Early Childhood Education

September 2, 2010 | 23rd Elul 5770

What's New

The Got Shabbat Nitzavim / Vayeilech is now available! Download this informative and helpful guide today to glean lessons from this week's parashah that you can use at home and in your classroom.

The High Holy Days Holiday Happenings Guides are now available! Find great ideas for celebrating Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. The Sukkot and Simchat Torah guide is also now online.

Jewish & Me Posters:
I Can Celebrate Jewish Holidays
Just in time for the High Holy Days, treat your tot to this set of twelve attractive posters featuring the lively cat from the Jewish and Me folders. These joyful images will inspire young children to experience Jewish holidays through movement and pretend play.

Israel

Early Childhood and Israel
Learn about Israel-related Early Childhood opportunities, like how to introduce Israeli songs in your classroom!

Research & Studies

Infant Toddler Survey and Results

Early Childhood Directors and Day Schools Survey and Results

Choosing a Jewish Early Childhood Program

A Parents Guide to Choosing an Early Childhood Program

In association with the Alliance for Jewish Early Childhood Education we are pleased to bring you A Parent's Guide for Choosing a Jewish Early Childhood Program. This brochure will help explain the benefits of a Jewish early childhood education. As an added bonus, it is customizable so you can include your school's contact information.

Grow Your Early Childhood Classroom

Early Engagement Webinars
Looking for more resources to help engage and welcome the tots and their families into your congregation? Visit our webinar archive to learn about Tot Shabbat, starting a family school and more!
Putting it Together: Books, Music and More!
Here you'll find links to various publishing houses, including URJ Books and Music, that specialize in Jewish, early childhood appropriate books and other useful tools.

Early Childhood in the News

Rosh HaShanah: Stop and Smell the Honey
The start of the school year often coincides with the High Holy Days, which can make for a frantic start to the year. The Torah Aura Productions Bulletin Board blog offers some tips to dealing with this fall frenzy.
The Challenging Financial Model of Jewish Early Childhood Education
This recent Forward article explores the cost of private Jewish schools.

Educator Toolkit

Got Shabbat

Holiday Happenings
A fun holiday resource designed for parents and early childhood educators.

Jewish Parent Page
Informs and educates about the Jewish holidays and their customs.

Ganeinu - "Our Garden" a professional journal that addresses educational issues in our Jewish Early Childhood Programs.

C HAI Early Childhood Parent Education materials
Includes nine complete ninety-minute lessons designed to help parents create a Jewish home and nurture their child’s Jewish identity.

The Tot Shabbat Handbook, edited by Paula Feldstein, is now available from URJ Books and Music. Order now!.

Connect with Families through Early Childhood Engagement
Early Childhood Engagement provides a rich opportunity to involve current and prospective members who will help to grow and sustain your congregation. Read the full article from the March 2010 issue of Inside Leadership for more information!

Professional Organizations

Visit the Early Childhood Educators of Reform Judaism website for membership,
conference and other general information about ECE-RJ

Continuing Education Opportunities for Early Childhood Educators

2011 ECE-RJ Confernce: Blazing New Trails in Phoenix, AZ
Join the Early Childhood Educators of Reform Judaism for the 11th annual ECE-RJ meeting January 12-15, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. At the meeting, educators from across North America will gather to explore their programs, schools and communities, all under the green thumb of the environment. Download the brochure today and visit www.ecerj.org for more information.
2011 World Forum on Early Care and Education
The 2011 World Forum on Early Care and Education will take place May3-6, 2011. Visit the World Forum website to guess the location and reserve your spot.

Connect with a Specialist

Member congregations are encouraged to contact a specialist from the Union's Congregational Consulting Group for additional resources and support:

	Cathy Rolland Early Childhood Education Specialist Time Zone: EST Phone: 212.650.4111 crolland@urj.org
	Jennifer Magalnick Early Childhood Education Specialist Time Zone: PST Phone: 212.452.6723 jmagalnick@urj.org