Jewish Early Childhood Education

Dr. Tamara Halle, Senior Scholar at Child Trends, a nationally-recognized nonprofit research organization specializing in the study of children, youth, and their families, and Professor Mark I. Rosen of Brandeis University, who has been studying Jewish families with young children since 2003, co-led the study, working closely with experienced researchers at Child Trends and in the Boston area.

The three-year research program focused especially on better understanding opportunities around interfaith families and families that are not currently involved in a synagogue or other Jewish institution. We hope that, over time, a series of studies that are integrated and replicated can inform the development, training, practice improvement efforts, and impact of Jewish educational leaders and leadership in Jewish early childhood educational settings.

The research team completed a literature review on defining and measuring “engagement” of Jewish families with young children, and a content analysis of over 1,200 survey items used
for measuring engagement. They also conducted over 50 key informant interviews with stakeholder groups to inform how they understand Jewish engagement.