Early Childhood Educators of Reform Judaism (ECE-RJ) is committed to serving early childhood educators and leaders in congregational settings. We believe in elevating the professional self of our members through education, networking, and collaboration. We believe that the work of ECE-RJ increases the status and visibility of our profession and our schools within Jewish communal life, ensuring the continuity of thriving, high-quality Jewish Early Childhood programs.
Vision
ECE-RJ will be seen as a key player and influencer in the Jewish Early Childhood Education sphere. ECE-RJ and its members will be recognized as experts, leaders, and advocates of change by all who collaborate with and support Jewish early childhood education. As a mission-driven organization that is strong, stable, vibrant, and enduring, ECE-RJ will have financial stability, an ongoing leadership pipeline, an engaged membership, and clear internal and external communications.
"Wherever children are learning, there dwells the Divine Presence.“
Yiddish Proverb
We invite you to join us this upcoming January 21 – 24, 2026 to the ECE-RJ annual conference in Philadelphia, PA.
More information coming soon!
Why Join
Community ECE-RJ is many things to many people, but above all – it is a network of dedicated, supportive, and passionate professionals who understand the unique challenges and rewards of working in Jewish Early Childhood Education.
Learn and Grow Members receive exclusive access to information, support and resources to strengthen their teaching skills and leadership, create engaging and effective curriculum, grow professionally, develop long and lasting relationships and create a vibrant congregation or community.
Common Experience We are a community that learns together, laughs and has fun together and supports one another. Our roots are firmly planted in the philosophy, values, and liturgy of the Reform Movement. ECE-RJ is the unifying force in North America that connects professionals with similar goals, and experiences.
Should you join? The answer is yes if you are any of the following:
Early Childhood Education Teacher
Director of Early Childhood Education
Director of Education
Preschool Director
Retired Director
Temple Administrator
Lay leader of Early Childhood Education
Rabbi/Cantor Supporter of Early Childhood Education
“My work in the classroom has been incredibly enhanced through my participation in ECE-RJ. I am inspired by the work that I see and hear about from around the country. I seek out the Teachers Facebook page as a place to gain new ideas and new understandings.”
–Teacher from Chicago, IL
“Membership in ECE-RJ provides me with an invaluable community of professional, like-minded peers that I would not otherwise have access to – for collaboration, consultation, information, support and friendship.”
–Early Childhood Director from Westport, CT
"We recently undertook a search for an ECE Director. ECE-RJ has proven to be an invaluable resource in helping us fill this very important role in our organization, including carefully reviewing our job posting for current terminology and advising us on best employment practices. With ECE-RJ, we have had a shared mission, vision and value; it is a true partnership.
