Over 250 directors, teachers, and leaders involved in early education and engagement from North America and Israel, came together for a national conference which focused on the theme, Advancing Early Childhood Education in the 21st Century. The conference was hosted by Early Childhood Educators of Reform Judaism (ECE-RJ).

Attendees expanded their knowledge and strengthened their commitment to the key principles and the most current theories and trends regarding the education of young children. The conference setting provided an opportunity for a diverse group of Jewish professionals, including educators, specialists, lay leaders, clergy and other stakeholders in early childhood Jewish education to network and collaborate on designing family engagement opportunities that will translate into daily practice. These professionals represented programs that are part of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), JCCA, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ), and Jewish schools without affiliation.

Workshops for administrators, educators, and engagement professionals provided hands on learning that was both current and varied; speakers shared their expertise on understanding gender identity, incorporating STREAM in early childhood classrooms, using research and best principles to achieve excellence in early education, supporting young children and their families in their spiritual journeys, and engaging families in our early childhood communities.

For more information about ECE-RJ, visit: www.ecerj.org