Some educators step into a leadership role without formal preparation, supports, or mentoring, leaving them to figure out much on their own.

This issue of Young Children examines what it means to be an early childhood leader, the journey to becoming a leader, how leaders identify and support high-quality curricula, and how leaders develop positive cultures and partnerships that cultivate equitable, joyful learning for children, families, and educators.

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Explore This Issue

Leadership in Early Learning Programs and Schools
Annie Moses

The Role of Early Childhood Leaders in Removing Bias from Behavior Guidance Policies
Sascha Longstreth, Sarah Garrity, Anna Winneker, and Lise Fox

"Keep Children at the Center": A Discussion About the Principal's Role in Creating Joyful, Supported Learning
Nikeysha Jackson

It Starts at the Top: Investing in Healthy Early Childhood Leaders, Leadership, and Workplaces
Timothy G. Ford, Chris Amirault, Sarah "Sae" Chapman, Celene Domitrovich, and Brenda Lloyd-Jones

Leading the Way: Strategies for Fostering Organizational Well-Being in Early Childhood Education
Lieny Jeon, Dominique Charlot-Swilley, Cheryl A. Varghese, Shuai Li, and Sooyeon Byun

The Power of BELLE: Creating a Pathway of Latine Education Leaders to Support Dual Language Learners
Alexandra Figueras-Daniel, Ellen Frede, Carmen Espinosa, and Elise Genao

Structures of Support: Developing Early Literacy Leadership Ecosystems
Courtney Shimek, Aimee Morewood, and Allison Swan Dagen

Give Yourself the Permission to Lead
Debbie LeeKeenan and Iris Chin Ponte

From Our President. Activating Our Best in Leadership: Stretching and Extending Toward Our Collective Mission
Tonia R. Durden

De nuestra presidenta. Cómo activar nuestro mejor liderazgo: Ampliar y extender nuestro esfuerzo para alcanzar nuestra misión colectiva
Tonia R. Durden

NAEYC Governing Board

Member Spotlight: Eric Unrau

Using Celebrations and Literature in Project Work to Affirm Children's Identities
Mickey Willis and Amanda Lautenbach, with introduction by Barbara Henderson and Robyn Brookshire

Building a Literacy Foundation: Strategies to Implement and Maximize Small-Group Literacy Lessons in Preschool
Cynthia M. Zettler-Greeley, Kandia Lewis, Shayne B. Piasta, Laura L. Bailet, Leiah J.G. Thomas, and Shelby Dowdy

Innovations in Higher Education. Embracing a Focus on Anti-Bias Education in Early Learning Coursework
Anita R. Kumar, Amber Beisly, Rebecca Swartz, and Ruth Facun-Granadozo

Rocking and Rolling. More than a Job Title: Exploring Leadership in Infant and Toddler Settings
Rebecca Parlakian and Lynette Aytch

The Reading Chair
Isabel Baker and Mariam Baker Schiffer