New: YULA (long day early childhood programs) hours to be extended to 16:30; "Trom Trom Chova Programs" (3 year olds); and the opening of two new early childhood programs in the 2005 neighborhood
On 21.1.07, the Raanana Municipality will open registration for the municipal early childhood programs for the upcoming academic year. For this upcoming academic year, which begins on the 1st of September 2007, children in the 3 year old age group ("trom trom chova") will be provided a unique solution, which is essential since these children are not eligible to attend the daycare centers. In the 2005 neighborhood, which has an ever growing population of young children, two new early childhood programs will be added.
Raanana operates 81 early childhood programs for 2,329 children aged 3-6, which are affiliated with the state (secular), state religious, special education, recognized but unofficial, Chabad and Tali frameworks.
The city offers 34 YULA long day programs. In the upcoming year, the hours of these programs will be extended to 16:30 (instead of 16:00), also during the vacations.
As part of its municipal volunteer program, the children at these programs will be integrated into the city's various volunteer projects, in activities suited to their age level.
Michal Hirsh Negri, Assistant Director of the Education Division:
"We continue to march forward, to enhance the early childhood system and to provide optimal solutions for all of the city's children."
The Raanana Municipality will continue to offer a variety of unique programs at the city's early childhood programs:
The "Nursery in the Picture" Program: An art enrichment program for children attending the 50 early childhood programs. The children in nursery (trom chova -4 year olds) and kindergarten (chova - 5 year olds) will visit the "Nursery in the Picture" Center once a month. The Center is located at the Ziv Elementary School. The center's director, an art teacher, accompanies the classes on their visit. The children are exposed to artistic culture, and are introduced to the art work of famous artists and painters. During their visit at the center, the children are invited to participate in an interactive experience using different creative styles, with an emphasis on each child's creative talents.
"The World of Sounds": Children from 27 early childhood programs (trom chova and chova) enthusiastically attend this music class, which is located at Hamishkan. In this class, the children are exposed to basic concepts of the language of music. An emphasis is placed on the development of the personal expression of each participant through the use of music. Moreover, the children are introduced to the various orchestral instruments, and learn of their origins and influence on human culture.
The "PAAMA" Program: All children in Raanana's trom and chova programs participate in a special experience, twice a year, which is brought to their nursery school building. This includes listening to concerts which are performed for them by the Raanana Symphonette's various ensembles. Before each concert, the children are given an explanation in order to prepare them for the concert, which is designed to enrich their musical world.
"The Center for the Study of Raanana's History": All children in the city's trom and chova programs participate in an enjoyable experience at the "Center for the Study of Raanana's History", which is located at the Bartov Elementary School. Among the various activities, children are shown an audio visual presentation about Raanana's beginnings and a play which portrays the daily life of Raanana's founding settlers.
"Physical Education": Children in trom and chova programs participate in physical education classes conducted within their own building or at the gym located at the nearby elementary school. The activity is conducted by instructors trained to teach children in early childhood programs and an emphasis is placed on the physical and motor development of the child.
"Culture Basket": 70 nursery classes have chosen to join the municipal culture basket. As part of the basket, the children will attend wonderful plays, visit the museum, Hamishkan, and the city's Center for the Arts. Each class is offered the culture track, selected by the teacher, which best suits the children's age level.