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"Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality."
-Warren G. Bennis
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Upcoming Events

Family/Group Family Book Group: Graceful Leadership in Early Childhood Education

Family/Group Family Providers - Please join us for a facilitated discussion of leadership book, "Graceful Leadership in Early Childhood Education"

We welcomed NAEYC President  Ann Terrell at our Southern Tier Speaker Series Launch of our Leadership Initiative back in 2021!  Ann provided our audience with captivating discussions of the qualities of the contemporary leader in Early Childhood Education.  We began our reflection as leaders and our personal leadership journeys. We will continue these discussions to build a deep understanding of the topics during our three-part Book Group Series.  

Book groups present an opportunity for members to gather to discuss leadership publications and resources and are facilitated by committed professionals, dedicated to deepening the dialogue and illuminating the key messages​ of the book!  

Those registered for this event will be provided with a FREE copy of Ann's book to engage and discuss the topic of leadership and how to apply it in your own work environment.  To ensure prompt arrival of your book, please register by April 15th, 2023 *This event is only for Leadership Initiative Family/ Group members from the Southern Tier and Central NY

Sessions will take place via Zoom on Wednesdays: May 10th, May 24th and June 7th from 6:30 - 8:00 pm

Sessions Available
Wednesday, May 10th, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Wednesday, May 24th, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Wednesday, June 7th, 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Mid-Hudson Leadership Networking Meeting

As a member of the Mid-Hudson Leadership Initiative, you are invited to join our monthly networking meetings. Our meetings create a space for you to connect with leaders throughout the region, learn from one another, share stories, strategies, feelings, and resources. Meeting topics are driven by your questions and needs. This is a time for you to engage with your peers, build relationships, and find inspiration and encouragement as early childhood leaders. 

Meetings are held at least once per month. Afternoon and evening meetings available!

Mark your calendars for our next meeting: Wednesday, February 22nd, 2023, 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Sessions Available Between Tuesday, September 20th 2022 and Wednesday, June 14th 2023

Central NY Leadership Networking Meeting 2023

As a member of the Central NY Leadership Initiative you are invited to join our monthly virtual networking meetings. Come network with your peers. Meeting topics are driven by your questions and needs. Participants will send questions in advance of the meeting or come to the meetings with questions, strategies and resources to share, or an interest in listening and learning from others' experiences.  This is a space to share stories, strategies, feelings, ideas, resources, and words of encouragement about leading an early childhood program in the Central NY region.

Sessions Available Between Sunday, January 1st 2023 and Sunday, December 31st 2023

Leadership Book Groups 2023

Sessions Available Between Sunday, January 1st 2023 and Sunday, December 31st 2023

Central NY Leadership Initiative Information Session

Come learn about the Central NY Early Childhood Leadership Initiative.  The Central NY Leadership Initiative provides support to Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, and Oswego counties.  Currently the Central NY Leadership Initiative provides Networking, Panel Discussions, Learning Communities, Speaker Series and much more including individualized support for our members.  Join the Central NY Early Childhood Leadership Initiative to learn more.

Sessions Available
Tuesday, January 17th, 9:00am - 10:00am
Wednesday, February 8th, 10:00am - 11:00am
Wednesday, March 22nd, 5:30pm - 6:30pm

Southern Tier Leadership Initiative 2023 Networking Meetings

As a member of the Southern Tier Leadership Initiative you are invited to join our monthly virtual networking meetings. Come network with your peers. Meeting topics are driven by your questions and needs. Participants will send questions in advance of the meeting or come to the meetings with questions, strategies and resources to share, or an interest in listening and learning from others' experiences.  This is a space to share stories, strategies, feelings, ideas, resources, and words of encouragement about leading an early childhood program in the Southern Tier  region.

Third Tuesday* of every month, 1:30pm-2:30pm, via Zoom

(*Second Tuesday, for June, November and December)

Sessions Available Between Tuesday, January 17th 2023 and Saturday, December 30th 2023

Networking Evenings, 2nd Monday of Month

An opportunity for leaders from all modalities to connect with one another.

Sessions Available Between Monday, February 13th 2023 and Monday, August 14th 2023

Network Meeting - April

Sessions Available
Wednesday, April 5th, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Wednesday, April 19th, 5:30pm - 6:30pm

WNY Leadership Initiative Info Session

Come learn about the WNY Leadership Initiative.  The WNY Leadership Initiative started in September 2019, with its first event happening January 2020.  Currently the WNY Leadership Initiative offers various supports, from Networking, Leadership Panel Discussions, Speaker Series and much more.  Come join the WNY Leadership Initiative to learn what supports are offered and get answers to your questions.

 

event is held 6:30pm-7:30pm

Tuesday, April 11th 2023 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Home-Based Providers Network Meeting

Network Meetings are a space for us all to connect, to share ideas and learn from each other’s experiences in a community setting. This is intended as an opportunity to welcome you to join other leaders of programs in reflection and conversation who are also supporting and leading family and group family child care spaces. If you’re available, we hope you can join us!

Wednesday, April 12th 2023 6:30pm - 7:30pm

WNY Leadership Initiative Info Session

Come learn about the WNY Leadership Initiative.  The WNY Leadership Initiative started in September 2019, with its first event happening January 2020.  Currently the WNY Leadership Initiative offers various supports, from Networking, Leadership Panel Discussions, Speaker Series and much more.  Come join the WNY Leadership Initiative to learn what supports are offered and get answers to your questions.

 

event is held 1:00pm-2:00pm

Wednesday, May 17th 2023 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Survive to Thrive Webinar, June 27th

From Survive to Thrive: Conclusion - Balancing Act - Managing Your Role as the Director

Read more about our Survive to Thrive Series

Subscribe to the Leadership Initiative Mailing List

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!

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About the Leadership Initiative

Comments or Questions?

Contact us with questions about the leadership initiative:

leadershipinitiative@earlychildhoodny.org

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.

The Initiative Newsletter

Our monthly newletter 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: December, 1969 Browse our newsletter archive

Other News and Resources

Our Guide to NYC Leadership Degree and Credential Programs

We'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.

Download the PDF Guide

Children's Program Administrator Credential

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.


Listen! Sherry Cleary on Leadership

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



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