Educators Gather on Election Day

On Election Day – November 8, over 80 teachers and directors from schools all around the New York area joined together to learn and network at the Joint Inservice Day, organized by Devora Krasnianski of the Chabad Early Childhood Education (CECE) Network, a project of The Shluchim Office.

The CECE’s Joint Inservice Days bring high quality workshops and facilitators to the many small and large Chabad preschools in the area. At these events, the teachers have the opportunity to network with and learn from teachers in other programs. There are so many wonderful things happening in the different schools, and forums such as these provide the framework and opportunity to share and gain inspiration from each other’s experiences and work. .

At the event last week, participants explored the ever-important topic of Transitions in the Early Childhood program, and how to make those transitions as smooth as possible. Amy Flynn, M.S. M.Ed of New York State TTA Center (A Head Start Resource center) presented many important ideas to consider when planning the inevitable transitions in a school day, and led the group in conversations about how to ease the transitions – by either eliminating them, turning them into learning experiences, or changing perspective about them.

In a separate session, in facilitated small group settings, the teachers met with others who teach the same age children and shared ideas for making the learning and typical school experiences more meaningful and impactful. Discussions such as these help educators tap into the intentionality and planning processes of other schools to build their own quality programs. All learned and explored new ideas to incorporate into their existing program – in areas such as Shabbat celebrations, Tzedakah routines, snacks and birthdays. The teachers expressed their gratitude for being able to hear ideas from so many schools in this type of setting.

In the final session, Michal Mendelow of Gan Yeladim of Stamford, CT shared some important pointers to consider when planning a Jewish holiday unit – how to determine what is appropriate for the particular children and families of the class. She shared many ideas for planning a Chanukah unit that is developmentally appropriate and will impact the families.

Throughout the day, teachers from various schools had opportunities to network and share ideas, challenges and solutions. These relationships will hopefully continue throughout the year, so that all schools in the region can learn and gain from each other’s experiences.

The CECE (Chabad Early Childhood Education) Network was established five years ago by The Shluchim Office to serve as a central support and resource network for those who run or direct a Chabad preschool. Its goal is to help directors make their local Chabad preschool the preeminent choice within their community.

The CECE Network provides a framework for deeper thinking about how an excellent preschool can create long-lasting connections with Judaism. Among its many services, the CECE Network provides an online forum, annual and regional conferences, a peer review system, online workshops, conference calls, seminars, articles, and guided online discussion groups.