About Us
WELCOME to Gan HaYeled Preschool!
Gan HaYeled is Hebrew for “Garden of the Child,” and this name beautifully defines our approach to learning. We nurture the whole child (their mind, body, and soul) into becoming a kind, compassionate individual with a connection and love for themselves, family, community, Judaism, and the world. Our expressive, caring environment, along with our play-based emergent curriculum enables our children to develop a strong foundation for the skills and tools they will need as they grow.
GAN HAYELED is guided by Jewish teachings and culture, including the value of treating each person in a way that makes them feel respected (kavod) and cared for, as well as focusing on the importance of community (kehillah). Inspired by these values, we respect each child as an individual and integral part of our Gan community. We welcome both Jewish and non-Jewish children. The Jewish values that guide our school are universal and resonate with all cultures and backgrounds.
PHILOSOPHY
We are a warm and loving environment, respecting and valuing each person as an individual and as part of our community. Our program focuses on developing the mind, body, and soul within a secure, nurturing environment that encourages exploration and the process of discovery. We constantly strive to develop curiosity, imagination, self-esteem, empathy for others, and the ability to play both cooperatively and independently. We nurture a positive sense of identity by exploring Jewish values, culture, traditions, holidays, heritage, and the celebration of Shabbat on Fridays.
Gan HaYeled is a Program-Wide Pyramid Model Implementation Site with the Wisconsin Alliance for Infant Mental Health.
OUR STAFF is a highly experienced group of dedicated professionals who combine a strong educational background with a passion for and appreciation of young children. Our teachers are a community of lifelong learners, with ongoing professional development training based on the most current research and philosophies for early learning.
We're Hiring:
Marla Becker
Director
Hi, I’m Marla! I love running, spending time in nature, playing Rummikub, and listening to live music. Currently, I am pursuing a doctoral degree in Jewish early childhood educational leadership through American Jewish University!
Kaylee Annen-Zinno
Teacher
Hi, I’m Kaylee. I am A soon to be graduate of Madison College in the field of Early Childhood Education. I love animals and music. I have been apart of the Jewish Federation of Madison many years, I attended Camp Shalom from K-9th grade then later worked many positions for camp for about 10 years. I cannot wait to continue my relationship with all the families and continue to be apart of this amazing community!
Romy Arenson
Teacher
Shalom, My name is Romy! Watching the colors of sunsets, feeling the warmth of white sand, swimming in turquoise water, eating tropical fruit, and exploring new places with my family are some of my favorite things. At home, our dog, Pumpkin, always brings joy with her playful energy, and our guinea pigs, Cookie and Cream, are full of personality and charm.
Baila Becker
Teacher
Hi, my name is Baila. I am a student at Madison College. I love the snow, cooking, biking, and my dog Buddy!
Sheila Endres
Teacher
Hi, my name is Sheila! I love flowers, and I live on a prairie. I also love to read and travel with my friends. I like the outdoors and hiking with my dog, Mayzie.
Roxana Florescu
Teacher
Hi, I’m Roxana. I’m from Israel, and I’m the mother of Tamar and Benny who both went to Gan. I like doing art, listening to music, and reading books by myself and with children. I believe in “Spread a little happiness as you go by!”
Katie Fox
Teacher
Hi, my name is Katie and I'm a student at UW-Madison. In my free time I like artsy things like writing, crochet, and upcycling clothes. I also like listening to music and watching TV/movies.
Jerri McCallum-Schwartz,
Teacher
Hi, I’m Jerri. I like to grow flowers and vegetables. I like cats and dogs, but not snakes. I like vanilla custard and chocolate frozen yogurt. I love being a “Gigi” to Oliver, Rory, and Teddy.
Denny Rosenthal
Teacher
Hi, my name is Denny, and I am back from taking a 21-month leave to take care of my grandson, Malcolm. I love living life to its fullest and experiencing a lot of different things. Animals are always a part of my life, and right now, I have Calvin (the cat) and Grizz (my grandson's dog). Yes we all live together!
Irina Shklyar
Teacher
I was born in Belarus. Our family immigrated to the USA in 1994. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education and have decades of experience working with children of different ages and abilities. My husband and I enjoy reading, biking, traveling, and spending time with our grandchildren (two of them graduated from Gan HaYeled Preschool).
Carrie Sweet
Teacher
Hi, my name is Carrie. I love to dance, sing, and play. My favorite color is pink, and I have a silly dog named Copper, who I love very much. I also love to read stories and be with my friends.
Annie Wanless
Teacher
Hi, my name is Annie. I love to cook, dance, and sing a lot! I have 4 grown children and a new grandson born on June 18, 2021.