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

Afternoon Networking

Come out and meet your fellow leaders for great conversations. Make new friends and connect with those that inspire you. Support each other in a safe and supportive environment.

Sessions Available Between Wednesday, August 16th 2023 and Thursday, October 19th 2023

Leadership Panel: Trauma Informed Supervision

The Southern Tier and the WNY Leadership Initiative have collaborated to present the upcoming Leadership Panel Discussion “Trauma Informed Supervision”.  Our expert panelist will share information to empower early childhood leaders in creating environments that support their staff and their needs. Our panelists will share their career pathway to their current work, along with understanding the effects of trauma and strategies for leaders to build resilience practices within.

Tuesday, September 26th 2023 6:30pm - 8:00pm

"Identify & Interrupt Unconscious Bias in Early Childhood" led by Imani Missouri

We are proud to welcome you to our next Speaker Series event featuring Imani Missouri. She brings to us an opportunity to deepen our understanding of what unconscious bias is (and isn’t!) in an interactive session. Unconscious Bias is used often in our field, and together with Imani, we’ll talk about the differences between biases and racism. We’ll pause to reflect on our experience with the content and consider ways to attend to ourselves in these moments. This space may have moments where we sit bravely with productive, but transformative, discomfort.

 

All are welcome in this space. This time together will include experiences in small groups to learn with participants from across NYS. We aim for each participant to leave with the framework for a personal goal to increase their awareness of biases in their life and leadership role. Since this event includes interactions in small group break out rooms, we encourage you to register if you are interested and able to attend the full event. We hope to see you there!

Wednesday, October 11th 2023 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Pedagogical Perspectives: 5 Approaches to Early Childhood Education

Pedagogy is the “how” of teaching and learning. Connected to a vision about society, people, and knowledge, it is how we practice educating and supporting early childhood development. Join our event to learn about 5 approaches to early childhood pedagogy. 

Wednesday, November 1st 2023 6:00pm - 8:30pm

Panel Discussion: Exploring Pathways to Leadership

Tuesday, November 7th 2023 6:30pm - 8:00pm

In-Person Network Meeting

Come for coffee and make connections.

Thursday, November 16th 2023 10:00am - 11:30am

Quiet Voice, Fearless Leader by Terrance Lee

Have you ever wondered if being an introvert is keeping you from becoming a great leader? Do you desire to grow in your career or business without compromising who you are?

At times it can feel like society labels people with introverted personalities as at least one of the following: quiet, shy, reserved, or timid. While at the same time leaders are described as dominant, talkative, and outgoing.

But what if I told you…. that your introversion is your superpower? 
If you’re ready to start the journey to becoming a fearless leader, join our book group.

Wednesday, December 6th 2023 6:30pm - 7:30pm

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.capital@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 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: 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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