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! Contact your employer to 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.
ECE-RJ Forums: A Space to Connect, Share, and Grow
ECE-RJ provides exclusive online forums tailored to the unique needs of our members. There are two separate private communities: one for Directors and Assistant Directors, and another for Teachers.
The Directors/Assistant Directors Forum is a dynamic space designed for leaders seeking connection, collaboration, and peer support. It’s a place to exchange ideas, share challenges, and build a network of like-minded professionals across North America who understand the demands and responsibilities of their roles.
The Teachers Forum is crafted with a different focus in mind. Recognizing that teachers often seek practical tools and inspiration, this forum emphasizes resource sharing, classroom strategies, and professional development. Rather than networking, teachers use the space to discover new ideas, gather helpful materials, and stay current with trends in early childhood education.
All ECE-RJ members are automatically enrolled in the forum that matches their membership category and can start participating right away. Whether you're looking to connect with peers or access high-quality resources, the ECE-RJ forums are here to support your professional journey.
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
Members have access to a growing, searchable database of articles covering a wide range of topics. From strengthening the connection between congregations and early childhood programs to incorporating nature into the classroom, resources are easy to find and explore on the ECE-RJ website’s members-only section. The database includes information on best practices, job descriptions, professional development opportunities, and more.
National Conferences/Trips to Israel
ECE-RJ Annual Conference: Inspire. Learn. Connect.
The ECE-RJ National Conference is a vibrant annual gathering that travels to cities across the U.S., uniting Jewish early childhood professionals to engage with the latest trends and best practices in the field. This immersive experience features renowned keynote speakers, scholars-in-residence, hands-on workshops, a Coaching/Mentor Bar, and unique Intensive Learning tracks.
Participants not only strengthen their skills and deepen their understanding of how to infuse Jewish values into their work, but also form lasting connections through dedicated networking opportunities, affinity groups, and shared moments of meaningful celebration—including communal rituals and Shabbat worship.
A highlight of the conference is the Intensive Learning Tracks, where attendees choose a specific area of focus and explore it deeply alongside a scholar-in-residence. These intensive groups gather multiple times throughout the conference and include a curated offsite visit that complements both the group’s topic and the overall conference theme—allowing for a richer, more impactful learning experience.
Beyond the intensive experience, participants will:
- Weave Jewish values into early childhood education in rich and relevant ways.
- Attend interactive workshops filled with practical, hands-on strategies and tools.
- Engage in networking and affinity group meetups that foster deep connection and community.
- Celebrate Shabbat with a moving Friday night worship experience in the local community.
- Come together for communal gatherings, rituals, and joyful celebration of the ECE-RJ community.
- Explore cutting-edge resources, connect with industry partners, sponsors, and vendors, and participate in expert-led sessions designed to inspire and elevate your practice.
Whether you're a classroom educator, director, or advocate for Jewish early childhood education, the ECE-RJ National Conference offers a transformative experience that blends professional growth, spiritual enrichment, and meaningful connection.
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.
