WIZO Launches the Second Class of Its Groundbreaking Early Childhood Education Degree Program

In Israel, state-funded education is not available for children under the age of three. Research consistently shows that the earliest years of life are the most crucial for a child’s development — yet there is a severe shortage of qualified caregivers nationwide.

WIZO’s daycares play a vital role in bridging this gap, providing thousands of families with safe, nurturing, and educational environments that support both children and working parents. Recognizing how critical early childhood education is for Israel’s future, WIZO is leading a comprehensive effort to professionalize and elevate the field, ensuring that every child receives the best possible start in life.

Investing in Education for Caregivers

A year ago, WIZO launched a pioneering academic program that is transforming the landscape of early childhood education in Israel: a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and Teaching Certificate, offered in collaboration with Levinsky-Wingate College and supported by partial scholarships from WIZO.

The program was created especially for WIZO daycare caregivers and directors — women who dedicate their lives to nurturing Israel’s youngest generation. It reflects WIZO’s deep commitment to improving the quality of early childhood education and empowering the women who lead it every single day.

The first class of 26 caregivers and directors successfully completed their first year of studies, proving that with the right support, passion and professionalism can go hand in hand. This year, 26 more WIZO women are following in their footsteps, beginning their academic journey filled with excitement, determination, and hope for the future.

Each participant in the program commits to continuing her work in WIZO daycares for several years after graduation. This creates a powerful cycle of growth: the women gain education and professional advancement, while WIZO strengthens the stability and quality of its early childhood education system.

This inspiring initiative is made possible thanks to the generous support of WIZO’s partner Federations, who believe in the power of women in the field to lead lasting change in education and society.

Real Women, Real Impact

Among the new students is Gibta Bikaya, a daycare caregiver from Tel Aviv-Jaffa who has been part of WIZO for 15 years. Gibta immigrated to Israel from Ethiopia two decades ago and has dedicated her life to working with young children.

“I love this field deeply,” she shares. “It’s not just a job — it’s my calling. I decided to begin academic studies to gain professional tools that will help me better understand my work and support each child’s unique development. I want to create a place where every child feels loved, safe, and confident.”

Madalena Cohen, a daycare manager from Jerusalem with 19 years of experience, echoes that sentiment. “I’ve always wanted to study, but financial challenges made it impossible,” she says. “This scholarship finally gave me the chance to grow, to learn, and to move forward. In a few years, I hope to take on senior management or supervisory roles and be proud of how far I’ve come.”

Both women expressed heartfelt gratitude to the donors who made this opportunity possible. “Your generosity allows me to dedicate time to learning and to improving the lives of the children in my care,” says Gibta. Madalena adds simply, “Without your help, I couldn’t have done this. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

The degree program is part of WIZO’s broader vision to raise the national standard of early childhood education. Alongside it, WIZO has launched an ambitious Training Revolution — the most comprehensive professional training framework for caregivers in Israel.

Through partnerships with academic colleges, online courses, language-adapted programs, and four new regional training centers, WIZO ensures that every caregiver in its network has access to quality professional development and educational advancement.

This dual approach — combining academic study and hands-on training — is transforming the future of early childhood education in Israel and positioning WIZO as a national leader in the field.

For more information about WIZO’s Training Revolution for Early Childhood Caregivers, click here

As these women begin their studies and as WIZO’s training initiatives expand nationwide, they embody a shared belief that guides everything we do:

When we invest in the people who care for our children, we invest in Israel’s future.