Fall 2026 ECE Directors’ Studio

Where ECE leaders gather to co-construct their time for planning, reflection and connection.

Last year, at our third annual ECE Directors’ Retreat, our learning centered around building a collaborative culture of leadership. In building a collaborative leadership model, one needs time to create opportunities to reflect on systems, strengthen relationships, and consider and experiment with incremental changes that shift school cultures. We also learned about the adaptive leadership lens of moving from the dance floor to the balcony, and reflected upon the various areas of one’s school. Building off of our retreat last year, this dedicated studio will offer ECE directors time and agency to build a day focused on the balcony view work they want and need to do. Bring the work that you struggle to get to, and be ready to engage with colleagues for collaboration and inspiration.

Program Details:

• Aimed at: ECE leaders (Directors, Assistant Directors and Associate Director at Bay Area Early Childhood Education programs).
• When: Wednesday, October 14, 2026 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. This will be the first of two ECE Directors’ Studios during the 2026-27 year. The second one will take place in February, 2027.
• Where: Exact location pending.
• Participant fee: $90 per participant. All trainings programs at Jewish LearningWorks are subsidized by our generous donors. If the participant fee is a hardship, please contact us to register with a fee adjustment.

Lunch will be provided. Please view our kashrut policy.

Registration

Registration will open soon. If you do not receive our email updates already, sign up today.

Additional Program Details

What is a Directors’ Studio? This Directors’ Studio is based on a concept in the professional world called an “Un-Conference”. This is a shared project where participants come with the topics they want to discuss. The agenda is determined on the day of the gathering by the group. The structure can include formats such as small group work, panel discussions, brainstorming sessions, etc. Together we will create a structure for the day that allows for the attendees time to work and collaborate with colleagues.

Questions?

For more information or any questions you may have, please contact Ellen Lefkowitz, Senior Educator, at ellen@jewishlearning.org.