About the Early Childhood Education Leadership Program
This program is designed to equip current and aspiring early childhood administrators with the tools and knowledge to lead with confidence and purpose. This comprehensive program integrates educational theory, administrative best practices, and child development principles to prepare participants to lead high-quality early learning environments.
Coursework emphasizes leadership, collaboration, mentorship, and effective team-building strategies—fostering staff support and a culture of trust, mutual respect, and shared commitment to excellence in early childhood education. Aligned with National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards, the program provides a strong framework to enhance leadership practices, improve staffing systems, and strengthen operational effectiveness.
What You'll Learn
- Develop effective leadership practices and management skills that promote an equitable, collaborative, and culturally responsive work environment
- Apply standards to guide leadership strategies, staffing systems, and program evaluation
- Learn quality coaching and mentorship strategies that support reflective, inclusive staff development
- Strengthen operational and financial management skills, including budgeting and aligning resources with strategic program goals
- Create and maintain safe, developmentally appropriate learning environments while guiding curriculum planning to support student growth and learning
Certificate Guidelines
1. Complete the application for the Early Childhood Education Leadership certificate program
2. Pay the certificate fee
3. Complete all the required online courses with a grade of a "C" or better
4. Coursework must be completed within 5 years of beginning the program to be eligible for the certificate
Advisory Board
Alison Black, Ed.D
Bailey Choi-Vanos, Ed.D
Jennifer Hardy, M.Ed
Ruth Ray, M.S.
Belinda Rico
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