The Preschool at Congregation B’nai Israel, Millburn NJ announces new Director, Mindy Klein, an experienced early childhood educator, to lead programs for toddlers to pre-k
MILLBURN, NJ, April 11, 2024 — The Preschool at Congregation B’nai Israel, Millburn, New Jersey, today announced its new Director of Early Childhood Education, Mindy Klein, following an extensive search by a committee of parents, early childhood educators and trustees.
In her new role, Mindy will lead year-round programming for children ages 16 months through pre-Kindergarten, including half-day and full-day preschool programs, STEAM, literacy and wellness enrichment programs, Toddler & Me and Beginners classes, Summer Camp, and Sabbath and other year-round holiday programming for children of all ages.
Mindy will formally assume her position in July, and is currently working with The Preschool Board, synagogue, clergy and staff on plans for Summer Camp, Fall School, enrichment and expanded programming for young children and their families.
As an early childhood educator, program administrator, and camp leader, Mindy brings nearly two decades of experience, and a reputation for caring and excellence among colleagues and parents in the community. Since 2016, she has taught at Temple B’nai Or Preschool in Morristown in both the private (religious) and public (non-faith based) programs, and served as the director on site, developed curriculum, and mentored staff. Under her leadership, the enrichment program, which focuses on science, art history and STEM, quadrupled in size. Previously, Mindy taught at Temple Emanu-El’s Early Childhood Center in Westfield. From 2012-2021, she served as the Unit Director for the JCC of Central New Jersey’s Camp Yachad, where she supervised a large staff and helped to build the program.
Mindy is a graduate of Rutgers University Douglass College, with a degree in Psychology and Communications. Prior to finding her true calling as an educator, Mindy worked in the corporate world, where she first developed her managerial and communication skills.
“I believe wholeheartedly in the quote, ‘Childhood is a journey, not a race.’ It is a privilege to be part of this journey for the children and families at The Preschool at Congregation B’nai Israel” says Mindy. “I believe our role as educators is to develop the whole child, to provoke thinking, wondering, exploration, respect, and caring. At this important stage of growth and learning, we want to provide a warm and nurturing environment where we instill empathy, confidence and curiosity about the world and respect for others, while we prepare children for elementary school and beyond.”
Said Henry Bloom, President of the Congregation, “Each of our exceptionally-skilled faculty and staff plays a part in the rearing and education of our children. But it takes a leader with experience, a vision, and a passion for early childhood education to pull it all together. We are, therefore, delighted to welcome Mindy Klein as our new Director. We look forward to Mindy building upon our legacy of preparing children for kindergarten, instilling in them the universal Jewish values of respect for all, inclusion, caring, and repairing the world, while building self-confidence, literacy and other critical skills as they continue their education.”
Said Jessica Marinoff, parent and member of the Director Search Committee, “Mindy brings to The Preschool at Congregation B’nai Israel a combination of warmth, fun and enthusiasm, along with love and understanding of the young child. She will be a collaborative partner for our families, and our children will flourish under her leadership. As a parent of a child at camp under her care, I experienced first hand Mindy’s unique ability to engage joyfully and communicate effectively with children and parents equally – few people do both so well. She will be an asset to our school and community.”
The Summer Camp and Preschool at Congregation B’nai Israel, afternoon enrichment, and other early childhood education programs are open to children of all backgrounds. Graduates successfully continue their education across top public and private elementary school programs in the area, having built a foundation of social, emotional, literacy and other essential life skills. To meet Mindy Klein and tour the facility please reach out to her at mklein@cbi-nj.org or 973-379-4040 to schedule an appointment.
About The Preschool at Congregation B’nai Israel
The Preschool at Congregation B’nai Israel, established in 1975, continues a nearly fifty year history of early childhood education excellence, developing in children ages 16 months to pre-K social, emotional, literacy skills and an appreciation for the universal Jewish values of learning, respect, caring, and repairing the world, in a state-of-the-art facility. Since its founding, programs have prepared thousands of children to continue their education and development in top public and private schools throughout Essex, Union and Morris counties.
Now in its centennial year, Congregation B’nai Israel, Millburn, NJ is a center of Jewish life rooted in universal values, our connections to each other, our community, and spirituality, distinguished by passionate professional and lay leadership. We are an inclusive, family-friendly, multi-generational, egalitarian congregation that pursues lifelong fulfillment through education, observance and social action.