Baltimore, MD - Sept. 3, 2025 - What does it take to step into a classroom of infants, toddlers, or preschoolers with confidence and joy on the very first day of school? For early childhood educators in our community, the answer begins with professional development and Jewish Educational Services (JES) is here to help them get ready. These dedicated teachers are sharpening their skills, building new strategies, and preparing classrooms where every child can thrive. Through engaging workshops and interactive sessions, JES staff trained the educators on everything from strengthening parent communication to supporting social-emotional growth and building strong teaching partnerships.
JES staff partnered with directors from E.B. Hirsh Early Learning Center, Mosdos Kehal Chassidim, Cheder Chabad, and Bais Yaakov Early Learning Center to arrange customized back-to-school training courses tailored to the unique needs of their teams.
This year’s sessions focused on practical, hands-on training led by early childhood experts on JES staff. One workshop, From Trunk to Treetop: Seeing Social Emotional Development from New Perspectives, guided educators through the layered dimensions of social-emotional growth, beginning with the smallest daily behaviors and zooming out to the broader classroom culture. Another session, Thriving Together: Creating a Collaborative Ecosystem for Teacher Partnerships, gave participants tools to strengthen co-teaching relationships and build trust with colleagues.
The Parent Communication workshop provided educators with tools for building strong relationships with families from the very start of the school year. Teachers explored activities such as the Trust Timeline and practiced framing strategies through interactive role play. One participant summed it up beautifully:
“I want to thank you for a super great day today! I learned a lot and had fun! The morning session about communication with parents was very interactive, engaging and very smoothly run. I felt included, open to sharing, and all around there was great energy in the room. The hands-on lessons were great experiences for me. “
Directors also shared their enthusiasm, noting that the day offered fresh ideas for teachers at every stage of their career. As Tamar Schulman, Early Childhood Director at Mosdos Kehal Chassidim reflected, “Even my veteran teachers felt like they got something new to try.”
JES is proud to be a credentialed training organization, offering continuing education credits recognized by the Maryland State Department of Education. What sets JES apart is the ongoing support that extends far beyond the workshop itself. JES staff consultants regularly visit schools, working side by side with teachers in their classrooms to help put new strategies into practice. This hands-on follow-up ensures that learning isn’t just theoretical—it translates into lasting growth for both educators and children.
We applaud the dedication of early childhood educators who commit themselves to learning and growing each year. Their willingness to reflect, practice, and collaborate is what helps our children flourish.
Alongside these early childhood sessions, JES also offered back-to-school training for new teachers in grades K–8. The New Teacher Cohort, now forming for the 2025–2026 school year, provides a supportive space for educators to connect with peers, gain professional development, and receive guidance as they navigate their first years in the classroom. New teachers in any elementary and middle school are encouraged to reach out for more information.
The start of the year is always filled with anticipation and energy. With JES training and support, our teachers are stepping into their classrooms ready to inspire, connect, and make a difference in the lives of children.
