ECE-RJ is a network of dedicated, supportive, and passionate professionals who understand the unique challenges and rewards of working in Jewish early childhood education.
As a member, you will get to enjoy many benefits, including:
E-Newsletter
Each month members receive UNITE, an easy and quick-to-read newsletter that provides practical information. Each edition contains three articles, each one written for a specific audience: teachers, directors, and supporters of ECE programs. It also contains information on member opportunities and events.
Reform Pension Board
Retirement Plan and Benefits
Preparing for retirement is crucial to your financial well-being. That's why ECE-RJ provides a retirement plan and other benefits through RPB, the Reform Movement's retirement plan provider for more than 75 years.
RPB offers a 403(b) retirement plan, a deferred compensation plan for additional retirement savings, retirement contribution insurance, as well as long-term disability insurance and life insurance to protect your family's financial stability. And, if you change employers within the movement, your RPB account stays with you, providing you with a lifelong retirement plan.
Any ECE-RJ member who works at a URJ affiliated organization is eligible to participate in RPB's retirement plan. Start planning for your future today! Enroll or learn more at rpb.org or call RPB at (212) 681-1818 x228. Be sure to indicate ECE-RJ as your primary affiliation when you enroll.
Private Director/Assistant Director and Teacher Forums
ECE-RJ offers a private forum for Directors/Assistant Directors and a separate private forum for Teachers. The Forums provide members an opportunity to network with other professionals as they ask questions, share knowledge, gather information and resources, and support one another. All Director/Assistant Director and Teacher members of ECE-RJ are automatically enrolled in their respective forum based on membership status, and can immediately begin conversations with colleagues throughout North America.
Meet Up Calls
Monthly Meet Ups are conference calls hosted by ECE-RJ with designated topics of interest to our members and led by experts in the field of early childhood education. Each session is one hour in length. Calls include rich discussions about the topic at hand. All you have to do is dial in!
Roundtable Discussions
Join fellow ECE-RJ directors each month for our Director Roundtable Discussions—a dedicated space to connect, problem-solve, and support one another through the shared challenges and triumphs of leading a Jewish early childhood center. Each session focuses on a relevant, real-world topic such as HR practices, staff supervision, parent communication, budgeting, working with boards, and more. Through open, peer-led conversation, you’ll gain practical insights, fresh ideas, and a sense of community with colleagues who truly understand the complexities of your role.
Professional Development
ECE-RJ plans and hosts an annual learning opportunity for educators. Opportunities for meaningful professional networking, mentoring and personal growth are complemented by trips to local venues along with many opportunities for fun and free time, all of which are built into the learning experience.
ECE-RJ Mentor Program
The ECE-RJ Mentor Program offers new and emerging early childhood directors (1–5 years in the field) the invaluable support of a trusted, experienced colleague outside of their immediate work environment. This one-on-one mentoring relationship provides a safe, judgment-free space for guidance, wisdom, and honest conversation about the complex realities of directing a program—especially within a congregational setting. Mentor pairs commit to meeting for at least one hour each month via Zoom, with many forming lasting connections that go beyond the program. Whether you're seeking support or ready to share your experience, the ECE-RJ Mentor Program is a meaningful way to grow, connect, and thrive in your leadership journey.
Database of Resources
A growing searchable database of articles on a wide range of topics is available to members. Information from ways to strengthen the relationship between a congregation and its early childhood program to tips on incorporating nature into the early childhood classroom is easily accessible.
National Conferences/Trips to Israel
ECE-RJ Facebook Page, Instagram, & Twitter
All members of ECE-RJ are invited to visit and ‘like’ the Early Childhood Educators of Reform Judaism Facebook page, Instagram and Twitter accounts. This is a platform where we share current information, articles, and information related to early childhood engagement.
Reduced ARJE Membership Rate
Early Childhood Directors who are full dues-paying members of ECE-RJ and whose primary job responsibility is early childhood and family engagement may join The Association of Reform Jewish Educators (ARJE) at a reduced rate. Visit ARJE for more membership information.
Postings of National Job Opportunities
As a service to our members and their supporting congregations, ECE-RJ is proud to share job openings in Early Childhood Centers supported by a Reform Congregation. Postings and pertinent information related to the position are made available via our email Discussion List as well as in ECE-RJ’s job board.
National Referrals for Relocating Staff and Families
ECE-RJ helps your staff and families who are relocating. It is a tremendous benefit to have highly-qualified staff members as well as engaged families within our network of programs. Through ECE-RJ, you can help your staff members who are moving find a new position and you can assist families find exceptional early childhood programs in their new city or town. Relocation announcements are made via email.
The Tent
Members also have access to The Tent, a URJ communications tool.
