Early Childhood Education


Welcome to The Goldman Family Preschool! We are dedicated to providing a nurturing and stimulating early childhood education experience for young children. Our passionate team of educators is committed to creating a supportive learning environment where every child can thrive. At The Goldman Family Preschool, we believe in the power of play-based learning and personalized attention to foster a love for exploration and discovery in our students. Join us in this exciting journey of early learning and development!



Enrollment Meet the Team

Developing Competent, Happy, Curious Children


We encourage the development of children's self-esteem and self-control with the use of positive guidance, an appreciation of cultural diversity, and respect for each child's individuality

Safe & Nurturing Childcare


Our experienced and skilled caregivers create a nurturing environment where children can learn and grow safely. 

Beautiful Classrooms & Playground


We foster a child's natural instincts and curiosity by providing spaces that are comfortable, joyful, and developmentally appropriate.


Our Community

The Goldman Family Preschool (GFP) is an integral part of the larger Jewish Community Alliance, which includes a Jewish Community Center (JCC), Jewish Federation (JFNA), and Jewish Family Service (JFS). The goal of the JCA is to enhance the quality of Jewish life in the greater Portland area and around the world through philanthropy, education, social service, culture, spirituality, and wellness. The GFP receives support through the JCA, as part of the Annual Campaign.

Registration Form

Shalom! Welcome to the Goldman Family Preschool

We are NAEYC-accredited and are proud of our rich history and strong reputation. We approach our work through Jewish values, lenses, and culture. Through the 'High Scope' curriculum, Reggio Emilia approachand the JCC Association’s Sheva Learning Framework, we serve children ages six weeks to five years in our child-centered, family-oriented program. Educated and trained professionals bring deep commitment and a love of children to our classrooms. We pride ourselves on the wonderful year-round educational activities we offer in our community.

We have an open-door policy and invite you to visit us at any time during the school day. The relationships between parents, children, and teachers create a strong sense of community, which is critical to the life of the school. We invite families to partner with us through ongoing, regular, and meaningful conversations to support their children's education and social-emotional growth. We help families on their parenting journey and celebrate life together.


The Goldman Family Preschool is committed to admitting children of all ethnic backgrounds, cultures, faiths, and traditions. We promote acceptance while valuing uniqueness. We encourage respect for cultural, physical, economic, and religious differences. Striving to create a nurturing and trusting environment, we foster self-esteem, competence, and confidence. We hope that the experiences we provide will have a lasting positive effect on the children and families we serve.

Our Philosophy


Children possess innate curiosity about the universe of people, places, and things around them. At the Goldman Family Preschool, we foster these instincts. We believe in a strong image of the child and that education is a process, initiated by the child’s interaction and investigation of their world. It is through these interactions that each child is encouraged to wonder, explore, question and discover, using their own unique learning style and interests. Through the High Scope curriculum, sheva framework and inspiration from Reggio Emilia, our program engages children in a broad range of experiences, including meaningful Jewish cultural exploration. By nurturing the minds and spirits of children throughout their first school experience, we give them the foundation to be lifelong learners.

Meet the Team

Alana Elowitch

Toddler Teacher

Janel Goodman

Infant Teacher

Karen Harwood

Infant Teacher

Alexis Martinez

Preschool Teacher

Alexandria Piper

Toddler Teacher

Egypt Pooler

Toddler Teacher

Hanna Popov

Preschool Teacher

Kimberly Rajotte

Preschool Teacher

Olivia Rawcliffe

Infant Teacher

Greg Schlegel

Preschool Teacher

Kate Yates

Toddler Teacher

Theresa Yudaken

Preschool Teacher

KeyArnna Bassett

Preschool Teacher