A Community Model
Enhancing Jewish early childhood education begins with transforming how we recruit and sustain our educators. Recent trends show a notable decline in education degrees alongside rising overall degree numbers. This shift has contributed to a nationwide shortage of qualified early childhood professionals, and Jewish centers face added challenges when low wages make it difficult for educators to afford living in the communities where these centers are located. The result is a significant risk to the quality and accessibility of early childhood Jewish education at a critical stage in family and identity development.
This issue is not isolated. Across the country, early childhood education is grappling with staffing crises that have led to classroom closures and extended wait-lists, increasing stress among families. Jewish centers must also find educators who are not only experts in child development but are also deeply familiar with Jewish traditions—a dual requirement that further constrains the pool of ideal candidates. Without swift and innovative solutions, the sustainability of these centers—and by extension, the continuity of Jewish community life—remains in jeopardy.
A promising response to this challenge is the pilot initiative known as ElevatEd. Now active in 12 communities nationwide, ElevatEd reimagines recruitment by merging modern digital tools with proven strategies from the corporate world alongside strong community connections. By employing data analytics and automated applicant tracking systems, the program creates detailed profiles of ideal candidates and reaches both active and passive job seekers, broadening the talent pool beyond conventional methods.
In addition to its technology-driven outreach, ElevatEd taps into local networks by empowering coordinators to serve as recruiters and offering referral incentives to current staff. Early childhood directors receive tailored professional development aimed at refining their recruitment and talent management skills, which helps establish a sustainable pipeline of capable educators.
The initiative also addresses staffing gaps by welcoming individuals with essential interpersonal skills and a passion for teaching—even if they do not have formal training. These candidates participate in a comprehensive, fully funded year-long program that covers teaching fundamentals, child development, and Jewish education, paving the way for a new generation of qualified educators in Jewish centers.
Initial results are promising. Educators emerging from the program report significant gains in their teaching abilities and increased confidence in delivering Jewish traditions. A critical component of ElevatEd is its mentorship model, where experienced educators partner with new teachers to implement best practices adapted from a national curriculum while honoring each school’s unique culture. Studies have shown that such mentorship and targeted support can play an essential role in retaining quality staff over the long term.
Collaboration is at the heart of ElevatEd’s success. By bringing together funders, community leaders, practitioners, and educators, the initiative has built a robust support network that enables local communities to overcome their specific challenges. With substantial local contributions supplementing national funding, ElevatEd is preparing to launch its third pilot cohort and continues to innovate in the field of early childhood Jewish education.
The lessons from ElevatEd serve as a model for Jewish communities everywhere. Stakeholders—from funders to communal leaders—must work collectively to dismantle barriers and create robust professional networks for early childhood centers. Although many Jewish families still lack access to these essential educational programs, a united effort to invest in high-quality early learning will secure a vibrant future for Jewish communal life.
Rockin’ the faith, one verse at a time!
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.
Bible Hub Verse is my platform to share historical insights and thought-provoking articles, exploring both familiar and uncommon Christian topics. My passion is building a welcoming online space for everyone to learn, grow in their faith, and discover the Bible’s enduring message.
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