HighTechZone to establish 20 kindergartens with the "Pashut Gan" network
The high-tech community's consumer club is partnering with "Pashut Gan" to establish kindergartens for children aged 0-3 at or near workplaces. The companies hope that employers will allocate portions of their welfare and catering budgets to help cover the monthly cost of approximately 6,000 NIS.
HighTechZone is set to open a network of kindergartens through a strategic partnership with the "Pashut Gan" daycare network. Together, they will establish facilities for children aged 0-3 across the country, specifically tailored for the children of high-tech employees. This move marks HighTechZone's entry into one of the most sought-after yet complex sectors of private education in Israel.
"Pashut Gan" currently operates four private kindergartens in Tel Aviv and Ramat HaSharon, some of which function under tenders from the Tel Aviv Municipality. The companies plan to expand the network to approximately 20 kindergartens in the coming years, focusing on high-tech employment hubs and areas with high concentrations of working families.
By this coming October, two new kindergartens will open, accommodating 100 children in total: one in the "Michlalim" building in Herzliya Pituach (4-5 classes) and another on HaBarzel Street in Ramat HaHayal, Tel Aviv. The goal is to help parents balance career and family, reduce commute times, and provide a high-quality educational solution, ultimately reducing employee absenteeism and delays.
Funding and Benefits
Monthly tuition will start at 6,000 NIS. Demand is high, with an average waiting list of 200 families per "Pashut Gan" location. For instance, the Midtown towers branch in Tel Aviv has a waiting list of 1,200 children. Currently, reservists receive priority, and HighTechZone customers will soon be included in this priority scheme.
"We are in dialogue with companies to explore registration quotas and models that allow employees to use their welfare and catering budgets to cover kindergarten costs," HighTechZone stated. They are considering allowing employees to use budgets currently allocated for services like "10Bis" and "Cibus" to subsidize tuition.
Quality and Standards
Despite the high price point, the focus remains on high service standards. Itai Barshadsky, who founded "Pashut Gan" with his wife Nina, noted: "Our pedagogical teams consistently receive satisfaction ratings above 9.4. We are strict about team quality, which requires significant resources for recruitment and retention." The staff-to-child ratio is 1:4 or 1:5 for the youngest infants, 1:6 for children up to two years old, and 1:7 for those aged two and older.
Omri Glick, VP of New Growth Engines at HighTechZone, stated: "We are identifying a deep shift in employee needs. Today, they are looking for real solutions to significant life challenges. We believe early childhood education will become one of the most significant benefits employers can offer their staff."
