, and genuinely invested in each child’s growth. I also appreciate how flexible they are in meeting our child’s individual needs, ensuring she always feels supported and comfortable. The school, under the thoughtful leadership of the director, provides a nurturing, safe environment that fosters independence, kindness, and a genuine love for learning. The classrooms are spacious and well-equipped, and the outdoor playgrounds, surrounded by beautiful redwood trees, offer a fun, natural space for exploration. Communication with parents is exceptional. The director Jennifer and the teachers are always available and incredibly responsive, ensuring parents are well-informed and involved in their child’s journey. Whether through regular updates via the app, the weekly newsletters or one-on-one conversations, we feel truly connected and supported. The director and the teachers provide insightful daily updates and photos through the app, which make us feel like we’re right there with our daughter, even when we’re not. Most importantly, our daughter loves going to school, has made many wonderful friends, and feels safe and happy every day. I couldn’t ask for a better place for her to grow and thrive!”
-Beatriz Martinez-Lopez
-Susumu
“As a parent, I truly couldn’t ask for a more nurturing and inspiring place for my child than Gan Haverim. From the moment we joined the community, it was clear that the teachers are deeply attentive and genuinely invested in each child’s well-being. The days are filled with joy, movement, and meaningful play, and I love knowing my child is supported socially and emotionally while having so much fun.
What really stands out is the school’s Reggio Emilia–inspired, play-based approach. Learning feels natural and exciting because it grows out of the children’s own curiosity. Whether they’re building, painting, digging in the garden, or asking big questions about the world, the teachers skillfully guide hands-on, inquiry-driven experiences that spark creativity and a true love of learning. Both the indoor and outdoor classrooms are treated as vibrant learning spaces, and that strong connection to nature gives the children room to explore, imagine, and grow in ways that feel healthy and balanced.
Gan Haverim also has such a warm sense of community. Families are welcomed, relationships are valued, and there’s a real focus on the whole child — socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually. The flexible program options throughout the year also made it easier for our family to find a schedule that works. We feel incredibly grateful to have been part of a preschool that honors childhood the way Gan Haverim does.”
-Mariane
Our daughter attended Gan Haverim for several years, and from the beginning we always felt welcome. Each teacher brought their own warmth and personality, and we consistently felt confident that the children were in a safe, comfortable space.
Communication was clear and consistent, and the staff was warm, reliable, and easy to trust. It’s obvious they truly care about the children and families. The space feels comfortable and familiar, fostering a supportive community where kids are nurtured and parents feel informed and at ease. We also deeply appreciated how involved and accommodating Jennifer was throughout our time there.
-Julia
Moments that Matter
2026 Summer Camp for Ages 3-6
Enrollment opens February 19th! Click HERE for more information.
