Next Steps Grants Expand Impact of BJE Early Childhood Institute

BJE’s 2025 Bebe Feuerstein Simon Early Childhood Institute drew a crowd of more than 650 educators for a day of learning, skill building and professional growth. 

This year, hoping to capitalize on the momentum of the conference by helping schools implement elements of their conference learning, BJE professional staff applied for and received a special grant from the Rodan Family Foundation that enabled directors of participating schools to apply for a Next Step micro-grant to bring their learning back to their schools. Applicants proposed a variety of uses, such as purchasing new books, materials or equipment, or hiring professionals to conduct workshops and consultations with their educators. 

Carly Rosenstein, Director of BJE’s Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Education and Special Projects, shared, “Directors are always excited to extend the learning back to their schools, but often don’t have available funding to support additions to their program budget. The Rodan Family Foundation grant will allow the conference learnings to have an even greater impact on our schools.” 

Conference participants submitted grant applications in the weeks following the conference, requesting up to $2,500. BJE was able to offer micro grants to 21 schools. Schools will receive their funding early this summer, enabling them to implement change in time for the new school year. 

“We are so proud of this partnership with BJE and our Jewish early childhood educators to turn insights into action. Collectively we are strengthening the fabric of L.A.’s Jewish ECE [early childhood education] ecosystem, the engine of Jewish life. JECE yields lasting benefits for more than just the child—it anchors the entire family in their Jewish identity, community and practice for decades to come,” said Elana Rodan Schuldt, Rodan Family Foundation President & CEO. 

Read more about the grant recipients!

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For more information about BJE’s work in Early Childhood Education, contact Carly Rosenstein, Director of BJE’s Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Education and Special Projects.