Directing an early childhood center can be exhausting work! This holy work of pouring our hearts and souls into building the future of the world, and the future of Judaism, requires us to wear so many hats - and one of the most important of those hats is the financial one. We are responsible for managing a large and complex budget, often the largest component of our synagogue budget.
During budget season, we are often put in the place of justifying the wages we pay our staff, the amount we spend on curriculum materials and supplies, the line items for professional learning and security and snacks… the list goes on and on. While a synagogue budget often comes down to dollars and cents, the work we do and the contributions we make are worth so much more than that!
During a conversation with colleagues a few weeks ago, one director friend shared that she was in the trenches of the budget process and her board needed some reminders about all that an early childhood center can bring to a synagogue. What ensued was a conversation that served to remind all of us about how impactful our work can be. So I thought I would share our list with you…
- Our early childhood centers fill our buildings with energy, joy and laughter!
- We are raising mensches alongside families! We teach Jewish values and instill within our students a love of learning and love of Judaism.
- We are building core experiences and memories for our students, which will provide a lifelong connection to their Jewish heritage and shape their Jewish identity for their whole lives.
- We are providing the highest quality education for young learners when they need it most - from birth to age 6!
- We are leaders of innovative early childhood education. We do anti-racist work, build interfaith relationships and learning, advance quality innovative education. We lead the way with high quality educational experiences for our youngest learners.
- We engage in Tikkun Olam by teaching social justice, getting involved in community mitzvah projects and partnering with other schools, synagogues and Jewish organizations.
- We bring young families into the synagogue to participate in events and programs.
- We support families as they discover how to make Judaism relevant in their busy 2024 lives.
- We create kehillah and support systems for families who are new to the area. Mark Rosen's research suggests that many families will choose early childhood programs based on where their friends are - if they do not have friends in the area, we give them their friends and our synagogue becomes their second home!
- We provide intergenerational programming that invites our littlest learners to interact and engage with elders in our community. The impact on both demographics is significant.
- Our early childhood centers are the gateway to synagogue membership.
- We are the gateway to religious school enrollment.
- We provide a leadership pipeline of future synagogue board members and volunteers.
- We create visibility for the congregation and the Jewish community in the local area. By welcoming young families (who are communal by nature), you are expanding the synagogue's reach well beyond the enrolled families in your program.
I’m sure that you can add to this list! But in the meantime, take a moment to let it sink in. Our impact is tremendous. So, when you’re presenting to your board, talking with your staff, sharing with new parents… refer to this list, and be proud of the incredible work we do! I sure am.
Leslie Scheck, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, ECE-RJ
Director of Early Childhood Education
Temple Solel ECC
Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California
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