Membership Information

ECE-RJ is an organization of early childhood professionals who are passionate about Reform Jewish early childhood education. We are a North American organization that includes directors, teachers, and leaders involved in early engagement. Our members welcome families into our synagogues and are often an entry point for congregational membership.

Membership in ECE-RJ offers a vast amount of resources for early childhood professionals ranging from a vibrant Listserv to professional development opportunities through conferences and Monthly Meet Up Calls. Members are invited to attend national conferences with keynote speakers, workshops on a variety of current topics and networking opportunities with other Early Childhood Directors from across the United States. ECE-RJ provides professional support through mentoring as well as through our Director email discussion list, where information is shared and Early Childhood professionals are supported in the work that they do. Through your membership in ECE-RJ, Directors and Assistant Directors are eligible to participate in the Reform Pension Board (RPB) which provides a variety of benefits. Join us today!

Reform Pension Board

Being able to plan for your future is extremely important! Early Childhood Directors and Assistant Directors are eligible to participate in the Reform Pension Board (RPB) if they are FULL DUES PAYING MEMBERS of ECE-RJ and work in a URJ affiliated institution. When completing your application please be sure to indicate ECE-RJ as your primary affiliation. The RPB provides a variety of programs and services, including a 403(b) pension plan, Rabbi trust plan, life insurance, long-term disability insurance and pension continuance protection. For participation information, contact RPB at 212.681.1818 x228 or visit www.rpb.org for enrollment. ECE-RJ is an organization of early childhood professionals who are passionate about Reform Jewish early childhood education. We are a national organization that includes directors, teachers, and leaders involved in early engagement. Our members welcome families into our synagogues and are often an entry point for congregational membership. Visit the Reform Pension Board for more information.

ECE-RJ Email Discussion List (AKA Listserv)

Our ECE-RJ email Discussion List is for Directors, Assistant Directors and those in Supervisory Positions. This Discussion List provides you an opportunity to network with other professionals as you gather information and resources. Conversations will arrive directly into your email inbox. All supervisory members of ECE-RJ, have been automatically enrolled, and can immediately begin conversations with colleagues throughout North America

Monthly Meet Up Calls

Monthly Meet Ups are conference calls hosted by ECE-RJ Members with designated topics of interest to our members. Each session is one hour in length. Calls will include rich discussions about the topic at hand. All you have to do is dial in!

Professional Development

ECE-RJ plans and hosts an annual learning opportunity for educators. Opportunities for meaningful professional networking, mentoring and personal growth are complimented by trips to local venues along with many opportunities for fun and free time all of which are built in to the learning experience. We offer two formats in alternating years as follows:

National Conference

Held in odd numbered years in designated cities with multiple URJ synogogue based early childhood centers, conferences provide opportunities for local and North American educators of all affiliations to come together to study and collaborate. A cutting edge topic is chosen as the theme and learning is enhanced through a prominent keynote speaker, special guests, and a variety of workshops. Conference attendees have numerous opportunities to network, strengthen partnerships, classroom and school management skills, specific teaching strategies, spiritual growth and Judaic knowledge.

Intensive Kallah

Held in even numbered years, a kallah is a more intimate learning experience hosted in an exciting venue. A Scholar-in-Residence leads this smaller community of learners. Attendees explore the kallah theme on a deep and meaningful level in this supportive setting. Guest speakers facilitate additional exploration of the kallah theme as well as opportunities for meaningful application.

Private Teacher Facebook Group

All teacher members of ECE-RJ are invited to join our private Facebook page, just for teacher conversations. This is a platform where teachers can share ideas, pose and answer questions, share successes and challenges, post interesting articles or curriculum ideas and engage with colleagues throughout the country. Teachers can join the conversation themselves by going to here.

ECE-RJ Facebook Page

All members of ECE-RJ are invited to visit and ‘like’ the Early Childhood Educators of Reform Judaism Facebook page. This is a platform where we share current information, articles and information related to early childhood, early engagement. We encourage our members to share articles and photos to share current perspectives and highlight the wonderful programming goining on at our schools.

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 ARJE (formerly NATE) at a reduced complimentary rate. Visit www.natenet.org for more membership information.

Postings of National Job Opportunities

As a service to our membership 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 site on The Tent.

URJ Knowledge Network Access

(The Tent/Yammer)

ECE-RJ is proud to be part of THE TENT, the Reform Movemet's digital community, uniting 7000 lay and professional leaders from across North America. ECE-RJ's uniuqe site on the Tent unites early childhood professionals via discussion boards and a searchable resource library. All conversations on the ECE-RJ site are private.

National Referrals for Relocating Staff and Families

ECE-RJ helps your staff and families who are relocating. It is a tremendous benefit to have high 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 program in their new city or town. Relocation announcements are made via our email Discussion List as well as in ECE-RJ’s site on The Tent.