Welcome to Shalem Early Childhood Learning Center for the mind, body, and soul in Manhattan Beach. Shalem is the Hebrew word for wholeness and defines our approach to learning. At Shalem our children experience a unique and nurturing environment - one where our highly qualified and creative staff guide and facilitate a play-based emergent curriculum that allows our students to build a strong foundation for the skills and tools they will need as they grow both academically and socially.
We focus on developing the whole child into a kind, compassionate individual with a connection to and love for family, community, Judaism and the world beyond.Shalem is guided by Jewish teachings and culture, including the value of recognizing that every individual is created B'tzelem Elohim (in the image of God), and the importance of Kehillah u'Mishpacha (our community of family and friends).
We focus on developing the whole child into a kind, compassionate individual with a connection to and love for family, community, Judaism and the world beyond.Shalem is guided by Jewish teachings and culture, including the value of recognizing that every individual is created B'tzelem Elohim (in the image of God), and the importance of Kehillah u'Mishpacha (our community of family and friends).
Services
Shalem is a warm and loving environment where each person, young and old alike, is respected and valued for their unique gifts. Our program focuses on the development of the mind, body and soul in a safe, nurturing environment that offers opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Our activities are created to match each student's developmental stage, while giving special focus on the process and pleasure of discovery, not just the final product.We constantly strive to develop curiosity, imagination, self-esteem, caring for others, and the ability to play both cooperatively and independently.
Our activities are created to match each student's developmental stage, while giving special focus on the process and pleasure of discovery, not just the final product.We constantly strive to develop curiosity, imagination, self-esteem, caring for others, and the ability to play both cooperatively and independently.
Congregation Tikvat Jacob Beth Torah is an egalitarian, engaging Jewish community joined together by a commitment to Judaism within a diverse, yet evolving conservative tradition. Our membership utilizes many different paths towards spiritual enlightenment to deepen their connections to one another, and to God, within their Jewish experience.
Shalem offers a healthy snack in the morning and one in the afternoon to all of our students. Additionally, we have the option of a healthy hot lunch provided by the school, made onsite fresh daily. At Shalem, we focus on preparing fresh foods that are high in nutrients and vitamins to promote a healthy body, mind, and soul.
Sometimes in life you are given the opportunity to leave a mark and create something everlasting - not for yourself, but for the future. We are so excited to open the doors of the Shalem Early Childhood Learning Community in Manhattan Beach. Shalem is a place where we focus on the development of the whole child as we ensure that who they are and how they feel is just as important as what they can do.
Reviews (11)
Chris N.
Jan 03, 2021
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My wife and I can't say enough great things about Shalem. Our son has thrived ever since joining here as a 2.5yo in 2019. From the director and teachers there is so much emphasis placed on development through curriculum and exploring natural curiosities. Shalem's approach creates a space for each child (and parent) to grow in a healthy/safe/open environment that encourages exploration and respect for healthy boundaries. Even during COVID, Shalem worked tirelessly to continue creating a learning and growth platform through remote learning until reopening safely was feasible. After reopening
Bridget M.
Dec 05, 2020
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Shalem is amazing! We are constantly impressed by the creative and STEM-based curriculum with its emphasis on play learning and conveying important values like kindness, respect, gratitude, and appreciation for diversity. The teachers and administrators are extraordinarily caring and thoughtful. Our 2 year old has been attending since June when Shalem reopened and we were able to move off the waiting list. We can't imagine a better environment or preschool experience for our daughter.
Jessica B.
Oct 29, 2020
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My two sons have been going to Shalem since September (during COVID). We joined bc they were offering a small pod 1st grade class for my 6 year old (and also had a preschool spot for my 4 year old). We also had other friends who had their kids there. We have been extremely impressed with the school. The play-based education is amazing (we get daily updates on what the kids are doing/learning along with photos) and the teachers are loving and kind. They are very creative with the space (much is outdoors due to covid) and think up all sorts of special activities for the kids. My kids NEVER have said
Don A.
Feb 03, 2020
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Susmita P.
Feb 03, 2020
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Our daughter has been going to Shalem from the fall of 2019. Even though we aren't Jewish, my husband and I fell in love with the values of the school and the importance of the mind, body, and soul development for the kids. After like 2 -3 weeks of the initial transition time of getting adjusted to the preschool, our daughter now LOVES to go to school. She loves her teachers, her friends and the activities she does at school.
My husband and I are very happy and pleased with our decision to send our daughter to Shalem especially when we hear our daughter say school is fun and she wants
My husband and I are very happy and pleased with our decision to send our daughter to Shalem especially when we hear our daughter say school is fun and she wants
Julia S.
Feb 03, 2020
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My family and I relocated to Redondo Beach several months ago and as such toured many preschools in search of the perfect fit for our daughter who was 2 1/2 at the time. The warmth, love and knowledge of Rabbi Selilah Kalev and her wonderful team of educators surpassed our highest expectations - we knew Shalem was the place for our daughter. Shalem is an incredible play-based school with a staff of fantastic teachers that truly care for the children and nurture their unique curiosity every day with fun and interesting activities and projects. Our daughter is thriving at Shalem and we will be sending
Gill B.
Jan 31, 2020
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My daughter has been attending Shalem since it opened in 2018. This has been the best possible preschool for her. They have a wonderful nurturing environment and all of the teachers are exceptional. We have recently put our second child on the wait list and cannot wait for him to begin preschool at Shalem. I highly recommend Shalem to any families who want the best for their children and want to send them into a very close-knit, warm and welcoming community!
Keren S.
Feb 01, 2019
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My son has been attending Shalem Preschool for a few months and I am extremely happy with the school. The school is clean, the space is big, and the activities are engaging. Most of all, the staff is incredible. I truly feel the love they give to the children who attend Shalem. As a mom, my priority is that my child's school provides a safe, loving, and nurturing environment. That is exactly what I found at Shalem.
Joshua K.
Aug 26, 2018
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I have been privileged to see a lot of preschools in action and nothing comes close to Shalem. The love, care, and passion that the staff shows to all the students makes you feel confident that your child is getting the best care possible. Plus, I LOVE their commitment to keeping low teacher to student ratios so that I know each child will always be under the watchful eye of the teachers.
The facility is fabulous - the staff have found a way to use every square inch to its fullest - even the outdoor space changes regularly to always excite the kids. Just the other day there were so many giggles
The facility is fabulous - the staff have found a way to use every square inch to its fullest - even the outdoor space changes regularly to always excite the kids. Just the other day there were so many giggles
Aleem S.
Aug 22, 2018
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Shalem Preschool is truly a gem. My kids (4 & 2) have been attending my parent's family daycare on the westside. Needless to say I (and the kids) have been spoiled with lots of love and quality family time. Living in MB my wife and I were fully committed to trekking to the westside for the kids continued schooling. However once we found Shalem we were sold! What started as a quick walk through during a chance encounter with the school, we were drawn to the people and the site. It's rare to find a preschool that checks all the boxes. My little one has some anxiety with new people.
Jenny C.
Aug 21, 2018
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My family relocated to Manhattan Beach two months ago. As a part of the move, we've toured many preschools / daycares in the neighborhood. We decided to send my daughter to Shalem Preschool because I can fully trust the staff to take care of my two year old. You can say that a mother's intuition is right! (again ;)
This is the inaugural class but the staff from directors to teachers are all very experienced. We've just finished a big move so I was expecting my daughter's first day a dramatic mess. It is the total opposite. The staff encouraged me to take my time to
This is the inaugural class but the staff from directors to teachers are all very experienced. We've just finished a big move so I was expecting my daughter's first day a dramatic mess. It is the total opposite. The staff encouraged me to take my time to
