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Israeli early education runs gan-yeladim (kindergarten) ages 0-6 across 3 stages: ma\'on (daycare 0-3, paid private/public), gan trom-chovah (3-4, optional), gan chovah (5-6, mandatory). Universal free education starts age 3 (since 2012 reform). Public gan operated by iriya (municipality) or kibbutz; private gan, religious gan, and Anglo-immigrant gan also exist. Hours: 8am-1:30pm public, longer with tzaharon (afternoon care, paid).
Cultural note, Israeli gan culture is highly verbal, kids develop strong Hebrew through structured play, songs, storytime. Parents drop-off 7:30-8am, pick-up 1:30pm or via tzaharon (extended care till 4pm, ~600-1200 NIS/month). Religious vs secular vs Arab vs Bedouin gan systems exist parallel, each family chooses. Key holidays celebrated: Tu BiShvat planting, Hanukkah candles, Pesach seder, Shavuot dairy. As an oleh, register at Misrad HaChinuch + iriya.
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First Day at Gan Chovah
An oleh family drops off their 5-year-old at her first day of gan chovah.