In May, 2009, the Combined Jewish Philanthropies announced they would cease funding the Bureau of Jewish Education. Gateways has taken on the expanded role of consultation and support to both synagogue and independent Hebrew schools, and Jewish preschools. We want to reassure the community that this is a natural expansion of our work and we are ready to build upon the many accomplishments of the BJE’s Special Education Services.

In this New Year 2009/5770, Gateways welcomes the opportunity to work with supplemental schools and preschools as they provide programs and services to students with special learning needs. The projects and programs developed and offered through the grants process previously administered by the Bureau of Jewish Education will now be managed by Gateways.

Synagogue and community religious and preschool programs will continue to receive funds toward inclusion of diverse learners supporting specialists, special educators and resource room facilities and activities.

Building on the strong base of twenty schools cultivated by the BJE, we plan to nurture existing relationships, reinvigorate regional initiatives, and collaborate with professionals and parents to develop new partnerships. We will also reach out to those schools and programs that do not yet receive community funds to serve students with special needs.