Vision for Conservative Early Childhood Programs: A Journey Guide

Conclusion
In the summer of 2007, early childhood educators at the CAJE conference developed the
following statement on the key elements necessary to create a vibrantly Jewish early
childhood education program:
“The purpose of Early Childhood Jewish Education (ECJE) is to lay the foundation
for lifelong Jewish engagement by supporting the development and enhancement of
the Jewish identity of children and their families through Jewish knowledge, Jewish
values, and Jewish experiences. The key elements to achieve this are:
• Engaging in Torah for living and learning
• Connecting with Israel – the land, the people and the Hebrew language
• Experiencing Jewish time and space
• Building relationships and connecting with the larger Jewish community
• Providing opportunities that inspire families to live vibrant Jewish lives
• Imparting a sense of belonging to the Jewish people
“In order for these elements to be present, excellent early childhood Jewish education
must have:
• Educators who are knowledgeable about Judaism and early childhood education
• Commitment to (systemic) lifelong Jewish and pedagogic learning
• Community support
• Environments that are welcoming and that embrace Jewish diversity”
http://www.caje.org/earlychildhood/files/EC-Pre-Conference-Joint-Statement_11-5-
07.pdf
This Vision for Conservative Early Childhood Programs strives to help schools include
these key elements not just in a Jewish way, but in a Conservative Jewish way. The
distinctions sometimes are subtle. Even so, as the education in the early childhood
program of a Conservative synagogue or Schechter school more neatly fits the tenets of
Conservative Judaism, families will be drawn more seamlessly into the life of the
Conservative synagogue, strengthening the Conservative movement and the Jewish
people.
Vision for Conservative Early Childhood Programs: A Journey Guide
Maxine Segal Handelman
USCJ Department of Education
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