OUR HISTORY
Gan Gani was founded in 1964 by Dr. and Mrs. Block. At the time there was no formal Jewish education for preschoolers in London. They understood that the early years are foundational for a child's life and felt the urgency to fill that void. They opened a fully-licensed preschool and in just a few years, registration was full and there was a waiting list.
Under the leadership of Morah Block (as she is fondly remembered), Gan Gani gained its reputation for being a quality preschool program that combines a love for Judaism with cutting edge preschool education and innovation. Known for its warm and nurturing environment. hundreds of Jewish children cherish their memories of Gan Gani.
Today, Gan Gani is directed by Mrs. Basie Gurkow and has expanded to offer both half and full day programs to meet the needs of today's working families.
OUR EDUCATORS
Gan Gani is staffed with trained early childhood educators. Our teachers are a dedicated group of experienced professionals whose level of commitment to each child does not stop at the classroom door. Their commitment to quality early childhood and quality Jewish education is truly an avocation!
Our faculty meet weekly to discuss curriculum, plan programs, and share and exchange ideas. Staff development is ongoing throughout the year to ensure teachers remain alert to the findings of current pedagogical research, as well as the ever-changing needs of today's families.
Our Director, Mrs. Basie Gurkow, has been a preschool teacher for more than 22 years, and Gan Gani's director for more than a decade. She received her education in New York and continued in Ontario, meeting all the requirements of the Ministry of Education.
OUR EDUCATIONAL APPROACH
We see each child as a unique and precious gift entrusted into our care. This philosophy governs our school's educational approach. We take the time to ensure that each child feels loved, valued, and safe. In this environment learning and development can thrive and children can best be prepared for their future.
We believe that children are competent, curious and creative, and that they learn best by doing. We take an experiential and intentional approach to teaching that fosters children's intellectual, emotional, and social development. Small classes and a high student-teacher ratio ensures each child receives individual and caring attention.
We take a holistic approach to all things Jewish. We integrate science, math and reading readiness, art, drama, music, and gross motor activities into our programming about the Jewish holidays, and basic Jewish values and traditions. We aim to create an environment where children can develop a pride in and a love for their heritage and traditions that is rooted in knowledge and experience.
What our parents say...
"Both my older kids went to Gan Gani and had such positive experiences. We are now getting ready for my youngest to attend Gan Gani in the fall and she already talks about Morah Basie."
Robin and Sagi Yaakov
“We love Gan Gani as well as Morah Basie and Morah Ella! They are both doing an amazing job and treat our kids like their own."
Pavel and Anastasia B.
"If you feel you are not 'religious' enough so it is not for you, I encourage you to see it as a daycare that caters to all, secular and observant alike. The kids learn in a way that sparks true joy about their own identity and are always taught through play-based activities at a level they can understand. We learned from Basie just as much as Adina did."
Ryan and Shany Gertzbein
