Shalem Early Childhood Learning Community

Shalem Early Childhood Learning Community is a faith-based, play-based early childhood learning community. The classroom uses real materials, and children get real tools, real responsibility, and real Judaica to hold. Jewish life is woven through the week, and Shabbat is celebrated together every week. Outdoor time is every day, and children also spend time with specialists, including sports with Coach Stephan.

Programs

• Shalem Early Childhood Learning Community — children 18 months to 6 years · Faith-based, play-based early childhood learning community in Manhattan Beach. Small, mixed-age community.

At a glance

• Ages: 1–6 years old
• General schedule: Jewish life is woven through the week; Shabbat is celebrated together every week.

About the provider

Shalem was founded in 2018. The school is an independent nonprofit and a proud part of the Congregation Tikvat Jacob (CTJ) Lifelong Learning Community. Rabbi Selilah Kalev is the Founding Director, and Marissa Greenberg is the Shalom Baby Lead. Other staff named in the program facts are Debbie Granow, Assistant Teacher, and Judy DiPasquo, Lead Teacher. The mission states that Shalem is the Hebrew word for whole and that the school aims to help every child grow in mind, body, and soul at their own pace in a community rooted in Jewish values.

Known: every adult watches closely and builds the next day around what they see. Trusted: children are given real tools, real responsibility, and real Judaica to hold. At their own pace: there is no schedule a child is supposed to be on. There is a calming corner instead of a time-out. When a child is overwhelmed, a teacher comes closer. They use real repair instead of forced apologies. Letters are learned through names, signs, lists, and books. Outdoor time is every day and is never taken away as a consequence. Plan, do, review is part of the approach. Reggio Emilia inspiration is stated.

Last updated October 19, 2026.