This week in Early Childhood we closed to our families in order to focus on preparation for the upcoming school year and the collective pause from which our team truly benefits along our ongoing journey – Masa – towards excellence. We spent our time in communities of practice in a variety of ways – through team building activities at J&R Day Camp; in discussion around the Reggio Emilia Approach and best practices in early childhood development; while setting up our classrooms; and during educator-led trainings on topics such as Jewish culture, documentation of learning experiences, and the image of the child.

Our week began spending time with new partners in teaching anti-racism to young children, our colleagues at Hope Academy, powered by Hosanna House in Wilkinsburg. We were riveted in all the best ways by keynote speaker Dr. Manny Scott, whose story was partially told in the movie Freedom Writers. Manny reminded all of us of our obligation to help others flourish, to keep showing up, and to recognize the power our voices have as educators in the lives of young children. A favorite takeaway was “what comes from the heart, reaches the heart.” These words resonate deeply with our team who have committed themselves to serving and supporting others and who lead with love and prioritize relationship building every single day.

This week of in-service plays a critical role related to our relentless pursuit of elevating the profession of early learning by also giving our expert educators the opportunity to both teach and learn from one another. Our approach to child interest driven work is fueled by adults who are lifelong learners themselves and there is no greater way for that to flourish than through the covenantal – B’rit – relationships we have with one another. Educators led discussions on topics such as how to ensure children see themselves in their classrooms; on gender inclusive and culturally responsive teaching practices; on the ways in which we learn from children and then reflect that back in the environment; and on how to further provoke curiosity from children without bias. These topics connect deeply with some of the principles of our approach – educators are researchers, environments inspire inquiry, children are competent and capable and created in God’s image – B’tzelem Elohim.

None of this happens easily or overnight. Theory and concepts come to life when children inhabit their classrooms and groups of families and educators turn into communities.  We are eager to turn our vision into action when we open our doors and welcome our families to the first day of school on Monday, August 21^st.