Social Action

CURRICULUM & PLANNING

Each staff member takes the time to not only get to know the children they teach but also the student’s parents and siblings. The bonds that are created in the classroom, the hallways and the social functions at Ganon Gil allow the families to all feel connected and give the sense of a community of Jewish tradition.

• Ganon Gil’s mission is to provide children with love and a caring atmosphere so that they can learn the social, emotional, physical and cognitive skills that they will need now and in the future.
• We have adopted The Creative Curriculum Gold by: Diane Trister Dodge, Laura Colker, Cate Heroman and our teacher’s use it to guide them in planning and implementing the themes/studies. The Creative Curriculum Gold balances both teacher-directed and child-initiated learning, with an emphasis on responding to children’s learning styles and building on their strengths and interests. The Creative Curriculum Gold is in line with Ohio’s State Early Learning and Development Standards and NAEYC’s (National Association for the Education of Young Children) curriculum standards.
• Teachers use assessment/screening outcomes, ongoing observing, parent goals, child works samples and documentation when planning the classroom curriculum. Individual learning goals are set for each child to ensure sustaining and scaffolding of each child’s growth and development.
• Through the ongoing observations the teachers learn the interest of the children. The teachers plan their curriculum according to tangible learning, developmentally age appropriate, individual need of the children and what is happening in the world around the children. “Developmentally appropriate practice, often shortened to DAP, is an approach to teaching grounded both in the research on how young children develop and learn and in what is known about effective early education. Its framework is designed to promote young children’s optimal learning and development. DAP involves teachers meeting young children where they are (by stage of development), both as individuals and as part of a group; and helping each child meet challenging and achievable learning goals (www.naeyc.org)”.
• The teachers ensure that the curriculum is culturally diverse as well as Jewish content rich.
• The teachers and director use the environmental rating scale systems ECER/ITERS to ensure that the learning environment meet the needs of the children. A CIP (continuous improvement plan) is then devised to improve areas of need.

The curriculum is research based and well diverse it encompasses language arts, phonemic awareness, music, gross motor, art appreciation, science, fine motor and more.

COMMUNICATION

We pride ourselves on open communication. We feel that it is extremely important to be in close contact with parents in regard to your child’s day. There are a variety of ways that we communicate with parents:

• Annual School Calendar: The calendar contains important information about events, holidays, programs and school day closings.
• Parents’ Bulletin Board: Notices are posted on a designated board in the Preschool Hallway or outside your child’s classroom which changes frequently and contains valuable notes, curriculum information, center information, child development articles and other materials. Please keep an eye on it.
• Monthly Newsletters: These are emailed monthly from the Director.
• Class Weekly Newsletter: These are emailed weekly from the classroom teachers.
• Open Door Policy: We have an open door policy for parents. You may drop in any day, at any time, to observe your child or join in our activities. Please remember that during the school day, the teachers must focus on the children, so please do not use this as a time for a conference.
• Curriculum Night: This occurs in September and is for parents/guardians and staff only. It provides a chance for parents/guardians to hear about the school’s objectives, goals and purposes. It is an excellent opportunity to meet other parents in your child’s classroom.
• Family Programs: Please check the Ganon Gil annual calendar for all upcoming Family and Temple events.

Because preschool children learn by doing, activities will focus on “experiential learning.” For example, rather than talking to a group of children about the concept of measurement … we might bake a cake! For young children, meaningful and long-lasting learning requires active thinking and experimenting to find out how things work. This is best accomplished through purposeful play facilitated by highly intentional teaching practices.

Want to know more about us? Follow this link, fill out an inquiry form, and we will contact you!

Meet Our Staff!

Erica Wilkov
Director of Early Childhood Learning

Erica Wilkov holds a Master’s Degree in Curriculum & Instruction and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Exceptional Educational Needs and Learning Disabilities. She has taught preschool-aged children on and off for the past 25 years. Her experience spans both private preschools and the public school system, having taught for six years in the Clark County, Nevada, school system. Erica is a member of Early Childhood Educators of Reform Judaism (ECE-RJ).

Erica is married and has two school-aged children Abigail (14) and Madelyn (12), both whom graduated from Ganon Gil Preschool.

 

 

Debbie Kusner
School & Educational Coordinator

Debbie (a Ganon Gil graduate) has worked in Early Childhood Education since graduating from The Ohio State University in 1987, with a degree in Human Ecology. Debbie was a Pre-K teacher for 5 years at Ganon Gil before leaving in 2011 to help open and run The Creative Learning Academy Preschool for Autism at The Galvin Therapy Center. Prior to that, she also put together her own program for Pre-schoolers called PHD (Physical Health Development), a music and movement program for preschool aged children, she taught at True Sisters Childcare and Park Nursery School. Debbie believes in early intervention to assure that each child has the best beginning to education and learning as possible.

Our Morot (Hebrew for “Teacher”)

Sheila Jones- (Infant Room)

Sheila has been working in the early childhood field since 1998. In 2005, She was awarded a Child Development Associates (CDA), a certificate in Infant Care Excellence from KinderCare. She has also received a certification of completion in Teaching Technique from the Leadership Institute. Sheila is currently enrolled in the University of Cincinnati’s Early Childhood Distance Learning program. Sheila was named Ganon Gil Teacher of the Year in 2015. Sheila is a member of Early Childhood Educators of Reform Judaism (ECE-RJ).

Sheila and her Husband Greg have 3 children and 6 Grandchildren! She grew up in a large family, and is the 4th oldest of 8. Sheila likes to meditate, read books, and write children’s stories and poetry in her spare time. She is a seamstress, wedding dress designer, wedding coordinator and caters!

Sheila believes that she creates a loving, caring and wonderful environment where children learn, laugh, play and grow.

 

 

Dwila McAdams – (Infant Room)

Dwila holds an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Cuyahoga Community College. She has taught preschool aged children for the past 26 years. She was awarded a Child Development Associates Certificate (CDA) in 1993. She became a CDA Adviser/Trainer in 1995. Her experience spans both public and private preschool programs. Dwila is a member of Early Childhood Educators of Reform Judaism (ECE-RJ) and the National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAYEC).

 

 

Patrice Culpepper-Wilson – (Infant Room)

Patrice has been working with children since 1998. She began her career in the Cleveland Public Schools working with children of different ages for 12 years. She worked for an agency as a Pre-school assistant before starting with Ganon Gil in August 2016. Patrice received her CDA in 2014 and she is currently continuing her education. Patrice is a member of Early Childhood Educators of Reform Judaism (ECE-RJ).

Patrice is a newlywed she was married in 2014. Patrice and her husband Brian live in Bedford Heights.

 

Shana Cala- (Infant Room)

Shana has been working with children since 2007, both as a child care provider and in the behavioral health field. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Cleveland State University. Shana loves working with children and enjoys being a part of their growth and development. Shana is a member of Early Childhood Educators of Reform Judaism (ECE-RJ).

Shana and her husband, Jim, live in South Euclid with their 2 children, Anna and William, and their dog, Harry. She enjoys spending her free time with her family, doing outdoor activities and visiting with extended family.

 

Hayley Baskind – (Toddler 1 Room)

Hayley has been working in early childhood since 2002. She joined the Ganon Gil team in December 2014 and joined the infant room staff for a 1 year. She left Ganon Gil for a short time and in September 2016 she re-joined the staff at as teacher in the Toddler 1 Room. Hayley is a member of Early Childhood Educators of Reform Judaism (ECE-RJ).

She and her husband Scott were married in 1996, they have 3 children; Josh, Jason and Hannah (a Ganon Gil Graduate), and a Dachshund named, Buckeye. Hayley is an avid reader and a big sports fan.

 

Wendy Binkofsky- (Toddler 1 Room)

Wendy has been working in the early childhood field since 1986! She was a Toddler teacher at True Sisters Early Childhood Center for 23 years. Wendy was awarded a Child Developments Associates (CDA) – Infant & Toddler Certificate in January 2015 and she is a member of Early Childhood Educators of Reform Judaism (ECE-RJ).

Wendy and her son Seth live in Beachwood.

 

 

Rachel Linda – (Toddler 2 Room)

Rachel holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood and Special Education from Millersville University. Millersville is located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania where Rachel has lived the past 5 years. Rachel lived in New Jersey while growing up but has come to visit Cleveland every summer since she was 7 to see her Grandmother as well as other family here. While Rachel was in New Jersey Rachel spent most of her free time volunteering with children whom have disabilities. Since then it has become a passion of hers to work with children of all abilities. Before working at Ganon Gil Rachel was a Special Education Teacher in PA for 6 months while a teacher was on leave. She is a member of Early Childhood Educators of Reform Judaism (ECE-RJ).

Rachel loves to see all of the progress children make throughout a year or even throughout a week. She loves being a part of the learning process for children and seeing the difference she, not only makes in their lives, but the difference they make in hers.

 

Bess Gatanas- (Toddler 2 Room)

Bess graduated from the Early Childhood EXCELL TECC program from Beachwood High School in 2017 and in August 2017 she earned a CDA (Child Development Associates) in Infant and Toddlers.

Bess has been working for The Temple – Tifereth Israel as a Learning Center Madrichim and as an assistant in the Early Learning Center since 2012. She enjoys working with toddler age children, her dogs and shopping. In her free time Bess loves to travel and paint. She lives in Solon with her dog Arthur. She is a member of Early Childhood Educators of Reform Judaism (ECE-RJ).

 

Mariah Ornstein- Family Programs/Administration (Preschool 1 Room)

Mariah has been an educator in the early childhood field since 1998. She was awarded the National Child Development Associates (CDA) credential in 2014. Mariah creates and implements engaging programs for families with young children, both at Ganon Gil and The Temple-Tifereth Israel. Her dedication for working with young children encourages her to learn new practices to be implemented in the classroom. Mariah’s passion for butterflies was the driving force in creating the school’s butterfly garden. She worked closely with a Temple youth member to create a raised vegetable garden, adding yet another opportunity for learning and engagement on the playground. She is a member of Early Childhood Educators of Reform Judaism (ECE-RJ).

Mariah enjoys reading and spending time outside with her two boys. She and her family are members of the Temple Tifereth Israel.

 

Emily Frumker- (Preshool 1 Room)

Emily received her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from The University of Toledo. Emily has been working at Ganon Gil since 2013. She loves working with the children and watching them grow, become independent thinkers and individuals. She is a member of Early Childhood Educators of Reform Judaism (ECE-RJ).

Emily is a big Cleveland and Ohio State sports fan and loves watching and cheering them on. In her spare time, she likes to listen to music, go to concerts, see movies and travel. Emily also likes to be with her friends and family and she is very passionate about playing softball.

 

 

Debbie Goldman- (Preschool 2 Room)

Debbie Goldman has been working with children of all ages since 1998. In 2008, she earned a Master’s degree in Jewish Education from Siegal College of Judaic Studies and she is a member of Early Childhood Educators of Reform Judaism (ECE-RJ). Debbie has been working at The Early Learning Center-Ganon Gil since 2013 and also teaches Kindergarten in The Learning Center at Tifereth Israel. Debbie was recently named the ROZZY STEAM Coordinator and the 2017 Teacher of the Year. Debbie has been married to her husband Mitch since 2001 and they have 2 children -Ben and Mikayla.

Debbie enjoys scrapbooking and going to Rick Springfield concerts where she is able to spend time with her friends and relax.

 

Kori Karas – (Preschool 2 Room)

Kori graduated from Notre Dame College of Ohio with a Bachelor of arts degree and holds an early childhood teaching license through the state of Ohio. Kori has been teaching since 2004 and working with children of all ages. She is married to her husband Jonathan and they have been married since 2005. They have two children, Michael and Maya. Kori is a member of Early Childhood Educators of Reform Judaism (ECE-RJ).

In her free time Kori enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, walking, and reading.

 

Laura Gorsky- (Preschool 2 Room)

Laura has a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Kent State University. She has been working in the early childhood field since 1998. Laura is a member of Early Childhood Educators of Reform Judaism (ECE-RJ). Laura is a Ganon Gil graduate, she and her husband David live in Euclid with their dog; Finn. She is an avid reader.

 

 

Stefani Feldman- (Preschool 3 Room)

Stefani Feldman has been educating pre-school children within the Cleveland Jewish community for more than 10 years. She is thrilled to be at The Temple Tifereth Israel since it is where her father was confirmed and her parents were married. Stefani has worked with children from 18 months to 18 years teaching toddlers through high school. “Helping children feel prepared for the next phase of their lives is a passion and a privilege. I feel very lucky to be working with the Pre-K children here at such a wonderful school.” Stefani is a member of Early Childhood Educators of Reform Judaism (ECE-RJ),

Stefani lives in Solon with her husband, 3 sons, dogs, cats, and chickens.

 

Paige Schiller- (Preschool 3 Room)

After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Signed Language Interpreting from The University of Cincinnati, Paige moved to upstate New York to work as an apprentice interpreter at Rochester Institute of Technology, National Technical Institute for the Deaf. She spent a year working as an interpreter; however while working fulltime she felt she was needed elsewhere. Paige moved to Istanbul, Turkey to be an Au Pair with a family for three months, followed by a year in Stockholm, Sweden where she worked for another family.

Paige has been working with children for many years. Her favorite memories come from living and working in Sweden. She was fortunate enough to work with a wonderful family and had the opportunity to travel. She is a member of Early Childhood Educators of Reform Judaism (ECE-RJ).

In her spare time Paige can be found onstage performing with local community theatres throughout the Greater Cleveland area. She is an avid reader, huge Indians fan, and loves any excuse to travel.

Please CLICK HERE to learn more about the 5-Star rating!

 

UNIVERSAL PRE-K 

Ganon Gil has been named a Universal Pre-K site by the Cuyahoga County’s InvestIn Children Program. We are the first Jewish Early Childhood Center in the Cleveland Community to receive this important distinction. Each candidate school went through a detailed application process and an on-site visit to assure that they meet the high standards and specific requirements of the program. Universal Pre-Kindergarten is a Cuyahoga County funded program that serves preschool children ages 3-5 years of age. Families who meet eligibility requirements below qualify to receive a scholarship of 33% on all of their tuition and daycare related charges.

Through this program Ganon Gil also receives a grant from the County to further enhance and sustain high quality
education standards and programming.

AN APPROXIMATION OF THE ELIGIBILITY SCALE FOR UPK SCHOLARSHIP:

UPK Scholarship
Household size Family Income
2 (1 adult/1 child) …………$ 63,720.00
3 ……………………………. $80,360.00
4 ……………………………. $97,000.00
5 ……………………………..$113,640.00
6 ……………………………..$130,280.00
7 ……………………………..$146,920.00

 

 

 

           

We are an accredited Ohio Wild School Site, a designation of the Division of Wildlife of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and The National Wildlife Foundation. We are the first Early Childhood Education Center in Cuyahoga County to be named a WILD School!

Though a year-long study on Ohio native flowers and butterflies, we created a sustainable Butterfly Habitat Garden. All of the plants start inside and the learning process is a large part of the science curriculum.

http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/Home/wild_resourcessubhomepage/Educator_Resources/Wild_Schoolsplaceholder/resourceswildschoolsdefault/tabid/5821/Default.aspx

 

PJS & PALS
Ganon Gil Preschool of Tifereth Israel
Beachwood, OH
     A visitor to the Ganon Gil Preschool last year may have encountered a surprising sight. More than a dozen pajama-clad children were enjoying stories, snacks, and
crafts with their fathers, uncles, grandfathers, and other important male role models in their lives. The activity—PJs & Pals—aimed to promote a love of reading and to foster a warm, caring atmosphere at the school.
     PJs and Pals was organized by the Dads Committee of the school’s Action Team for Partnerships (ATP) to reinforce the fact that children thrive when they spend quality time at school with male mentors. The committee’s plan supported three themes that are important at the school—building students’ literacy skills, being father friendly, and encouraging parent volunteers. The preschool ser ves children from 6 weeks to 5 years old to develop the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills that lead to success in school and out.
      The preschool teachers were present throughout PJs and Pals to facilitate the activity and to get to know the dads and other adults who attended. They provided name tags and introduced the guests to each other to encourage conversations among the families. PJs and Pals was publicized via flyers, phone calls, and social media.
     The focus on reading and crafts gave meaning to the gathering. In one room, half of the dad-child pairs worked together to decorate quilt squares. In another room, a dad read a story and everyone enjoyed a snack. During story time, children discussed illustrations, characters, and whether they liked or disliked the book. After 20 minutes, the groups switched rooms and activities.
     PJs and Pals was positively reviewed. “I really enjoyed the evening,” said one dad, who noted that he did not often have a chance to spend time with his daughter and her friends at the school. Another dad echoed the sentiment. “What a great time we had last night!” he said. “My son really enjoyed showing me around school and I got to meet the other children in his class.” A teacher added, “It was a wonderful opportunity for the dads to meet each other and to socialize.”
     The children in pajamas, making a quilt, and reading together created a cozy climate. The evening was documented in photos, which were made into a poster displayed at the school. Children and dads who could not attend had the opportunity to create quilt squares at home so that they would be part of the project. The ATP assembled the squares in a school family quilt. It represented the uniqueness of every family and the fact that all families were welcome at the school. The quilt was hung in a school hallway next to the school’s motto: ” We are more than just a preschool; we are a family.”

Lori Kowit
Director of Early Childhood Education, lkowit@ttti.org

©2014 National Network of Partnership Schools, Johns Hopkins University

 

Want to know more about us? Follow this link, fill out an inquiry form, and we will contact you!