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The Power of the Possible: The Efshar Project celebrates its connection with the Boulder JCC Preschool
On Friday, May 1, The Efshar Project visited the Boulder JCC’s Forest school which is part of the Jay and Rose Phillips Early Childhood Center. Efshar is the umbrella organization for Jewish Early Childhood and Education (ECE) centers in Denver and Boulder.
The Hebrew word Efshar means “Possible.” What’s Possible became apparent when Kelli Pfaff, Executive Director of The Efshar Project, joined Susie Valdez, Senior Director of the Jay and Rose Phillips Early Childhood Center (ECC) at the Boulder JCC, to highlight a partnership that has remained mutually beneficial for over two decades.
A Legacy of Excellence
The Boulder JCC preschool has existed for 40 years, with its trajectory boosted in 2004 when it became one of the original six partner programs of The Efshar Project. Under the 23-year leadership of Susie Valdez, the school has grown to 60 dedicated staff members, supported with Efshar’s coaching and leadership development.
Today, Efshar has expanded its reach to nearly 20 programs across the Front Range, focusing on the critical window of the first five years of life—when 90% of brain development occurs. By supporting school leaders, educators, and families, The Efshar Project ensures Jewish identity is integrated with high quality early childhood education within and outside of the Center’s walls.
Community and Wholeness
During a panel discussion led by Efshar Network Director of Pedagogy and Leadership Victoria Bisharat, the conversation centered on the Jewish values that define the ECC at Boulder JCC experience. Cindy O’Keeffe from Social Venture Partners of Boulder County spoke to the value of Hospitality—the intentional act of bringing others in. Parent and Boulder JCC staff member Eden Mallon shared that the preschool didn’t just support her children — it gave her some of her closest friendships. We can call that, Creating Community.
Susie Valdez connected childhood experiences to the concept of Shalom (Peace), which she described as a sense of completeness and wholeness within oneself, “All children gain the foundations we want to give them.”
The Magic of the Forest School
As part of Efshar’s tour, we learned that for Pre-K kids in Forest School, the JCC’s farm and a nearby creek aren’t field trips — they’re just school. Mattie Schuler, the Forest School supervisor, reflected on the “perseverance and courage” required to launch the program seven years ago. The program started with part-time outdoor excursions and has grown into a fully licensed, all-day experience where children eat, meet, and play entirely outdoors.
The results can be transformative. Jo Schaalman, a parent, observed her children shift from being “not outdoorsy” to true “outdoor kids,” gaining independence and a sense of wonder. Efshar Pedagogical Coach Josh Rifkin shared a moving example of a staff member, Gwen, leading a “sit-spot” exercise where children revisit and draw the same natural location over time. This practice mirrors the Jewish value of returning—noting not just how the land changes, but how the child has changed, too.
Efshar’s contributions at the State Level
The collaboration extends beyond ECE centers. Efshar is currently engaged in a partnership with Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) on gaining an understanding of teacher experience with the Early Learning and Development Guidelines and other UPK Quality Standards practices. This includes assessment for Pre-K Children to ensure Kindergarten readiness. Victoria Bisharat developed an assessment that moves beyond “yes/no” checklists to truly measure a child’s development. The State is interested in the voices of Efshar educators as they utilize this tool and support Kindergarten readiness.
