A Community Model
Elevating Jewish Early Childhood Education Means Elevating How We Recruit and Retain Educators
Between 2006 and 2019, the number of bachelor’s degrees in education declined sharply, even as overall college degrees rose significantly. This reduction has contributed to a nationwide shortage of qualified early childhood educators. In the Jewish community, recruiting for early education centers is particularly challenging because many teaching professionals earn wages barely above the poverty line. The consequence is a risk to the quality and accessibility of Jewish early education, which is essential for fostering lifelong family engagement with Jewish life.
Early childhood represents a formative period when family bonds are strengthened and identities begin to take shape. Research consistently finds that enriching experiences during these early years have a lasting impact on a child’s connection to their community. Without reliable access to high-caliber educational options for young children, the critical link that sustains Jewish communal life is under threat.
This challenge is not unique to the Jewish community. Across the United States, early childhood education is grappling with severe staffing shortages, leading to program closures, long wait lists, and heightened stress for families. For Jewish centers, the issue is compounded by the need to hire educators who are not only skilled in early childhood development but also well-versed in Jewish traditions. This dual requirement reduces the already limited pool of qualified candidates, making recruitment and retention even more difficult.
Enter ElevatEd—an innovative pilot initiative deployed in 12 communities nationwide. By merging modern digital recruiting tools, corporate hiring practices, and the strength of community relationships, ElevatEd is transforming how Jewish early education centers attract and retain talent. The program is backed by visionary funders and implemented in partnership with major communal organizations, providing a robust framework to address staffing shortages.
ElevatEd harnesses digital marketing and data analytics to create detailed profiles of the ideal educator, while automated applicant tracking systems help reach both actively job-seeking and passive candidates. In addition to these tech-centered methods, the initiative empowers local coordinators to serve as recruiters and utilizes referral incentives that encourage current staff to act as ambassadors for quality talent. Early childhood center directors also receive targeted professional development to sharpen their recruitment and talent management skills.
In addressing staffing gaps, ElevatEd not only recruits individuals with strong interpersonal skills and the right disposition for teaching but also offers a comprehensive, fully funded year-long training program. This curriculum covers the fundamentals of teaching, child development, and Jewish education, opening a pathway for new educators while supporting their professional growth.
After completing their first year in the program, many new educators have reported notable gains in their teaching abilities and an increased confidence in imparting Jewish traditions. A cornerstone of the initiative is its mentorship approach: experienced educators partner with newcomers to share best practices derived from a national curriculum that is tailored to the unique culture of each center. Such focused mentorship not only enhances professional development but also bolsters long-term retention.
The success of ElevatEd demonstrates that combining advanced digital tools with strong community engagement can rebuild a sustainable pipeline of passionate educators. This replicable model offers valuable lessons for all Jewish communities. By collaborating closely with funders, educational leaders, and community stakeholders to eliminate barriers and invest in professional development, local centers can ensure that every Jewish child has access to high-quality early education.
Ultimately, if we wish to foster vibrant and enduring Jewish communities, it is imperative to invest in our youngest learners. With few families currently participating in early childhood Jewish education, now more than ever, educators and communal leaders must join forces to expand these critical opportunities.
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Growing up, the Bible’s stories deeply impacted me. Now, with over 15 years of preaching experience, I blend timeless teachings with modern technology, making them relevant for today’s world.
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