Directors Meet in Crown Heights

By COLlive reporter

On Monday, 27 Shvat, Chabad preschool directors from around the world gathered together in Crown Heights for a day of inspiration, ideas and camaraderie.

Organized by the Chabad Early Childhood Education (“CECE”) Network, the event included sessions on incorporating Jewish values, the guidance of Torah and Chassidus, practical ideas and structured networking opportunities.

Shluchos felt invigorated by the inspiring talks that focused on the goals and visions of Chabad preschools, and very much enjoyed the opportunity to interact and learn from other preschool educators.

As one preschool director reflected on the event, ‘It was so full of tochen and inspiration and helped me refocus my thinking.’

As each preschool director joined us at Lubavitcher Yeshiva Crown Street, they were greeted with a light breakfast and a welcoming pack which included a book of articles compiled from or based on the prior year’s online workshops and conference calls that have taken place for CECE members throughout the prior year.

The book contained articles about Heuristic play, co-teacher relationships, fundraising and Parent Associations, as well as discussions that have taken place on the CECE forums including ‘Making Davening More Meaningful’ and ‘Tips for Dealing with a Shlucha’s Life.’

Also included were useful articles written by the CECE staff on the importance of portfolios and how to create them, and the significance and impact of the classroom environment on children.

A second book given out during the event was the work of Mrs. Devora Krasnianski, director of the CECE Network who has visited 12 schools in the metro New York and Southern California areas to learn about their programs.

The pictures taken during her visits were assembled together to create an informative and illuminating book that portrays different ways to implement ideas. The compilation includes different ideas on job charts, outdoor learning, art, nature, shared space and others. One preschool director described the book, ‘The binder you prepared and gave out is an amazing resource! A picture is worth more than a thousand words!’

Mrs. Chani Okonov of Brighton Beach, NY, generously gave her time to present how she incorporates Jewish and Chassidish values into her school and how it could be incorporated elsewhere. She also spoke on the importance of empowering parents to raise their children with strong Jewish identities once they leave your preschool.

The program then continued with four shluchos, Chanie Baron of Columbia, MD, Rivka Rabinowitz of Santa Monica, CA, Sara Leah Greisman of Culver City, CA, and Miriam Friedman of Birmingham, AL, each of whom explained how Torah and Chassidus guides their school.

The day of inspiration included many opportunities for shluchos to network about shared interests and ideas. Shluchos were guided to topics of interest, mutual philosophies and shared ways of growth where they could connect and learn from each other. Shluchos who attended described the event as ‘inspiring’, ‘unbelievable’ and ‘wonderful’.

The network was established in 2007 with the help of Dr. Joseph Walder, CEO of Integrated DNA Technology.

“We are looking forward to another successful year,” said Rabbi Gedalya Shemtov, Executive Director of The Shluchim Office, under which the network operates.

“Stay tuned for details of upcoming conference calls, workshops and enlightening discussions that focus on topics of interest and allow preschools to showcase themselves as the preeminent choice in the community.”

For more info about the CECE, click here