Everything we need to know we learn in preschool; this is an old idea but as relevant today as ever. Preschool classrooms are structured to provide what children need to learn their letters as well as how to wash their hands properly; how to count with one-to-one correspondence as well as how to share and take turns; how to run and climb as well as how to sit and wait patiently.
Our students at Gan Rina experience love, friendship and community and our programming is designed to teach and get the most out of each individual student. All this is done under the careful watch of the amazing morot who choose this physically, mentally and emotionally challenging profession.
Research shows that the early childhood years are a critical time when a child’s brain is highly impacted by the people, places, languages and emotional context of their surroundings. Decades of research has demonstrated that children who attend high quality and effective preschool programs see a boost in skills, behaviors and socialization that have long-term impacts and set them up for success throughout their elementary school years. A long-term study that began in the 1960s showed that the impacts went even further, showing the long benefits including better disciplinary records, higher college admissions, superior health outcomes, lower instances of incarceration, and fewer cases of divorce. Those that saw the best outcomes happened when the early childhood, preschool and elementary school teachers were able to have continued and regular communication.
As the teacher shortage continues with a staggeringly high number of teachers needed (over 2,000 in New Jersey public school early childhood classes alone), the talent, passion and gift of those who enter this field is brought into the spotlight. These dedicated professionals lay the groundwork for all that our children achieve, and as the old adage goes, “Engineers make bridges, artists make paintings, scientists make rockets, but teachers make them all.”
Here at Gan Rina Nursery we are lucky enough to have a team of morot who show their love and dedication to the students in their care each and every day. They constantly look at their work and curriculum and think “How can I make it better?” In a way, they become professional hoarders with the thought that every toilet paper roll, every empty jar, could be an opportunity to teach and explore something new in their classroom. They take on the little bumps and bruises of each child and help them develop the coping skills and self-regulation required to grow from the experience.
The children who enter become a part of each morah and live in their hearts as one of their “babies” even when they see that “baby” bar mitzvahed or married. The hakarat hatov needed could never be shown but in an attempt to at least show what we can, thank you to the staff at Gan Rina and all the preschool morot out there who have given themselves to this unbelievably important task.
