JECEI (Jewish Early Childhood Education Initiative)

Who has lifted you up?

JECEI Jewish Early Childhood Education Initiative — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 07:23:15 +0000

Ecclesiastes wrote, “Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him that is alone when he falls, for he has not another to help him up” (4:9-10). (Thanks to “My Jewish Learning” for this translation)

In our work with young children, most of us have had the opportunity to work with a friend or mentor.

Who has lifted you up? Take the time to acknowledge those in your life who have supported you.

National Scientific Council on the Developing Child

JECEI Jewish Early Childhood Education Initiative — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 17:56:26 +0000

Established in 2003, the National Scientific Council is a multi-disciplinary collaboration of scientists and scholars from universities across the United States and Canada designed to bring the science of early childhood and early brain development to bear on public policy decision-making. The mission of the Council is to synthesize and communicate science to help inform policies that promote successful learning, adaptive behavior, and sound physical and mental health for all young children. Central to this concept is the ongoing generation, analysis, and integration of knowledge and the critical task of educating policymakers, civic leaders, and the general public about the rapidly growing science of early childhood development and its underlying neurobiology.

Closing the Gap Between What We Know and What We Do:

This publication offers a concise, clear overview of the science of early childhood and brain development as it relates to policies and programs that could make a significant difference in the lives of children—and all of society. It includes discussion of seven core concepts of development and their implications for policy and practice.

Here are some of the core concepts of Development presented in this article:
• Child development is a foundation for community development and economic development, as capable
children become the foundation of a prosperous and sustainable society.
• Brains are built over time.
• The interactive influences of genes and experience literally shape the architecture of the developing brain,
and the active ingredient is the “serve and return” nature of children’s engagement in relationships with
their parents and other caregivers in their family or community.

• Both brain architecture and developing abilities are built “from the bottom up,” with simple circuits
and skills providing the scaffolding for more advanced circuits and skills over time.
• Toxic stress in early childhood is associated with persistent effects on the nervous system and stress
hormone systems that can damage developing brain architecture and lead to lifelong problems in
learning, behavior, and both physical and mental health.
• Creating the right conditions for early childhood development is likely to be more effective and less
costly than addressing problems at a later age.

Community of Seekers

JECEI Jewish Early Childhood Education Initiative — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 18:37:04 +0000

As we share our lives with young children as parents and teachers, let us consider the words of author Louise Cadwell: “We want to know what the children think, feel and wonder. We believe that the children will have thing to tell each other and us that we have never heard before. We are always listening for a surprise and the birth of a new idea. This practice supports a searching together for a new meaning. Together, we become a community of seekers. (“Bringing Reggio to Life” pg. 25)

Mi’she Nichnas Adar Marbim B’Simchah- Once Adar enters joy increases!

JECEI Jewish Early Childhood Education Initiative — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 08:07:21 +0000

Mi’she Nichnas Adar Marbim B’Simchah- Once Adar enters joy increases!

The Hebrew month Adar began on February 4. The young children we work with express delight and wonder every day. As we move into the month of Adar, how do we keep the joy of working with young children alive in our classrooms?

Conference on Reflective Teaching Practices

JECEI Jewish Early Childhood Education Initiative — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 21:04:07 +0000

This last week, JECEI’s first accredited school, the Osher Marin JCC Preschool, held a conference on Reflective Teaching Practices featuring renowned Early Childhood Educators Deb Curtis and Margie Carter. The conference integrated Jewish Values with reflective teaching practice and was an overwhelming success!

There is more information and pictures through Osher Marin’s Facebook Page here . You may also find more information under our “Favorite Pages” on our JECEI Facebook Page.

Shabbat Shalom! It’s almost February…

JECEI Jewish Early Childhood Education Initiative — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 20:36:35 +0000

“As you teach you learn” Jewish Proverb. If you are involved in the lives of young
children, you know how meaningful this comment is! Let’s use this as an inspiration for our work this month.

Q&A with the author of the Intentional Teacher

JECEI Jewish Early Childhood Education Initiative — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 18:07:44 +0000

An NAEYC online event on Feb 21-25 2011. But questions are being posted now! For more information about the book, author, and the event click here.

Tu Bishvat is just around the corner!

JECEI Jewish Early Childhood Education Initiative — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:39:15 +0000

Tu Bishvat, is traditionally known as a holiday that celebrates trees, but is becoming a holiday where we make connections to the natural world. The blessing for seeing the wonders of nature ends with oseh ma’aseh v’reshit; the Source of creation.

Dr. Michelle LaRocque’s Latest Article

JECEI Jewish Early Childhood Education Initiative — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 18:50:25 +0000

Dr. Michelle LaRocque, Director of Research and Standards at JECEI just had her latest article “Increasing Social Reciprocity in Young Children with Autism” published in this months Intervention in School and Clinic. Look for her upcoming ”Parental Involvement: The Missing Link in School Achievement” to be published this Spring in Preventing School Failure.

Here is the link for her article http://isc.sagepub.com/content/46/3/150.abstract

Alliance for Jewish Early Education

JECEI Jewish Early Childhood Education Initiative — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 21:48:44 +0000

Alliance for Jewish Early Education is a network of state and national organizations, institutions and philanthropists that are currently addressing issues related to the Jewish education of young children and their families. Take a peak at their website for articles and current research http://www.allianceforjewishearlyeducation.org/

JECEI (Jewish Early Childhood Education Initiative)

Who has lifted you up?

National Scientific Council on the Developing Child

Community of Seekers

Mi’she Nichnas Adar Marbim B’Simchah- Once Adar enters joy increases!

Conference on Reflective Teaching Practices

Shabbat Shalom! It’s almost February…

“As you teach you learn” Jewish Proverb. If you are involved in the lives of young children, you know how meaningful this comment is! Let’s use this as an inspiration for our work this month.

Q&A with the author of the Intentional Teacher

Tu Bishvat is just around the corner!

Dr. Michelle LaRocque’s Latest Article

Alliance for Jewish Early Education

“As you teach you learn” Jewish Proverb. If you are involved in the lives of young
children, you know how meaningful this comment is! Let’s use this as an inspiration for our work this month.