Members of the Finger Lakes Leadership Initiative are invited to join our monthly virtual networking meetings. 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 Finger Lakes region.
Sessions Available Between Wednesday, January 15th 2025 and Wednesday, December 17th 2025
Sessions Available
Wednesday, April 16th, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Wednesday, May 21st, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Wednesday, June 18th, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
The early care and education sector is rich with talented, creative, and deeply committed leaders. Yet, their contributions often go unrecognized and under-supported. In this paradigm-shifting presentation, Anne Douglass, PhD — author, professor, former early educator, and nationally recognized leader — explores why creative and entrepreneurial mindsets are essential for leadership at every level of the field.
Tuesday, July 15th 2025 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Reflective Listening for Educational Leaders
Reflective listening is a powerful communication skill that supports effective leadership in educational settings. It involves actively listening and restating key points to help the speaker feel heard, clarify their own thinking, and deepen mutual understanding. This approach not only enhances communication but also fosters stronger relationships and demonstrates respect.
In this two-part virtual Leaders Cafe, participants will develop and practice reflective listening skills, with a focus on how to apply them in real workplace scenarios. Together, we’ll explore how this skill can lead to improved collaboration, greater emotional awareness, and a more supportive professional environment.
During this two-part series, participants will:
Define reflective listening, understand its impact on the work environment, and identify how and when to apply reflective listening skills in practice.
Explore how reflective listening fosters positive relationships, supports conflict resolution, and enhances collaboration and expression of ideas.
Demonstrate how reflective listening can support staff in developing self-awareness, emotional regulation, interpersonal skills, and clear communication to prevent misunderstandings.
Registration will be capped at 15 Leadership Initiative Member per region, and a waitlist will be made available. Please only register if you can commit to attending and participating in both dates fully.
Sessions Available
Wednesday, July 30th, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Wednesday, August 13th, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
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
BecomeThe 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.
Contact us with questions about the leadership initiative:
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: June, 2025 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.