What's Happening?
The JCC Association, in collaboration with its Sheva Center, is advancing its inclusion efforts in early childhood Jewish education through the development of the Sheva Framework 2.0. This initiative aims to shift from a child-centered approach to an ecosystem
where all needs are connected and prioritized. The framework is part of a broader effort to institutionalize inclusion across JCC centers, emphasizing shared, systematized, and integrated inclusion efforts. The recent JCC Movement Early Childhood Inclusion Summit, co-hosted by the Sheva Center, welcomed over 100 participants to explore topics supporting inclusion in early childhood centers. The summit is a part of a multi-year effort to make inclusion a fundamental pillar, offering best practices to enhance inclusion endeavors.
Why It's Important?
The initiative by the JCC Association is significant as it addresses the structural barriers to inclusion within Jewish communal life, which have historically led to lower participation rates among people with disabilities compared to secular counterparts. By embedding inclusion into the fabric of the JCC movement, the association aims to create a more inclusive environment that strengthens the Jewish community. This approach not only benefits individuals with disabilities but also enriches the community by fostering diversity and participation. The framework's success could serve as a model for other organizations seeking to enhance inclusion in their operations.
What's Next?
The JCC Association plans to continue its efforts by providing training and resources to ensure all JCC professionals see themselves as inclusion professionals. This includes expanding the Inclusion Peer Community and integrating inclusion into various programs, such as adaptive fitness. The association's leadership and shared language frameworks are expected to empower more professionals to join the inclusion efforts, potentially influencing broader Jewish communal organizations to adopt similar practices.
