What makes Giving Tree Early Learning unique?
Giving Tree Early Learning is a Reggio inspired, play based early education program. We believe that all children have the right to high quality education. Our creative play spaces, such as the Light Studio, Art Studio and Outdoor Classroom, allow children to explore and discover the world around them. Our whole body approach to education includes a variety of gross motor experiences that develop body, mind and soul. Families in our program also share in the experiences of the Jewish faith and culture through hands-on experiences such as baking, music, storytelling and dramatic play opportunities.
What scholarships are available for my child?
Giving Tree Early Learning is an On My Way Pre-K provider and accepts CCDF vouchers. To apply visit https://earlyedconnect.fssa.in.gov/onlineApp/home
I would like to be connected with a parent ambassador. Who do I contact?
Our parent ambassador program partners your family with a current family in our program. Learn from others who share similar experiences and make new friends in the process. Please contact Ashley Flaumenhaft, aflaumenhaft@hhai.org to be connected to a parent ambassador.
Will my child feel welcome at a Jewish school?
While Giving Tree Early Learning is a faith based preschool, our play based approach brings both tradition and culture to life. Your child will share in a rich tapestry of traditions, Hebrew language, Jewish holiday celebrations and cultural experiences. The Giving Tree Early Learning family is welcoming to all and seeks to create a strong sense of community regardless of faith.
Which holidays do you celebrate at school during the school year?
At Giving Tree Early Learning, we observe the Jewish holidays throughout the course of the school year as well as Labor Day, Memorial Day, and Thanksgiving. We do not celebrate Halloween or Valentine's Day.
Does the school provide lunch or snacks?
We do not serve snack or lunch but do provide milk or a non-dairy alterative milk at lunch. Snacks must contain two components (fruit/veggie, protein or grain) and lunches should consist of healthy options avoiding items such as cookies, cakes, candies or non-nutritious sweets. All items must be NUT FREE and meals must be kosher dairy or kosher pareve (non-meat). For more information, visit the PARENT INFO tab.
How does a Reggio Inspired program differ from Traditional Preschool?
Traditional preschool focuses largely on teaching children skills by repetition or through rote memorization. As a Reggio inspired program, we seek to follow the lead of the children as they make discoveries through their play and manipulation of materials. Our staff infuse invitations to play and provocations with early childhood development to create authentic learning opportunities. We recognize that children have the right to construct their own knowledge and view ourselves as facilitators of learning, sharing in the children's joy, wonder and curiosity. Our classroom environments are considered the "third teacher" and focus on natural elements and materials. Attention to aesthetics, intention and accessibility are characteristics of each classroom. We utilize loose parts, a collection of open ended materials, to help each child to express themselves creatively and constructively. We provide access to various mediums of self expression including music, movement and art as well as infusing Conscious Discipline and Responsive Classroom techniques. We firmly believe that children must be allowed to explore, create and innovate in order to maximize their potential, become confident learners and critical thinkers.
