Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ hosted more than 200 educators and administrators from 19 early learning centers in the Greater MetroWest community for the biennial Early Childhood Day of Learning at Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel in South Orange.
Early Childhood Day of Learning Committee co-chairs Alana Shlagbaum and Danielle Weitz, both longtime early childhood educators, welcomed everyone to begin the conference. “We are excited to share this vibrant day of collaboration and connection for early childhood educators – teachers, administrators, and teachers of teachers.”
In the morning, each participant attended two breakout sessions based on their interests from more than a dozen options. From cooking to movement to how to teach about Israel every day, the topics were rich and diverse, providing practical takeaways that can be implemented in classrooms right away.
Dana Blumberg, who presented “SENSE-ATIONAL Classrooms: Strategies to Set Up Your Classroom for Sensory Success,” emphasized the importance of movement breaks for kids. Not only is it healthy, Blumberg shared, but movement plays a significant role in their ability to focus, eagerness to learn, and overall happiness in their classroom environment.
Madeleine Leder, who presented “Joyful Cooking” acknowledged that many are hesitant to cook with kids, because “Just think of the mess!” Instead, Leder suggested educators “just lean in” and embrace the mess. Making messes is a perfect opportunity to teach how to clean up together, that mistakes are okay, and that no one got hurt.
In “Take the Classroom Outside,” presenter Nan Sumner focused on the importance of getting children outside every day. She emphasized, “If you’re happy doing this, think how happy the child is doing this. The world is their playground.”
After lunch, the group came together for the afternoon program, including the keynote address.
Interim CEO Steven D. Levy thanked everyone involved with the community’s early learning centers, day schools, and teen programs for their valuable and important work to “collectively instill Jewish values and develop strong future leaders of our community.” He added, “Today, we’re investing in you, the professionals who make this happen, to show how strong the Federation’s commitment is to you.”
Levy also thanked educators for their commitment to students, their families, and to furthering their own professional goals.
Jodi Cooperman, President of the Cooperman Family Fund for a Jewish Future, expressed her gratitude to be able to work with Federation to create flourishing Jewish life in Greater MetroWest. As a former teacher, mother, and community member for 23 years, she emphasized how the decision to send a child to a Jewish early learning center is a decision not just for the child, but for the whole family, and the important ties to the Jewish community this creates when a family is first establishing roots in the community. “My closest, closest friends are from the preschool experience,” shared Cooperman.
Educators were captivated by Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski’s Keynote address, Wonder With Us: Mister Rogers’ Lessons For Young Learners (and Their Helpers, Too). Behr and Rydzewski brought Mister Rogers’ lessons to life and made them relevant for educators. Their engaging and warm presentation transported everyone to the Neighborhood and gave them tools to model and encourage curiosity and kindness in their classrooms as well as joy. As they explained, “joy is a prerequisite. Without it, there is no growth. There is no hope.”
The keynote ended with a video from Rogers imploring all to do what they can to repair the world, tikkun olam, something our educators do every day teaching our youngest community members.
Thank you to everyone who made the Early Childhood Day of Learning possible, and to all the educators who help children to take another step in their Jewish journey and help shape our Jewish journey in Greater MetroWest.