Lic #376100850

Welcome
Welcome to Coastal Gan Preschool, Day Care, and Enrichment Center.
A Play-Based, Jewish-Inspired Preschool in Encinitas, CA
Now enrolling children ages 6 months to 5 years old
A Play-Based, Jewish-Inspired Preschool in Encinitas, CA
Now enrolling children ages 6 months to 5 years old
Jean Piaget
At Coastal Gan Preschool, we believe that childhood should be filled with wonder, discovery, and deep connection. Nestled in the heart of Encinitas, California, our Jewish, play-based preschool and infant-toddler daycare provides a nurturing, safe, and inspiring environment where children learn and grow at their own pace.
Our mixed-age program is designed for children ages 6 months to 5 years, blending the warmth of a home environment with the quality of a high-end early childhood center. We follow a child-led, RIE-inspired approach that values autonomy, outdoor exploration, and the powerful learning that comes through play.
Small Group, Big Heart
We intentionally keep our program small to offer personalized care and maintain a low teacher-to-child ratio. Each child is seen, heard, and celebrated.
Outdoor, Nature-Rich Learning
Children spend most of their day outdoors—exploring, walking the neighborhood, playing with sand and water, and engaging with natural materials. We believe nature is the best classroom.
Mixed-Age Environment
Our family-style setup mirrors real life—where younger children learn from older ones and older children grow as leaders. It fosters empathy, collaboration, and confidence.
Respectful, Responsive Care
Infants are fed in arms, rocked to sleep, and cared for on their own rhythms. Toddlers and preschoolers are supported with potty training at your pace and your method.
Jewish Values & Traditions
Children experience Jewish life through hands-on exploration, storytelling, blessings, Hebrew language, and community celebrations. We warmly welcome families from all backgrounds.
Home-Cooked, Nutritious Meals
We serve three healthy, label-conscious, home-cooked meals daily: breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack. We’re happy to accommodate dietary needs.
Screen-Free, Pressure-Free
No worksheets, no screens. All learning is joyfully self-chosen and deeply meaningful
Cloth Diapering? Absolutely.
We’re proud to support cloth diapering and work in partnership with each family’s preferences.
We Accept Subsidies
We accept CDA, YMCA, and military childcare assistance to help make high-quality care accessible.
We Believe:
At Coastal Gan our mission is:
"Preschool is the time to learn social and emotional skills so you are ready to learn academic skills later on."
- Jenifer Wana,
author of "How to Choose the Best Preschool for Your Child"