Together on the Path to First Grade- Parents and Children Walking Hand in Hand to a New Beginning
Marianne Early Childhood and Family center
Field: Formal Education
FY26 allocation: $7,000
1st Year
Location: Kiryat Gat
// About the Organization
Marianne Center in Kiryat Gat provides educational and therapeutic services for young children and families. The Center operates several preschools as well as a paramedical unit. Marianne Center conducts parenting workshops and more. All activities are supervised by the Ministry of Education.
// Project Description
Many pre-school children have deficiencies in language, emotional security and social skills. The program provides a year-long process to prepare the children before First grade through group and individual sessions, focusing on developing motor, language, social and learning skills. The program increases confidence and the children build core skills of attention, concentration and perseverance. Parents undergo workshops on guidance and boundaries, ensuring a safe school transition.
// Project Goals
The project is designed to help young children who are about to enter First grade overcome emotional, social, motor and learning gaps. The program builds confidence, provides tools and reduces skill deficiencies in language and social abilities. The program also provides a workshop for parents to guarantee a smooth supported school transition.
// Target Population
The target group consists of 50 kindergarten children entering First grade in Kiryat Gat, who have been referred to the Marianne Center by supervisors and teachers. The program will influence the children’s parents and the children’s educational and social environment.
// Outcomes
Expected short-term outcomes: enhanced emotional, social, motor and learning skills, increased confidence and improved parental guidance. Long-term outcomes: smoother school transition, reduced learning gaps, stronger resilience, improved social and family interactions.
// Project Timeline
Expected timeline: July–Aug: Preparation, identification and assessment of children and parents. Sep–Dec: Weekly sessions to strengthen children emotionally, socially, moronically and academically, as well as parent workshops. Jan–Mar: Preparing for First grade and simulating the school routine. Apr–May: Kindergarten–school transition. June: Summary, evaluation and follow-up.
// Budget Sustainability
For long-term financial sustainability, the Marianne Center will diversify funding sources including funding from the Ministry of Education and Kiryat Gat Municipality, grants and private and public support along with careful budgeting and efficient management, to ensure that the program continues.
The program is essential and has significant impact. If the Partnership will not fund the full requested amount, The Marianne Center will secure alternative funding sources to ensure that the program proceeds as planned.
// Project establishment status
The program is new in the Partnership Region. A planning committee was held with the Ministry of Education supervisors and kindergarten mentors to identify potential families ahead of time. The program is planned to launch next year.