Growing Together: Our Staff at the JECCA Kallah
This year, members of our teaching team had the privilege of attending the annual JECCA Kallah, a full-day professional development gathering for Jewish early childhood educators from across the Atlanta community. Hosted by the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, the conference brings educators together to learn, reflect, and deepen their commitment to the youngest members of our community.
The theme of this year’s Kallah, “Open Hands, Open Hearts: Cultivating Kindness in Our Classrooms,” focused on nurturing empathy, connection, and meaningful relationships in early childhood environments. Throughout the day, educators explored how thoughtful teaching, intentional environments, and values-based learning can shape classrooms where children feel safe, inspired, and truly known.
Learning from Leading Voices in Early Childhood Education
The conference featured an inspiring keynote from Dr. Noah Hichenberg, a longtime preschool educator and director whose work centers on balancing adult guidance with children’s agency—trusting young learners as active participants in their own growth.
Educators also attended workshops led by experts in early childhood development, speech and language, sensory-motor development, and Jewish education. Sessions included topics such as:
Supporting play and language development for neurodivergent learners
Understanding children’s behavior through a sensory and developmental lens
Bringing Jewish values to life through storytelling and literature
Creating joyful, meaningful Jewish learning environments
These sessions provided practical tools and fresh ideas that teachers can bring directly into their classrooms.
Strengthening Our Team
Beyond the learning, the Kallah offered something equally important: time together as a team. Our staff had the opportunity to connect with one another outside of the classroom—sharing ideas, reflecting on their work, and celebrating the meaningful role they play in children’s lives every day.
Moments like these strengthen the bonds between teachers and reinforce the collaborative spirit that makes our school community so special.
A Commitment to Excellence
At Chaya Mushka Children’s House, we believe that great schools are built by educators who are always learning. Professional development opportunities like the JECCA Kallah allow our staff to continue growing as educators, leaders, and mentors.
When teachers learn, children benefit. The ideas, inspiration, and renewed energy our staff brought back from the Kallah will continue to shape our classrooms… creating spaces where curiosity, kindness, and Jewish values flourish.
We are incredibly proud of our dedicated educators and grateful for their commitment to pursuing excellence in early childhood education.
