Ahava Early Learning Center

Specialties

Our Mission: At Ahava, we are inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, devoted to providing children with a multi-​sensory, child-​centered experience for learning and play, which seamlessly combines real-​world exploration with Jewish values to help them develop to their highest potential in a diverse and caring community of lifelong learners. Ahava’s foundation and future are woven intrinsically into the fabric of the Ahavath Achim Synagogue community.

History

Established in 2015.

Ahava has been more than two years in the making. To create a truly excellent school, our professional staff, led by Ahavath Achim Synagogue’s Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal, worked diligently to make our dream a reality. When we began to explore all of the curricular options in the world of Early Childhood Education, we quickly fell in love with the method of learning that the Reggio Emilia region of Italy brought to the world. In this philosophy, we found a way of being with children respectfully, of teaching them and guiding their experiences, that echoes the values of the Jewish tradition and that builds a strong foundation for lifelong learning, preparing children for Kindergarten and beyond!

Meet the Manager

Hannah W.

Manager

Director Hannah Aranson Williams is delighted to return to Atlanta after serving as a Preschool Director in Durham, NC for the past five years. She holds a BA in Middle Eastern Studies from Emory University and an MA in Jewish Studies Education from Siegal College. Hannah has fifteen years of experience as an Early Childhood Educator in Atlanta, GA, Asheville, NC & Palo Alto, CA. Hannah’s professional development includes participation in several national Fellowships, including the Covenant Foundation Fellowship for Leadership in Early Childhood Education & the Covenant/​JECEI (Jewish Early Childhood Education Initiative) Fellowship. These prestigious programs incorporated in-​depth study of Best Practices in Jewish Early Childhood Education with a focus on the Reggio Approach, a Study Tour in Israel and site visits to vanguard preschools throughout the United States and Israel. Hannah is passionate about supporting teachers, children & families along their journey!