The Erna and Henry Leir Peace preschool
Founded in 1982, the Erna and Henry Leir Peace Preschool at the Jerusalem International YMCA is a beacon of unity and learning. Welcoming children from Christian, Jewish, and Muslim backgrounds, we nurture children aged 3 months to 4 years. Our unique educational approach includes bilingual classes, with each class led by both a Hebrew-speaking and an Arabic-speaking teacher. This fosters a natural environment of partnership and mutual respect.
Living the Dream of a Harmonious Tomorrow
Our preschool is more than just a learning environment; it's a place where families and staff collaboratively live the dream of a peaceful, unified future. We believe in the power of early education to bridge cultural divides and lay the foundation for a better world.
Celebrating Diversity Through Festivities
We embrace and celebrate the diverse cultural and religious backgrounds of our students. Our festivities include creating greeting cards for the Jewish New Year, decorating the Christmas tree, and baking sweets for Eid al-Fitr. These celebrations are often shared with parents, bringing immense joy and excitement to our community.
Focus on Holistic Development
At the core of our philosophy is the emphasis on each child's emotional, social, and cognitive development. Our approach is tailored to nurture every aspect of a child's growth.
Features of Our Kindergarten
- A team of responsible, dedicated, and experienced staff who provide abundant warmth, love, and a rich educational program.
- Daily professional guidance by the kindergarten director and a pedagogical supervisor.
- An enrichment program with activities and games for motor, cognitive, emotional, and social development.
- Small group sizes to ensure personalized attention and care.
- A nutritious food menu, overseen by a child clinical nutritionist.
- Security measures including cameras and personal insurance for each child.
- A warm, joyful, and nurturing environment cherished by children and parents alike.
Classroom Structure
- Babies 1: 3 months - 9 months
- Babies 2: 11 months - 1.1
- Toddlers 1: 1.2 years – 1.6 years
- Toddlers 2 : 1.7 years – 1.10
- 2 years 1: 1.11 years – 2.3 years
- 2 years 2 : 2.4 years – 2.7 years
- 3-4 years : 2.8 years – 3 years
Annual scheduale
The preschool operates from September-July.
Sunday-Friday 7:30-16:00 Friday 7:30-12:30
August is reserved for our exciting summer camp.
