"Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality."
-Warren G. Bennis
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Upcoming Events

Survive to Thrive Webinar, January 8th

Survive to Thrive Chapter 1: What What Does It Mean to Be a Director?

Wednesday, January 8th 2020, 2:00pm

Join us for a webinar discussion of the first chapter of From Survive to Thrive: What What Does It Mean to Be a Director?

Register to reserve your spot, and a link to access the webinar will be emailed to you closer to the date of the event.

2019-2020 Event Calendar

For an overview of all of our Leadershp Initiative events for the upcoming programming year, download the 2019-2020 event calendar

New Resource!
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

Join the Leadership Initiative

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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About the Leadership Initiative

Comments or Questions?

Contact us with questions about the leadership initiative:

leadershipinitiative@earlychildhoodny.org

(718) 254-7353

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, in partnership with the NYC Department of Education lead 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 provides early childhood leaders, as well as those who aspire to leadership roles in the future, with resources and opportunities to engage with their peers around the city and support professional development promoting access to excellence for all young children.

The Initiative Newsletter

Our monthly newletter offers a round-up of the latest Leadership Initiative events, the books we're reading, member spotlights and more! If you signed up above, you'll already be getting our next issue!

Get our latest issue: August, 2019

Or browse our newsletter archive


Recent and Ongoing Highlights from the Initiative

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.


Other News and Resources

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