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"Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality."
-Warren G. Bennis
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The Leadership Initiative is growing!

We now have dedicated Leadership Initiative teams in Long Island as well as the Western New York, Finger Lakes and Southern Tier regions. If you live and/or work in any of these regions, visit your regions website:

Upcoming Events

Latina Empowerment Through Leadership Book Group

In honor of the Hispanic Heritage Month which is celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct 15, the Leadership Initiative welcomes our members to join us for a book group to discuss “Latina Empowerment Through Leadership: Mindful Stories From Inspiring Women”. This experience is designed to make leaders feel united, empowered and inspired to step out of their comfort zone and make a positive impact through leadership.

Sessions Available
Thursday, October 3rd, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Thursday, October 24th, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Home-Based Providers Networking Meeting for October 2024

Join us for reflection and conversation with other home-based providers who are also supporting and leading family and group family child care spaces.

Thursday, October 10th 2024 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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To access member-only events, coaching and other services

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About the Leadership Initiative

Comments or Questions?

Contact us with questions about the leadership initiative:

leadershipinitiative@earlychildhoodny.org

646-664-8283

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: January, 2024 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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