March 3, 2020

Dear FJECC Families,

I am writing to inform you of my decision to retire on June 30, 2021. I do so with mixed feelings since I will be leaving a position I truly love. I feel honored and privileged to have served as the Founding Director of the Frances Jacobson Early Childhood Center for what will ultimately be 28 years upon my retirement.

As I reflect back on my career, I am grateful for the trust and support I have received: from the extraordinary teaching professionals with whom I have worked closely over these past decades; from the parents and families of the children we served, whose passion, care and insight have enriched our community; and from the Temple Israel clergy and staff. I thank them for their commitment to both Judaic and secular learning which has been the basis for the remarkable adventure of our school, and to our visionary and incredibly hard working Board and Committee members whose dedication continues to sustain our outstanding record and expand upon what we can achieve.

I am fortunate to have been associated with the Frances Jacobson Early Childhood Center, where the families have embraced and appreciated the importance of quality, research-driven early education for their children. I am confident that the core values which distinguish our school from others will continue under the helm of the chosen successor.

A committee has been assembled to embark upon a national search for the next Director of FJECC. I have no doubt that under their guidance, the new Director will not only excel in this position, but will continue to develop our program and take its international reputation to new heights.

Over the next year and a half, I will continue to build, innovate, and sustain our school and work closely with its students and their families. It has been my honor to serve as the Center’s Founder and longtime Director and, again, I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to teach and to learn from the extraordinary children at the heart of our program.

In appreciation and gratitude,
Helen Cohen

Helen Cohen, Director
Frances Jacobson Early Childhood Center
477 Longwood Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
617-739-6455
617-566-2990 (fax)
hcohen@tisrael.org
www.fjecc.org