Sheva Early Childhood Directors Institute

A comprehensive leadership training program for early childhood education (ECE) directors at JCCs, designed to equip them with critical resources, tools, and skills to lead high-quality early childhood programs.

Geographic Scope: North America (JCCs across the country)

Focus Areas:

• Early childhood education leadership and professional development
• High-quality early childhood education (ECE) at JCCs
• Early childhood director's credential
• Seven core principles of early care and education examined through a Jewish lens ("Sheva" meaning seven in Hebrew)

Program Details:

• Six weeklong in-person retreats
• Virtual seminars
• Leadership internship
• Mentorship program
• Study tour of schools in Israel and Municipality of Reggio Emilia, northern Italy (international model for early childhood education)
• National early education director's credential earned upon completion
• Begins April 2018
• Trains 30 new mid-career fellows over three years
• Creates national network of educators promoting high-quality ECE at JCCs

Scope of JCC ECE Programs:

• Over 140 ECE programs at JCCs in North America
• More than 4,000 classroom educators
• Serving 22,000 children

Historical Context: In 2015, JCC Association created the Sheva Center for Innovation in Early Childhood Jewish Education and Engagement, an innovative approach empowering teachers and directors.

Application Process

Program Start: April 2018

Required Participation:

• Mid-career early childhood education directors at JCCs
• Program includes six in-person retreats, virtual seminars, leadership internship, mentorship, and study tour

Note: Specific application details and deadlines not provided in source material.