The Sheva Center Leadership Institute for Early Childhood Professionals is now accepting applications for candidates for this newly-funded initiative of JCC Association of North America’s Sheva Center for Innovation in Early Childhood Jewish Education & Engagement.

This effort, made possible by generous support from the Jim Joseph Foundation, is focused on retaining, nurturing and enhancing the skills of high-quality staff to create a pipeline for management and executive staff. Raising the excellence in JCC early childhood care and education programs (ECE) throughout North America is a strategic priority for the JCC community.

The 2018 institute builds on the Sheva Covenant Directors Institute originally funded by the Covenant Foundation in 2014.

JCC Association’s primary goals for the new Sheva Center Leadership Institute for Early Childhood Professionals are to increase the number and quality of early childhood educators who are ready to assume increased responsibilities and leadership in early care and education at JCCs. Thirty fellows will be notified of acceptance by April 30 and the first virtual meeting will take place in May. A first retreat will take place in June.

The initiative will not only include the work with the fellow, but the nurturing of the entire JCC using “Growing Jewish ECE,” a new platform being developed to ensure a holistic approach to excellence. This Institute will require work with the executive leadership of the JCC, lay leaders and staff, and families.

Visit JCC Association’s website for additional information and the application links. All applicants must currently be employed by a JCC in the United States or Canada affiliated with JCC Association of North America. The deadline for nominating a fellow is Monday, March 26, 2018.