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Leadership

A leadership development program in 2005 and 2006 brought NAEYC’s work to a larger audience and is helping to sustain efforts over time. Two cohorts - over 40 early childhood leaders in 24 states—participated in the Supporting Teachers, Strengthening Families National Leadership Program, an intensive, year-long leadership development opportunity.  

NAEYC sought early childhood educators working in professional roles that are especially well-positioned to effect change, including: 

• NAEYC-accredited program directors
• Accreditation Facilitation project directors
• Faculty at 2- or 4-year institutions
• NAEYC Affiliate leaders

Early childhood professionals working in exemplary programs identified by the Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP), involved with ZERO TO THREE’s Partnering with Parents curriculum, affiliated with another Doris Duke Charitable Foundation grantee, or otherwise exhibiting leadership in strengthening families also were considered strong candidates. 

The selected leaders stayed in their regular jobs while participating in the National Leadership Program.  Over the course of the program, these leaders:

• Designed and implemented action plans in their communities that addressed one or more of the six strategies.  NAEYC asked program applicants to consider the strengths and needs of their communities, existing partnerships and coalitions, and their personal professional interests and goals when formulating their plans.  Some plans had a broader focus, building community capacity or advocating for high quality early childhood programs.  Many plans focused on helping early childhood professionals develop knowledge and skills around other strategies, such as handling children’s challenging behaviors, or developing strong reciprocal relationships with families.  The work of these early childhood leaders included providing training and technical assistance in pre-service and in-service settings; coalition-building; communications and media efforts; new programs serving families; and more. 
• Received a grant of $1,000 to help fund their Action Plan activities.  Some activities were made possible with this funding; however, the strengthening families approach can be implemented at little to no cost. 
• Connected at two face-to-face meetings:  an orientation event at the beginning of the year, to meet each other and NAEYC staff and to kick-off the year’s activities, and NAEYC’s National Institute for Early Childhood Professional Development.
• Received materials, support, and technical assistance to help them reach their Action Plan goals from NAEYC and partner organizations. 
• Connected through email, regularly scheduled conference calls, and NAEYC’s online community.
• Participated in evaluation activities.  NAEYC worked with external evaluators to measure the outcomes and effectiveness of the project and provide evidence about variables known to be relevant to child abuse and neglect prevention. National Leadership Program participants were a crucial part of this evaluation. 
  

Early childhood leadership development is extremely important to NAEYC.  Click here to learn about other leadership opportunities at NAEYC.