The importance and impact of the first years of a child’s life cannot be overstated. They are truly foundational and set the stage for the child in every area of his/her life and development. Those who work with our community’s youngest learners have the opportunity to be a part of something incredible.
Interested in getting involved? Here you can learn about and connect with our community’s 10 Jewish early childhood centers. We encourage you to browse and explore these 10 wonderful schools. Join our team and make a difference in the life of a child!
Early Childhood Centers & Directors
Deutsch Early Childhood Center, Congregation Temple Israel
Director: Lesley Goldenberg
Epstein Hebrew Academy
Director: Jessie Lefton
Jewish Community Center (Chesterfield)
Director: Debi Porfidio
Jewish Community Center (Creve Coeur)
Directors: Jody Rubin and Ellen Scholten
Monica Lynne Neidorff Early Childhood Center, Kol Rinah
Director: Liz Collins
Linda Rotskoff Early Childhood Center, Congregation B’nai Amoona
Director: Kerri Alper
The Nest, Central Reform Congregation
Director: Kimberly Tolbert
Saul Spielberg Early Childhood Center, United Hebrew Congregation
Director: Lauren Lourie
Shirlee Green Preschool, Congregation Shaare Emeth
Director: Brandi Cartwright
Torah Prep School of St. Louis
Director: Chanie Wasser
FAQS
How can I decide which school(s) is/are right for me?
Each of our school’s websites offer information about the school’s location, hours, mission, philosophy, and more. Please visit the websites to learn more about each of our schools so that you can get a feel for which school(s) is/are right for you!
How do I apply for a position?
Please visit each school’s website for information on open positions and the process to apply for an open position. Email the Director of the school with any questions.
What qualifications do I need to apply for a position?
Each of our individual schools has different qualifications for their staff. Please visit the school’s website or contact the Director of the school for more information.
What are the days and hours I can expect to work?
Some of our schools operate with a 10-month calendar, while others operate year-round. Each school has its own vacation and Professional Development days scheduled. Please see the schools’ websites and take a look at their calendars for information.
Each of our schools operates with different start and end times, beginning as early as 7:30 and ending as late as 5:30. Positions at different schools will vary with regard to hours worked as well as start and end times.
What benefits can I expect with a position?
Each of our schools offers different benefits with regard to hourly pay/salaries, paid days off, health insurance, retirement plans, etc. The specific position within each school impacts the benefits offered as well. Please be in touch with the Director of a school for more details.
National Shortage of Childhood Educators
The shortage of early childhood educators is a national crisis, one that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools around the country have open positions that they are struggling to fill, and long waitlists that they can’t attend to without proper staffing. Wages are low and tuition is high, and the system poses many challenges.
Our community is not immune to these difficulties, and unfortunately, many of our own Jewish schools are still affected by staffing shortages. One of the most impactful ways that we can help our schools and our Jewish early childhood community continue to thrive is through the recruitment of high-quality educators to fill open positions. If you are interested in working at one of our schools, or know someone who might be a good fit, please reach out to our directors!
The ECC Directors Council is supported by Jewish Federation of St. Louis. For more information, contact Tamar Shulman at stlcouncilcoordinator@gmail.com.