We now have dedicated Leadership Initiative teams in Long Island as well as the Western New York, Finger Lakes and Southern Tier regions. If you live and/or work in any of these regions, visit your regions website:
The Leadership Initiative is pleased to bring you a valuable opportunity to develop your core business practices. Join Erica Chase-Gregory, Regional Director of the Small Business Development Center at Farmingdale, as she leads a 3-part professional learning community where you will:
Please note this event has a limited number of seats and is exclusive for family child care and group family child care Leadership Initiative members.
Sessions Available
Monday, March 11th, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Monday, March 18th, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Monday, March 25th, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Join other leaders in our field for reflection and conversation. Network meetings are a virtual space for us all to connect, to share ideas and learn from each other’s experiences in a community setting. Members who are supporting or directly leading early childhood learning spaces are all welcome. These conversations are held via Zoom.
Wednesday, April 3rd 2024 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Join us as we delve into the memoir of Kerry Washington, a mother, artist, advocate, and trailblazer. In her story, she shares life growing up in the Bronx and venturing into her career as an actress in Los Angeles. Her relationship with her family and feelings of belonging evolve over time as she learns about her lineage through DNA tests. Kerry unpacks her battles with body image and childhood abuse while “playing the role” people need her to be professionally. Through all this, she identifies her authentic voice and channels her clout into political advocacy. While reading Kerry’s journey, we’ll reflect on authentic leadership, our roles as agents of change, and opportunities to build resilience.
Registration: If you’re able to attend both meeting dates and would like to register, please email leadershipinitiative@earlychildhoodny.org to join the interest list. We’ll confirm registration after everyone has had an opportunity to indicate their interest.
Registration includes a copy of the book and participation in our book group discussions at no cost. Book Groups are available to all members of the NYC Leadership Initiative who are working in NYC (five boroughs). Book Groups are virtual events held on Zoom.
Sessions Available
Monday, May 6th, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Wednesday, May 29th, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Early childhood leaders, as well as those who aspire to leadership roles in the future, are welcome to participate in the Leadership Initiative in a variety of ways. Sign up below to start to receiving our periodic newsletter and event announcements!
To access member-only events, coaching and other services
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The Leadership Initiative serves leaders from all areas of early childhood, including direct services and support services in family/group family homes, centers, schools, shelters, and faith based settings. Non-direct care leadership roles such as system leaders, policy advocates, and promoters of our workforce are also supported by our community.
The excellence of early childhood programs is reliant on the quality and caliber of the leader. The program leader sets the mission, vision, philosophy, and culture of a program. And yet, too many leaders come to the work with limited knowledge and expertise in early childhood management and leadership. The New York Early Childhood Professional Development Institute leads the Leadership Initiative, designed to support the professional development and success of current leaders and prospective leaders in the early childhood field. The Leadership Initiative and this website provide early childhood leaders, as well as those who aspire to leadership roles in the future, with resources and opportunities to engage with their peers and support professional development promoting access to excellence for all young children.
Our monthly newsletter offers a round-up of the latest Leadership Initiative events, the books we're reading, member spotlights, resources and opportunities. If you signed up as a member, you'll already be getting our next issue!
Read the Latest: January, 2024 Browse our newsletter archiveWe've compiled a list of degrees and credentials that leaders can pursue to advance their careers and enrich their practice. From NYAEYC credentials to Master's degrees for school principals this guide will help you find your next step in your journey.
The Children’s Program Administrator Credential (CPAC) is a state-recognized credential that addresses the components essential for running early childhood and school-age programs. Both new and experienced administrators may choose to obtain the credential, as well as current teachers who aspire to administrative positions. Those individuals without program management experience will need to complete an internship to obtain the credential.
Learn more about the CPAC on our Career Development Services page.
Sherry Cleary, Executive Director of the New York Early Childhood Institute shared her thoughts about the importance of leadership with HiMama's The Preschool Podcast