Leadership Initiative Events

Join us for reflection and conversation with other leaders of programs who are also supporting and leading family and group family child care spaces.  

Join us as we delve into the memoir of Kerry Washington, a mother, artist, advocate, and trailblazer, in this book group for members of the NYC Leadership Initiative who work in one of the five boroughs. While reading Kerry’s journey, we’ll reflect on authentic leadership, our roles as agents of change, and opportunities to build resilience. 

Building strong, inclusive, and reflective programs leaders in early childhood starts with being supportive of children. Each child is different, and many require different methods of communication and prepared loving adults. Join us as we explore different strategies, experiences, reflection, and words from a panel of learned leaders of early childhood education.

Join other leaders in our field for reflection and conversation. Network meetings are a virtual space for us all to connect, to share ideas and learn from each other’s experiences in a community setting. Members who are supporting or directly leading early childhood learning spaces are all welcome. These conversations are held via Zoom.

Join us for reflection and conversation with other leaders of programs who are also supporting and leading family and group family child care spaces.  

Come join the WNY Leadership Initiative and Child Care Resource Network's Resource Fair, as a vendor.  We are inviting various resources from around the WNY area that support the ECE field and/or individuals as a whole.  We will be inviting the Early Childhood field to come and learn about the various resources offered.  We hope that you will join this Resource Fair so that these ECE professionals can learn about your services and how it could support the work that they do.

The Resource Fair will be held at the Child Care Resource Network, 1000 Hertel Ave Buffalo, NY 14216.

Join us to learn about the services and resources available to the early childhood field in Western New York! Meet representatives from local agencies and explore the organizations that support our region.

Members of the Mid-Hudson Leadership Initiative are invited to join us for monthly networking meetings on Zoom.

Join other leaders in our field for reflection and conversation. Network meetings are a virtual space for us all to connect, to share ideas and learn from each other’s experiences in a community setting. Members who are supporting or directly leading early childhood learning spaces are all welcome. These conversations are held via Zoom.

Join us for an in-person opportunity to meet other leaders. Support, celebrate, and inspire each other as we relax with a cup of coffee.

Join us for reflection and conversation with other leaders of programs who are also supporting and leading family and group family child-care spaces.  

We start with a question for group reflection and then share topics that participants would like to discuss as a group for additional questions, experiences, and perspectives. All are welcome in this space, particularly leaders and providers of family childcare programs.

There are so many pieces to leading a child care program that sometimes we neglect the basics we started with - like policies and procedures, vision, hiring practices, mission and documentation. Please join QUALITYstarsNY and the Western NY Leadership Initiative for this three-part learning community to reflect on those leadership practices. We will discuss policies and procedures, staff retention and documentation.  

Please register for any and all sessions you are interested in.

April 10 (virtual): We will welcome a group of early childhood education leaders to guide a discussion on staff retention strategies and practices.

August 14 (hybrid): Sherry Phillips will be our guest facilitator and lead a discussion on documentation for an early childhood program.

Sessions will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The Leadership Initiative is pleased to bring you a valuable opportunity to develop your core business practices. Join Erica Chase-Gregory​, Regional Director of the Small Business Development Center at Farmingdale, as she leads a 3-part professional learning community where you will:  

• Build a strong business foundation
• Evaluate how legal structures and tax rules impact your business
• Calculate the true cost of care for each child in your program 
• Analyze market rate and what it means for your business
• Create a record keeping and budgeting system
• Identify community resources to support next steps in making informed business decisions 

Please note this event has a limited number of seats and is exclusive for family child care and group family child care Leadership Initiative members. 

The Leadership Initiative is pleased to bring you a valuable opportunity to develop your core business practices. Join Erica Chase-Gregory​, Regional Director of the Small Business Development Center at Farmingdale, as she leads a 3-part professional learning community where you will:  

• Build a strong business foundation
• Evaluate how legal structures and tax rules impact your business
• Calculate the true cost of care for each child in your program 
• Analyze market rate and what it means for your business
• Create a record keeping and budgeting system
• Identify community resources to support next steps in making informed business decisions 

Please note this event has a limited number of seats and is exclusive for family child care and group family child care Leadership Initiative members. 

The Leadership Initiative is pleased to bring you a valuable opportunity to develop your core business practices. Join Erica Chase-Gregory​, Regional Director of the Small Business Development Center at Farmingdale, as she leads a 3-part professional learning community where you will:  

• Build a strong business foundation
• Evaluate how legal structures and tax rules impact your business
• Calculate the true cost of care for each child in your program 
• Analyze market rate and what it means for your business
• Create a record keeping and budgeting system
• Identify community resources to support next steps in making informed business decisions 

Please note this event has a limited number of seats and is exclusive for family child care and group family child care Leadership Initiative members. 

Join us for the next Finger Lakes Leadership Initiative Book Group to discuss the book:

Leading for Change in Early Care and Education: Cultivating Leadership from Within by Anne L. Douglass. Douglass’s book examines an important and timely, yet often overlooked, challenge facing the early care and education profession: a leadership development gap. A gap which interferes with the ability to enact meaningful, systemic change. Having worked directly with children and families in various settings for almost 20 years before entering higher education, Douglass recognizes the valuable expertise of early educators in addressing the unique challenges of early care and education. In this book she boldly calls for a re-envisioning of access to leadership in the field.

This two-session book group will meet virtually on 3/7/24 and 3/28/24. Those who register will be provided with a copy of the book. Registration will be capped at 15, and a waitlist will be made available. Due to a limited number of books available, please only register if you can commit to attending and participating in both dates fully.

Join other leaders in our field for reflection and conversation. Network meetings are a virtual space for us all to connect, to share ideas and learn from each other’s experiences in a community setting. Members who are supporting or directly leading early childhood learning spaces are all welcome. These conversations are held via Zoom.

Come out and meet your fellow leaders for great conversations. Make new friends and connect with those that inspire you. Support each other in a safe and supportive environment.

Please join our inaugural 2024 Mid-Hudson Networking Event. Break virtual bread with other Early Childhood Educators and discuss new plans and pathways towards supporting staff, children, and families. 

Join the Council for Professional Recognition for a virtual information session to learn more about becoming a Child Development Associate (CDA) Professional Development Specialist. 

If you enjoy mentoring, meeting new people, and observing educational environments, becoming a PD Specialist may be for you! PD Specialists use their expertise in early childhood education to assess CDA candidates' competencies and facilitate reflective conversations with candidates. PD Specialists receive an honorarium from the Council for each Verification Visit they conduct.

Join us to learn more! 

Join us for reflection and conversation with other leaders of programs who are also supporting and leading family and group family child-care spaces.  

We start with a question for group reflection and then share topics that participants would like to discuss as a group for additional questions, experiences, and perspectives. All are welcome in this space, particularly leaders and providers of family childcare programs.

Join other leaders in our field for reflection and conversation. Network meetings are a virtual space for us all to connect, to share ideas and learn from each other’s experiences in a community setting. Members who are supporting or directly leading early childhood learning spaces are all welcome. These conversations are held via Zoom. 

These Long Island Leadership Initiative networking meetings are especially intended for home-based and family providers.

In our professional learning community, you will come together with other leaders in discussion of the habits and dispositions of resilient educators outlined in the book Onward: Cultivating Emotional Resilience in Educators by Elena Aguilar. 

Early childhood leaders are called to support all children in their setting, even though at times we may not feel certain how to reach every child in our care. Join us for an evening of conversation with a panel of leaders who will share their experiences, strategies and reflections in supporting the diverse learning needs of all children. During this panel, we'll discuss:  

• The challenges of leading inclusive spaces for children of many different learning styles.
• Approaches that have been successful in supporting children and families. 
• Strategies to supporting staff teams of varying levels of confidence and expertise. 
• Our "whys" - why we chose this work and what keeps us motivated.

Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on a new idea to try out in their practice and be inspired by the stories of our panelists. We hope you can join us for this evening of reflection and insightful perspectives.

Join us for reflection and conversation with other leaders of programs who are also supporting and leading family and group family child care spaces.  

We start with a question for group reflection and then share topics that participants would like to discuss as a group for additional questions, experiences, and perspectives. All are welcome in this space, particularly leaders and providers of family childcare programs.

As a member of the Western New York Leadership Initiative, you are invited to join our networking meetings! Meeting topics are driven by your questions and needs. This is a space to share stories, strategies, feelings, ideas, resources, and words of encouragement about leading an early childhood program in Western NY.

Members of the WNY Leadership Initiative are invited to join our networking meetings. Meeting topics are driven by your questions and needs. This is a space to share stories, strategies, feelings, ideas, resources, and words of encouragement about leading an early childhood program in Western NY.

Networking in the evening is from 6 to 7 p.m.

As a member of the Southern Tier Leadership Initiative, you are invited to join our monthly virtual networking meetings. Meeting topics are driven by your questions and needs. 

The Finger Lakes Leadership Initiative invites you to join our monthly virtual networking meetings. Our meetings create a space for us all to connect, to share ideas and learn from each other’s experiences in a community setting.

Members who are supporting or directly leading early childhood learning spaces are all welcome.

These virtual conversations are held via Zoom on the third Tuesday of every month. One session is held in the afternoon and another in the evening.

Have you ever wondered if being an introvert is keeping you from becoming a great leader? Do you desire to grow in your career or business without compromising who you are?

At times it can feel like society labels people with introverted personalities as quiet, shy, reserved, or timid, while at the same time leaders are described as dominant, talkative, and outgoing.

But what if I told you that your introversion is your superpower? 

If you’re ready to start the journey to becoming a fearless leader, join our book group.

Join us as we explore this text in a small group with the Leadership Initiative! The authors unpack the CRABAR framework - culturally responsive, anti-bias, anti-racist. This educator-friendly text connects history and current events to demonstrate classroom practices that deliver on the promise of high-quality education for all children. 

Registered participants will receive a copy of the text by mail. 

Join other leaders in our field for reflection and conversation. Network meetings are a virtual space for us all to connect, to share ideas and learn from each other’s experiences in a community setting. Members who are supporting or directly leading early childhood learning spaces are all welcome. These conversations are held via Zoom. 

The Leadership Initiative is excited to offer weekly networking meetings on Zoom for our Long Island members of the Leadership Initiative. 

Please join the Southern Tier Leadership Initiative in our yearlong learning community on Elena Aguilar's: Onward: Cultivating Emotional Resilience in Educators. This text is a practical resource for cultivating resilience in educators. The book is based on the author's research on emotional resilience, psychology, systems thinking, and change management.

In our professional learning community, you will:

• Come together with other leaders each month to discuss one of the 12 habits and dispositions of resilient educators outlined in the book.

• Develop habits like knowing yourself, telling empowering stories, being a learner, and riding the waves of change.

• Practice dispositions including humor, empowerment, courage, and perseverance that build resilience in ourselves and in our school communities!

This learning community will meet monthly via Zoom and will be limited to the first 15 Southern Tier Leadership Initiative members. Those who commit to our monthly discussions will receive a copy of the book at no cost.

To ensure timely delivery of the book, please register no later than Jan. 5, 2024.

Members of the Central New York Leadership Initiative are invited to join our networking meetings. Our meeting topics are driven by your questions and needs. Share stories, strategies, feelings, ideas, resources, and words of encouragement about leading an early childhood program.

As a member of the Southern Tier Leadership Initiative, you are invited to join our monthly virtual networking meetings. These evening meeting are especially designed for leaders and owners of family and group family programs. 

Join other leaders in our field for reflection and conversation. Network meetings are a virtual space for us all to connect, to share ideas and learn from each other’s experiences in a community setting. Members who are supporting or directly leading early childhood learning spaces are all welcome. These conversations are held via Zoom. 

We are proud to welcome you to a follow up event with Imani Missouri on biases in early childhood. This event is intended as an opportunity to continue our conversation from our October event and deepen connections with others in the community.

At our October event, Imani led us in deepening our understanding of what unconscious bias is (and isn’t!) with an interactive session. We spoke in breakout rooms and as a large group about our experiences and ways to both identify and interrupt biases when we notice them happening. This space may have also included moments of discomfort and stretching ourselves with new ideas.

Our follow up event is by invitation only to members who attended our October Speaker Series event. We welcome you to join us to continue our conversations from October and reflect on what has come up since then. This time together will include experiences in small groups with participants from across NYS. Since we’ll have interactions in break out rooms, we encourage you to register if you are interested and able to attend the full event with your camera/microphone. We hope to see you there!

Join us for reflection and conversation with other leaders of programs who are also supporting and leading family and group family child-care spaces.  

We start with a question for group reflection and then share topics that participants would like to discuss as a group for additional questions, experiences, and perspectives. All are welcome in this space, particularly leaders and providers of family childcare programs.

Join us as we explore this book and challenge our unconscious bias. We enter into this space knowing we each have biases. Together, we'll join in a safe space to reflect and identify how they show up. From the authors: "How can we dismantle inequities and provide nurturing, responsive care and education to all children?" This book will lead us in conversation exploring equity, bias, and creating culturally responsive learning environments. 

In this Leadership Initiative discussion, we'll welcome panelists from a variety of roles in Early Intervention. Our panelists will discuss the early intervention process, including observation, documentation, communication and working together with families and staff to support the development of each child. We'll also share regional resources and organizations that can support our Southern Tier leaders and your staff!

Join the Western NY Leadership Initiative for our final leadership panel discussion of 2023. This discussion will focus on using a strength-based optimistic approach as a leader.

Come for coffee and make connections.

Join the Southern Tier Leadership Initiative in our final book group of 2023, Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When the Stakes are High (Third Edition). A Crucial Conversation is a discussion between two or more people where the stakes are high, opinions vary, and emotions run strong! This three-part lunchtime series will support program leaders in understanding how to master dialog skills for improved relationships and results. This event is open to the first 15 people registered. All participants will receive a copy of the book by being committed to this this meaningful book study!  

Network Meetings are a space for us all to connect, to share ideas and learn from each other’s experiences in a community setting. This is intended as an opportunity to welcome you to join other leaders of programs in reflection and conversation who are also supporting and leading family and group family child-care spaces.  If you’re available, we hope you can come! 

We start with a question for group reflection and then share topics that participants would like to discuss as a group for additional questions, experiences, and perspectives. All are welcome in this space, particularly leaders and providers of family childcare programs.

If you have any questions or would like support in registration, please email us at: leadershipinitiative@earlychildhoodny.org

Network Meetings are a virtual space for us all to connect, to share ideas and learn from each other’s experiences in a community setting. This is intended as an opportunity to welcome you to join other leaders in our field for reflection and conversation. Members who are support or directly leading early childhood learning spaces are all welcome. These conversations are held via Zoom. If you’re available, we hope you can join us!

Leaders and those aspiring to leadership roles in early childhood are welcome to join us! We're proud to offer a space where family child cares, child care specialists, community-based programs, and supporting organizations can all share space together. We start with a question for group reflection and then share topics that participants would like to discuss as a group for additional questions, experiences, and perspectives.

If you have any questions or would like support in registration, please email us at: leadershipinitiative@earlychildhoodny.org

The Early Childhood Leadership Initiative is proud to present the Playmaker Project, facilitated by Ant Toombs Sr. The Playmaker Project provides “play-based, trauma-informed training and support for early childhood professionals.” Playmakers offer a framework that enhances existing priorities and increases social and emotional wellness among kids and staff.

The Leadership Initiative encourages leaders to join with an open heart and mind, learning techniques to bring optimism, joy, and healing to themselves, to staff, and to children.

Optimism matters. An optimistic disposition enables us through everyday and extraordinary struggles  to look for the goodness in ourselves, in others, and in the world around us. For professionals working with young survivors of trauma, optimism isn’t just a critical tool; it’s the pathway to healing for kids in need. This inspiring, interactive presentation helps individuals discover the power of optimism to create safe, joyful, engaging environments where kids can grow, heal, and learn. Using research, humor, and personal stories from 30+ years in the field, Playmaker Project Guides share how optimistic individuals can bring out the best in their students, colleagues, and leaders.

This panel event will highlight early childhood leadership roles for those considering the numerous opportunities in the field. Our panelists will each share their career pathways, how their role has an impact on our field, and the skills, credentials and dispositions that have helped them to be successful. 

We invite you to our next virtual Finger Lakes Leadership Initiative Book Group featuring "The Waymakers" by Tara Jaye Frank. Tara Jaye uses case studies and storytelling to demonstrate our role as leaders in making equity a meaningful part of our workplace. Tara Jaye gives practical examples of how to facilitate changes for equity beyond written policies in a staff handbook.

Join us if you're ready to reflect on diversity, inclusion, and the opportunities you hold as a change maker and leader in your learning space.

This two-session book group will meet on 11/7/23 and 11/28/23. Those who register will be provided with a copy of the book. Registration will be capped at 15, and a waitlist will be made available. Due to a limited number of books available, please only register if you can commit to attending and participating fully in both dates. Registration will close on 10/20/23.

We welcome early childhood leaders to join us for a time of reflection and self-exploration in this three-part learning community. We'll watch "Reflecting on Anti-Bias Education in Action: The Early Years" and discuss the themes from the film.

This work features vignettes of anti-bias strategies for early childhood classrooms and educators throughout reflecting on their practice. We'll have prompts to support our reflections as leaders in this work. Anti-bias education has many entry points for learners of all ages; the authors have created four anti-bias goals to guide us for these sessions. 

Registration for this online series is available to all Finger Lakes Leadership Initiative members. Registration is limited, and a waitlist will be made available. Please sign up if you're able to join us for all three sessions. If you're not a member, join!

Pedagogy is the “how” of teaching and learning. Connected to a vision about society, people, and knowledge, it is how we practice educating and supporting early childhood development. Join our event to learn about 5 approaches to early childhood pedagogy. 

This Leadership Panel Discussion will focus on five different approaches to early childhood practice that are informed by different educational philosophies, values, and theories about how young children learn and development. The pedagogies represented by our panel of pedagogical leaders are Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Resources for Infant Educarers, Waldorf, and NYS Pre-Kindergarten.

Join us for an upcoming Leadership Panel to hear leaders of different careers describe their journey and their passion for this work. We’ll explore the types of roles needed in our field and reflect on how these different roles weave together to impact the lives of young children. This conversation is ideal for someone who is considering ways to enhance their career path and is interested in learning about all the roles that support early childhood.

This illuminating and powerful text will take us on a journey through hundreds of interviews across the U.S. to better understand the impact of public policy and infrastructure. Through this text, we’ll have the opportunity to consider the history behind systematic inequities in our communities and how they show up in our society today. This may be a new lens for readers to view the constructs of the communities we live and work in every day as leaders in early childhood. This book follows a hopeful narrative for ending a “zero sum” mentality and embracing abundance and equity for all.

Come join us! In this virtual discussion hosted by the Long Island, Mid-Hudson, and New York City Leadership Initiatives, hear from our expert panelists about promising practices and strength-based perspectives on staff retention in early childhood. Audience members will have the opportunity to: 

• Gain a deeper understanding of what keeps professionals in the field of early childhood. 
• Consider staff retention strategies outside of salary and bonuses. 
• Explore the value in fostering shared ownership around staff retention. 
• Redefine measures of success with staff retention.

Network Meetings are a virtual space for us all to connect, to share ideas and learn from each other’s experiences in a community setting. This is intended as an opportunity to welcome you to join other leaders in our field for reflection and conversation. Members who are support or directly leading early childhood learning spaces are all welcome. These conversations are held via Zoom. If you’re available, we hope you can join us!

Leaders and those aspiring to leadership roles in early childhood are welcome to join us! We're proud to offer a space where family child cares, child care specialists, community-based programs, and supporting organizations can all share space together. We start with a question for group reflection and then share topics that participants would like to discuss as a group for additional questions, experiences, and perspectives.

If you have any questions or would like support in registration, please email us at: leadershipinitiative@earlychildhoodny.org

We are proud to welcome you to our next Speaker Series event featuring Imani Missouri. She brings to us an opportunity to deepen our understanding of what unconscious bias is (and isn’t!) in an interactive session. Unconscious Bias is used often in our field, and together with Imani, we’ll talk about the differences between biases and racism. We’ll pause to reflect on our experience with the content and consider ways to attend to ourselves in these moments. This space may have moments where we sit bravely with productive, but transformative, discomfort.

All are welcome in this space. This time together will include experiences in small groups to learn with participants from across NYS. We aim for each participant to leave with the framework for a personal goal to increase their awareness of biases in their life and leadership role. Since this event includes interactions in small group break out rooms, we encourage you to register if you are interested and able to attend the full event. We hope to see you there!

Network Meetings are a space for us all to connect, to share ideas and learn from each other’s experiences in a community setting. This is intended as an opportunity to welcome you to join other leaders of programs in reflection and conversation who are also supporting and leading family and group family child-care spaces.  If you’re available, we hope you can come! 

We start with a question for group reflection and then share topics that participants would like to discuss as a group for additional questions, experiences, and perspectives. All are welcome in this space, particularly leaders and providers of family childcare programs.

If you have any questions or would like support in registration, please email us at: leadershipinitiative@earlychildhoodny.org

Network Meetings are a virtual space for us all to connect, to share ideas and learn from each other’s experiences in a community setting. This is intended as an opportunity to welcome you to join other leaders in our field for reflection and conversation. Members who are support or directly leading early childhood learning spaces are all welcome. These conversations are held via Zoom. If you’re available, we hope you can join us!

Leaders and those aspiring to leadership roles in early childhood are welcome to join us! We're proud to offer a space where family child cares, child care specialists, community-based programs, and supporting organizations can all share space together. We start with a question for group reflection and then share topics that participants would like to discuss as a group for additional questions, experiences, and perspectives.

If you have any questions or would like support in registration, please email us at: leadershipinitiative@earlychildhoodny.org

You are invited to join our network of skilled and knowledgeable early childhood leaders as we discuss issues and resources relevant to the Mid-Hudson provider community. Our monthly meetings offer a space for information sharing, creative problem solving, and compassionate reflection. Register now for advanced notice of featured topics and guest speakers. 

The Southern Tier and the WNY Leadership Initiative have collaborated to present the upcoming Leadership Panel Discussion “Trauma Informed Supervision”.  Our expert panelist will share information to empower early childhood leaders in creating environments that support their staff and their needs. Our panelists will share their career pathway to their current work, along with understanding the effects of trauma and strategies for leaders to build resilience practices within.

The NY Regional Leadership Initiative's have collaborated to present the upcoming Leadership Panel Discussion “Trauma Informed Supervision”.  Our expert panelist will share information to empower early childhood leaders in creating environments that support their staff and their needs. Our panelists will share their career pathway to their current work, along with understanding the effects of trauma and strategies for leaders to build resilience practices within.

As early childhood leaders and educators, you’ve probably noticed the “generation gap,” or how people born in different generations may think and behave differently — and you may have even experienced generational differences among your colleagues or early childhood educators at work. We invite you to join the Early Childhood Leadership Initiative for an illuminating conversation with Dr. Megan Gerhardt, an expert in intergenerational workplaces and the author of “Gentelligence: The Revolutionary Approach to Leading an Intergenerational Workforce.” Dr. Gerhardt will discuss how to reflect on your own age-based biases, look beyond stereotypes associated with different generations and develop an understanding of why people who grew up in different times may behave in unique — and valuable! — ways. 

Come join the WNY Leadership Initiative and Child Care Resource Network's Resource Fair, as a vendor.  We are inviting various resources from around the WNY area that support the ECE field and/or individuals as a whole.  We will be inviting the Early Childhood field to come and learn about the various resources offered.  We hope that you will join this Resource Fair so that these ECE professionals can learn about your services and how it could support the work that they do.

The Resource Fair will be held at the Child Care Resource Network, 1000 Hertel Ave Buffalo, NY 14216.

Come join the Resource Fair hosted by the WNY Career Development Center, WNY Leadership Initiative and the Child Care Resource Network. We have invited various local organizations that support the ECE field and/or individuals in the WNY area. This will be a time for you to visit various WNY Resource in one place and learn about their services.

This event is being held at the Child Care Resource Network. 1000 Hertel Ave Buffalo NY 14216

Network Meetings are a space for us all to connect, to share ideas and learn from each other’s experiences in a community setting. This is intended as an opportunity to welcome you to join other leaders of programs in reflection and conversation who are also supporting and leading family and group family child-care spaces.  If you’re available, we hope you can come! 

We start with a question for group reflection and then share topics that participants would like to discuss as a group for additional questions, experiences, and perspectives. All are welcome in this space, particularly leaders and providers of family childcare programs.

If you have any questions or would like support in registration, please email us at: leadershipinitiative@earlychildhoodny.org

QUAILTYstarsNY along with the WNY Leadership Initiative welcome Sherry Phillips as the guest facilitator for this Learning Community.

In this session, you will be given a DISC Assessment tool. This tool will give you a quick snapshot into your own personal behavior styles. By understanding personality styles and behavior differences you will increase your ability to communicate with clarity, deliver your message so it will be received and not rejected, and reduce the communication barriers that disengage relationships with other personality styles. Knowing the personality of the person you are working with makes your interactions conversations instead of confrontations. Learning to use this tool effectively and taking it back to your team will be a game changer!

This is an in-person event for members of QUALITYstarsNY and the WNY Leadership Initiative.

Where: Aurora Town Library  505 Main Street, East Aurora  14052

When: September 13th and October 18th

Time: 12:30pm - 2:00 pm

We are pleased to welcome our colleagues from NY Works for Children for another informative event to support leaders with the Aspire Registry workforce registry system. This event is a follow up to our July meeting. Several participants from our July meeting shared their interest in a second event with a focus on the professional development section of the Aspire Registry. Our August meeting will focus on this including information on how to create professional developments on the Aspire Registry, how to document professional development, and how to feature trainings on the Aspire Registry website. This is meeting is a statewide opportunity through the Leadership Initiative.

We offer special thanks to members who were able to participate in our July event and surveys. If you were not able to join the July meeting, you are still welcome to join our August session. Please email us if you'd like to see a copy of the recording. We hope to see you there! 

How Full Is Your Bucket? reveals how even the briefest interactions affect your relationships, productivity, health, and longevity. Organized around a simple metaphor of a dipper and a bucket, and grounded in 50 years of research, this book will show you how to greatly increase the positive moments in your work and your life -- while reducing the negative.

Filled with discoveries, powerful strategies, and engaging stories, How Full Is Your Bucket? is sure to inspire lasting changes and has all the makings of a timeless classic.

Book groups present an opportunity for members to gather to discuss leadership publications and resources and are facilitated by committed professionals, dedicated to deepening the dialogue and illuminating the key messages​

This is an in person event. We will meet at the YMCA Early Learning Center, 1050 Wayne Street, Olean, NY 14760

In Latina Empowerment Through Leadership, 8 women of color come together to share stories, untold secrets and life lessons about what it truly means to be a mindful leader. You'll see leadership isn't about a job title. Leadership is about perseverance and knowing that you can empower yourself to come through ANY struggle. 

Join us for a lunchtime discussion of this collection of inspiring stories!

Session #1: Tuesday, August 22nd from 1:00-2:00

Session #2: Tuesday, August 29th from 1:00-2:00 

Network Meetings are a virtual space for us all to connect, to share ideas and learn from each other’s experiences in a community setting. This is intended as an opportunity to welcome you to join other leaders in our field for reflection and conversation. Members who are support or directly leading early childhood learning spaces are all welcome. These conversations are held via Zoom. If you’re available, we hope you can join us!

Our summer schedule includes one meeting in July and one meeting in August. Leaders and those aspiring to leadership roles in early childhood are welcome to join us! We're proud to offer a space where family child cares, community based programs, and supporting organizations can all share space together. 

If you have any questions or would like support in registration, please email us at: leadershipinitiative@earlychildhoodny.org

Come out and meet your fellow leaders for great conversations. Make new friends and connect with those that inspire you. Support each other in a safe and supportive environment.

Onward: Cultivating Emotional Resilience in Educators, by Elena Aguilar, is a practical resource for cultivating resilience in educators. The book is based on the author's research in emotional resilience, psychology, systems thinking, and change management and on her decade of testing in schools and offices.

In our professional learning community, you will come together with other leaders in discussion of the habits and dispositions of resilient educators outlined in the book. Habits such as knowing yourself, telling empowering stories, being a learner, and riding the waves of change; dispositions including humor, empowerment, courage, and perseverance; all build resilience in ourselves and in our school communities!

Join the Southern Tier Early Childhood Leadership Initiative and the Regional Quality Stars Improvement Specialists as they support leaders in discussing strategies and quality practices for leaders to create comprehensive professional development systems.  During this three-session learning community participants will engage in collaboration with other regional leaders to define and develop meaningful program-wide and individual models of professional development.

Network Meetings are a virtual space for us all to connect, to share ideas and learn from each other’s experiences in a community setting. This is intended as an opportunity to welcome you to join other leaders in our field for reflection and conversation. Members who are support or directly leading early childhood learning spaces are all welcome. These conversations are held via Zoom. If you’re available, we hope you can join us!

Our summer schedule includes one meeting in July and one meeting in August. Leaders and those aspiring to leadership roles in early childhood are welcome to join us! We're proud to offer a space where family child cares, community based programs, and supporting organizations can all share space together. 

If you have any questions or would like support in registration, please email us at: leadershipinitiative@earlychildhoodny.org

Each of our roles play a meaningful support in the field of Early Childhood. Join us for an upcoming Leadership Panel to hear leaders of different careers describe their journey and their passion for this work. We’ll explore the types of roles needed in our field and reflect on how these different roles weave together to impact the lives of young children. This conversation is ideal for someone who is considering ways to enhance their career path and is interested in learning about all the roles that support early childhood.

How can we dismantle inequities and provide nurturing, responsive care and education to all children?

Don’t Look Away: Embracing Anti-Bias Classrooms leads early childhood professionals to explore and address issues of bias, equity, low expectations, and family engagement to ensure culturally responsive experiences. Importantly, this book will challenge you to consider your perceptions and thought processes.

Session #1: Thursday, July 13th from 3:30-5:00

Session #2: Thursday, July 27th from 3:30-5:00

*Register by June 1st

To receive a copy of the book, include your preferred mailing address with registration.

This summer, members are welcomed to join us to read and discuss the book “Solito” by Javier Zamora. We’ll follow Javier as he recounts his journey as a 9-year-old child migrating from El Salvador to the United States to reunite with his parents. We’ve chosen this book as an opportunity to reflect about the experiences of children migrating from other countries into the US. Many of the communities we support have brave stories of individuals that chose to seek out a new life in the US. We can use the author’s story as a space for processing our learning and reflecting on where else stories like Javier’s are represented in our work.

We are glad to offer this opportunity in English and Spanish. Please register for the language of your choice if you're able to commit to joining us for both online sessions. 

Meeting Dates for cohort reading and meeting in English:

Wednesday, July 12th at 6pm

Wednesday, July 26th at 6pm

If you’re able to attend the discussion dates and would like to register, please email us to join the interest list (leadershipinitiative@earlychildhoodny.org). We’ll confirm registration after everyone has had an opportunity to indicate their interest. Registration includes a copy of the book at no cost to you and participation in our book group discussions.

leadershipinitiative@earlychildhoodny.org 

Este verano, los miembros son bienvenidos a unirse a nosotros para leer y discutir el libro “Solito” de Javier Zamora. Seguiremos a Javier mientras relata su viaje como un niño de 9 años que migra de El Salvador a los Estados Unidos para reunirse con sus padres. Hemos elegido este libro como una oportunidad para reflexionar sobre las experiencias de los niños que migran de otros países a los Estados Unidos. Muchas de las comunidades que apoyamos tienen historias valientes de personas que eligieron buscar una nueva vida en los EE. UU. Podemos usar la historia del autor como un espacio para procesar nuestro aprendizaje y reflexionar sobre dónde más historias como la de Javier están representadas en nuestro trabajo.

Nos complace ofrecer esta oportunidad en inglés y español.

En español:

Lunes, Julio 10, 6pm - 7:30pm

Miercoles, Julio 26, 6pm - 7:30pm

Si puede asistir a las reuniones y desea registrarse, envia un correo electrónico para unirse a la lista de interesados (leadershipinitiative@earlychildhoodny.org). Confirmaremos el registro después de que todos hayan tenido la oportunidad de indicar su interés. La inscripción incluye una copia del libro sin costo para usted y la participación en nuestras discusiones grupales de libros.

leadershipinitiative@earlychildhoodny.org 

This summer, members are welcomed to join us to read and discuss the book “Solito” by Javier Zamora. We’ll follow Javier as he recounts his journey as a 9-year-old child migrating from El Salvador to the United States to reunite with his parents. We’ve chosen this book as an opportunity to reflect about the experiences of children migrating from other countries into the US. Many of the communities we support have brave stories of individuals that chose to seek out a new life in the US. We can use the author’s story as a space for processing our learning and reflecting on where else stories like Javier’s are represented in our work.

We are glad to offer this opportunity in English and Spanish. Please register for the language of your choice if you're able to commit to joining us for both online sessions. 

Meeting Dates for cohort reading and meeting in English:

Wednesday, July 12th at 6pm

Wednesday, July 26th at 6pm

We are pleased to welcome our colleagues from NY Works for Children this July for an informational event to support leaders with the Aspire workforce registration system. This will be an opportunity to learn more about why this system is a valuable tool for our field and how you can use it to support your work. We've designed the content for this session after hearing from Leadership Initiative members about their needs and curiosities. We hope you can join us! 

We are pleased to welcome our colleagues from NY Works for Children this July for an informational event to support leaders with the Aspire workforce registration system. This will be an opportunity to learn more about why this system is a valuable tool for our field and how you can use it to support your work. We've designed the content for this session after hearing from Leadership Initiative members about their needs and curiosities. We hope you can join us! 

Wednesday, July 12th 2023 1:00pm - 2:00pm

The NYC Leadership Initiative and QUALITYstarsNY are proud to partner to offer this series. We welcome leaders to join us for this special learning community to study "Coaching with Powerful Interactions". This text is the work of Judy Jablon, Amy Laura Dombro, and Shaun Johnsen. It is the next step after "Powerful Interactions" for professionals who are supporting staff that lead early childhood instruction in all different learning spaces. If you're looking to join a community and take the next step in applying Powerful Interactions to your practice as a leader, this learning community is for you. We'll consider our stance as leaders, the way we would like to support relationships with our teams, and how the Three Steps of a Powerful Interaction can become deeply rooted in our practice. 

We'll meet for 4 sessions on Zoom to study this material and practice it together in small groups. This learning community is the continuation of our Winter 2023 series "Leading with Powerful Interactions". This opportunity is available to leaders who completed the prior series.

For inquiries and registration, please email: leadershipinitiative@earlychildhoodny.org

We invite you to our next virtual WNY Leadership Initiative Book Group discussion featuring "Quiet Voice Fearless Leader: 10 Principles for Introverts to Awaken the Leader Inside" by Terrance Lee

Have you ever wondered if being an introvert is keeping you from becoming a great leader? Do you desire to grow in your career or business without compromising who you are?

At times it can feel like society labels people with introverted personalities as at least one of the following: quiet, shy, reserved, or timid. While at the same time leaders are described as dominant, talkative, and outgoing.

But what if I told you….that your introversion is your superpower.

Join our two-session book group. We will be providing those who register with a copy of the book. Upon registration we will contact you to obtain your mailing address to send you the book. Registration will be capped at 15, and a waitlist will be made available. Registration will close on Friday, June 2, 2023 to ensure enough time to receive the book and read. Due to a limited number of books available please only register if you can commit to attending and participating fully in both dates (7/11/23 and 7/18/23).

Our summer Book Group selection features "Don't Look Away: Embracing Anti-Bias Classrooms"  by Iheoma U. Iruka, Stephanie M. Curenton, Tonia R. Durden, and Kerry-Ann Escayg.

How can we dismantle inequities and provide nurturing, responsive care and education to all children?

This book leads early childhood professionals to explore and address issues of bias, equity, low expectations, and family engagement to ensure culturally responsive experiences.

Join us as we explore this book and challenge our perceptions and thought processes.

Este verano, los miembros son bienvenidos a unirse a nosotros para leer y discutir el libro “Solito” de Javier Zamora. Seguiremos a Javier mientras relata su viaje como un niño de 9 años que migra de El Salvador a los Estados Unidos para reunirse con sus padres. Hemos elegido este libro como una oportunidad para reflexionar sobre las experiencias de los niños que migran de otros países a los Estados Unidos. Muchas de las comunidades que apoyamos tienen historias valientes de personas que eligieron buscar una nueva vida en los EE. UU. Podemos usar la historia del autor como un espacio para procesar nuestro aprendizaje y reflexionar sobre dónde más historias como la de Javier están representadas en nuestro trabajo.

Nos complace ofrecer esta oportunidad en inglés y español.

En español:

Lunes, Julio 10, 6pm - 7:30pm

Miercoles, Julio 26, 6pm - 7:30pm

“Leadership is hard. Convincing others––and yourself––that you are capable of taking charge and achieving more requires insight and courage. Lead from the Outside is the handbook for outsiders, written with an eye toward the challenges that hinder women, people of color, the working class, members of the LQBTQ community, and millennials ready to make change at work, in politics, and in their own lives.”

Join us for a book group discussion and explore the impactful story of Stacy Abrams, author, entreprenuer, non-profit CEO, and political leader.

Session #1: Wednesday, June 21st from 4:30-6:00

Session #2: Wednesday, June 29th from 4:30-6:00

*Register by May 12th

To receive a copy of the book, include your preferred mailing address with registration.

Our June Book Group features, 'Brave, Not Perfect" by Reshma Saujani. An opportunity to meet peers as we join together to discuss a book that is relevant to our work and home lives.

Network Meetings are a space for us all to connect, to share ideas and learn from each other’s experiences in a community setting. This is intended as an opportunity to welcome you to join other leaders of programs in reflection and conversation who are also supporting and leading family and group family child care spaces. If you’re available, we hope you can join us!

Join us for a cup of coffee and great conversations at our quarterly in person networking event. Bring your challenges and successes to support each other in this wonderful work.

The Western NY Leadership Initiative presents our first 2023 Leadership Panel Discussion. Our panel events focus on different aspect of leadership in Early Childhood Education and feature moderated panel discussions with a diverse group of professionals.  This Leadership Panel Discussion will focus on growing and expanding your Early Childhood program.

This in-person panel discussion, “Expanding and Growing your Program: What does it Entail”, will represent diverse pathways in Early Childhood Leadership; and each will share their career pathways, along with how they decided to expand and grow their Early Childhood program. You will hear from various individuals that grew, opened and expanded their Early Childhood programs. In addition to these individuals you we will be joined by an OCFS reprehensive to share their roll in growing, expanding and opening programs.

In-person at Child Care Resource Network, 1000 Hertel Ave, Buffalo NY 14216

Here's what people are saying about Graceful Leadership in Early Childhood Education, by Ann McClain Terrell:

"A stunningly brilliant book. Ann weaves a personal, poignant, and beautiful story that exudes the authentic grace that is her approach to leadership. Whether you are a practitioner, an administrator, or an advocate starting your career or retirement, read this book so that don't miss the opportunity to be moved and motivated by Ann's work." ~ Rhian Evans Allvin

"How I love this book! Ann's words soothe my heart, restore my faith, and remind me of what matters." ~ Holly Elissa Bruno

Join us for a book group discussion:

Session #1: Monday, May 22nd, 6:30-8:00 PM

Session #2: Monday, June 5th, 6:30-8:00 PM

*Register by April 28th

To receive a copy of the book, include your preferred mailing address with registration.

Come learn about the WNY Leadership Initiative.  The WNY Leadership Initiative started in September 2019, with its first event happening January 2020.  Currently the WNY Leadership Initiative offers various supports, from Networking, Leadership Panel Discussions, Speaker Series and much more.  Come join the WNY Leadership Initiative to learn what supports are offered and get answers to your questions.

event is held 1:00pm-2:00pm

 "Educated"  by Tara  Westover.
Join us on May 17th, 31st and June 14th from 6:30pm - 8:00 pm . This interactive, virtual book group will engage leaders to reflect their personal development as a leader and establish the practice of authenticity.

Born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, Tara Westover was seventeen the first time she set foot in a classroom. Her family was so isolated from mainstream society that there was no one to ensure the children received an education, and no one to intervene when one of Tara’s older brothers became violent. When another brother got himself into college, Tara decided to try a new kind of life. Her quest for knowledge transformed her, taking her over oceans and across continents, to Harvard and to Cambridge University. Only then would she wonder if she’d traveled too far, if there was still a way home.

This Southern Tier Book Group will be limited to the first 15 Southern Tier Leadership Initiative Members.  Those registered will receive a copy of the book at no-cost.  Please register by April 26th to have a copy of the book mailed to you in time for this great discussion.

Join us! We're excited to introduce our Spring Book Club for May 2023. In these sessions, we'll read "The Waymakers" by Tara Jaye Frank together in a small group. We'll meet on Zoom to discuss our experiences reading the text and unpack themes from the book, each participant will receive a free copy of the book. We anticipate this will be a thoughtful and provoking read.

Tara Jaye uses case studies and storytelling to demonstrate our role as leaders in making equity a meaningful part of our workplace. Tara Jaye gives practical examples of how to facilitate changes for equity beyond written policies in a staff handbook. Join us if you're ready to reflect on diversity, inclusion, and the opportunities you hold as a change maker and leader in your learning space.

Network Meetings are a space for us all to connect, to share ideas and learn from each other’s experiences in a community setting. This is intended as an opportunity to welcome you to join other leaders of programs in reflection and conversation who are also supporting and leading family and group family child care spaces. If you’re available, we hope you can join us!

Network Meetings are a virtual space for us all to connect, to share ideas and learn from each other’s experiences in a community setting. This is intended as an opportunity to welcome you to join other leaders in our field for reflection and conversation. Members who are support or directly leading early childhood learning spaces are all welcome. These conversations are held via Zoom. If you’re available, we hope you can join us!

May Meeting Dates: 

May 3, 2023 at 1pm 

May 17, 2023 at 5:30pm 

If you have any questions or would like support in registration, please email us at: leadershipinitiative@earlychildhoodny.org

Network Meetings are a space for us all to connect, to share ideas and learn from each other’s experiences in a community setting. This is intended as an opportunity to welcome you to join other leaders of programs in reflection and conversation who are also supporting and leading family and group family child care spaces. If you’re available, we hope you can join us!

Come learn about the WNY Leadership Initiative.  The WNY Leadership Initiative started in September 2019, with its first event happening January 2020.  Currently the WNY Leadership Initiative offers various supports, from Networking, Leadership Panel Discussions, Speaker Series and much more.  Come join the WNY Leadership Initiative to learn what supports are offered and get answers to your questions.

event is held 6:30pm-7:30pm

A motivational and inspiring guide to wholehearted living, rather than just the average self-help book, with this groundbreaking work Brené Brown, Ph.D., bolsters the self-esteem and personal development process through her characteristic heartfelt, honest storytelling. With original research and plenty of encouragement, she explores the psychology of releasing our definitions of an “imperfect” life and embracing living authentically. Brown’s “ten guideposts”  are benchmarks for authenticity that can help anyone establish a practice for a life of honest beauty—a perfectly imperfect life.

Book groups present an opportunity for members to gather to explore and discuss issues in early childhood and in leadership-- deepening the dialogue and considering key messages in their work.

This Book Group will run virtually on March 16th and April 6th from 6:30pm-8:00pm.

Each registered participant will be mailed a copy of the book.

As a member of the Southern Tier Leadership Initiative, you are invited to join our evening networking meetings on Zoom. Meeting topics are driven by your questions and needs. Participants will send questions in advance of the meeting or come to the meetings with questions, strategies and resources to share, or an interest in listening and learning from others' experiences.  This is a space to share stories, strategies, feelings, ideas, resources, and words of encouragement about leading an early childhood program in the Southern Tier!

This networking event is geared toward family and group family providers, but all program leaders are welcome!

Please join us at Brightside Up on March 22nd for our quarterly in-person networking group. All are welcome! We love meeting new leaders!

We invite you to our next virtual WNY Leadership Initiative Book Group discussion featuring "Brave Not Perfect: Fear less, Fail More, & Live Bolder" by Reshma Saujani

Imagine if you lived without the fear of not being good enough. If you didn’t care how your life looked on Instagram. If you could let go of the guilt and stop beating yourself up for making human mistakes. Imagine if, in every decision you faced, you took the bolder path?
 
As women, too many of us feel crushed under the weight of our own expectations. We run ourselves ragged trying to please everyone, pass up opportunities that scare us, and avoid rejection at all costs.

Join our two-session book group. We will be providing those who register with a copy of the book. Upon registration we will contact you to obtain your mailing address to send you the book. Registration will be capped at 15, and a waitlist will be made available. Registration will close on Friday, February 17, 2023 to ensure enough time to receive the book and read. Due to a limited number of books available please only register if you can commit to attending and participating fully in both dates (3/14/23 and 3/21/23).

Network Meetings are a space for us all to connect, to share ideas and learn from each other’s experiences in a community setting. This is intended as an opportunity to welcome you to join other leaders of programs in reflection and conversation who are also supporting and leading family and group family child care spaces. If you’re available, we hope you can join us!

We welcome early childhood leaders to join us for a time of reflection and self-exploration in this 3-part learning community. In this space, we'll watch "Reflecting on Anti-Bias Education in Action: The Early Years" and in small groups discuss the themes from the film. This work features vignettes of anti-bias strategies for early childhood classrooms and educators throughout reflecting on their practice. We'll have prompts to support our reflections as leaders in this work. Anti-bias education has many entry points for learners of all ages, the authors have created four anti-bias goals to guide us for these sessions. 

Registration for this online series is available to all NYC Leadership Initiative members. Please sign up if you're able to join us for all three sessions. If you're not a member, click here to join! For any questions about this series, we can be reached via email at: leadershipinitiative@earlychildhoodny.org 

The Leadership Initiative is pleased to bring you this opportunity to develop your core business practices. Join Erica Chase-Gregory, Regional Director of the Small Business Development Center at Farmingdale, as she leads a 3-part professional learning community for family and group family providers.

The Leadership Initiative is pleased to bring you this opportunity to develop your core business practices. Join Erica Chase-Gregory, Regional Director of the Small Business Development Center at Farmingdale, as she leads a 3-part professional learning community for family and group family providers.

Join other early childhood leaders as we identify strategies to use for a more productive and balanced life with healthy communication and established expectations. 

Join your peers for great conversations. Share your challenges and successes.

Come learn about the WNY Leadership Initiative.  The WNY Leadership Initiative started in September 2019, with its first event happening January 2020.  Currently the WNY Leadership Initiative offers various supports, from Networking, Leadership Panel Discussions, Speaker Series and much more.  Come join the WNY Leadership Initiative to learn what supports are offered and get answers to your questions.

Wednesday, February 22nd from 12:30pm - 1:30pm (virtual)

Networking groups provide an open space for early childhood leaders to join together to collaborate by sharing thoughts, successes and challenges.

Network Meetings are a space for us all to connect, to share ideas and learn from each other’s experiences in a community setting. This is intended as an opportunity to welcome you to join other leaders of programs in reflection and conversation who are also supporting and leading family and group family child care spaces. If you’re available, we hope you can join us!

What's on your mind? Bring your wonderings and connect with your peers.

Network Meetings are a space for us all to connect, to share ideas and learn from each other’s experiences in a community setting. This is intended as an opportunity to welcome you to join other leaders of programs in reflection and conversation who are also supporting and leading family and group family child care spaces. If you’re available, we hope you can join us!

As a member of the WNY Leadership Initiative you are invited to join our networking meetings. Come network with your peers. Meeting topics are driven by your questions and needs. Participants will send questions in advance of the meeting or come to the meetings with questions, strategies and resources to share, or an interest in listening and learning from others' experiences.  This is a space to share stories, strategies, feelings, ideas, resources, and words of encouragement about leading an early childhood program in WNY.

Networking during the day is from 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Members of the WNY Leadership Initiative are invited to join our networking meetings. Meeting topics are driven by your questions and needs. Participants will send questions in advance of the meeting or come to the meetings with questions, strategies and resources to share or an interest in listening and learning from others' experiences. This is a space to share stories, strategies, feelings, ideas, resources, and words of encouragement about leading an early childhood program in WNY.

Networking in the evening is from 6 to 7 p.m.

As a member of the Finger Lakes Leadership Initiative you are invited to join our monthly virtual networking meetings. Our meetings create a space for you to connect with leaders throughout the region, learn from one another, share stories, strategies, feelings, and resources. Meeting topics are driven by your questions and needs. This is a time for you to engage with your peers, build relationships, and find inspiration and encouragement as early childhood leaders. 

Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of every month.

NEW THIS YEAR: Afternoon and evening meetings available!

Mark your calendars for our next meeting: Wednesday, January 18th, 2023, 1:00pm - 2:00pm or 6:30pm-7:30 pm

We welcome members of the Leadership Initiative to join us for this special Meet & Greet with instructional leadership team members of the Department of Early Childhood Education. We’ll learn more about trends they are seeing in our field and where the work is headed. We’ll also have an opportunity to see the ways each of their roles intertwine to support a cohesive system of quality early care and education in NYC

As a member of the Southern Tier Leadership Initiative, you are invited to join our monthly virtual networking meetings. Meeting topics are driven by your questions and needs. Participants will send questions in advance of the meeting or come to the meetings with questions, strategies and resources to share, or an interest in listening and learning from others' experiences.  This is a space to share stories, strategies, feelings, ideas, resources, and words of encouragement about leading an early childhood program in the Southern Tier region.

Meet your peers and engage in great conversations at our new evening groups

Please join the Southern Tier Regional Coordinator for an information session to find out about the support, resources and programs that the Southern Tier Early Childhood Professional Development Institute's Leadership Initiative has to support you in your leadership journey!  These Information Sessions will go over all the opportunities that we provide to you or an upcoming leader in your program to advance your leadership skills, build networks and provide insight on future programming.  This 30 minute presentation will also have a 30 minute Q&A Session afterward to answer specific questions you may have! 

QUALITYstarsNY & the NYC region of the Leadership Initiative are excited to partner and offer this 4-part Learning Community. This opportunity is available to programs enrolled in QUALITYstarsNY. Participants will have the option to be part of a communal learning experience, strengthening the understanding and use of Powerful Interactions as part of an impactful leadership stance. Each participant will receive a free copy of the second edition of Powerful Interactions. We'll use this text as a guide for our conversations, taking a deep dive into each step of a Powerful Interaction. Sessions will be guided by Leadership Initiative Coaches and Quality Improvement Specialists from QUALITYstarsNY. 

We look forward to welcoming you! You can register by reaching out to your Quality Improvement Specialist or email the Leadership Initiative: leadershipinitiative@earlychildhoodny.org 

QUALITYstarsNY & the NYC region of the Leadership Initiative are excited to partner and offer this 4-part Learning Community. This opportunity is available to programs enrolled in QUALITYstarsNY. Participants will have the option to be part of a communal learning experience, strengthening the understanding and use of Powerful Interactions as part of an impactful leadership stance. Each participant will receive a free copy of the second edition of Powerful Interactions. We'll use this text as a guide for our conversations, taking a deep dive into each step of a Powerful Interaction. Sessions will be guided by Leadership Initiative Coaches and Quality Improvement Specialists from QUALITYstarsNY. 

We look forward to welcoming you! You can register by reaching out to your Quality Improvement Specialist or email the Leadership Initiative: leadershipinitiative@earlychildhoodny.org 

As a member of the NYC Leadership Initiative you are invited to join our biweekly networking meetings. Come network with your peers. Meeting topics are driven by your questions and needs.

As a member of the Central NY Leadership Initiative you are invited to join our monthly virtual networking meetings. Come network with your peers. Meeting topics are driven by your questions and needs. Participants will send questions in advance of the meeting or come to the meetings with questions, strategies and resources to share, or an interest in listening and learning from others' experiences.  This is a space to share stories, strategies, feelings, ideas, resources, and words of encouragement about leading an early childhood program in the Central NY region.

Come learn about the Central NY Early Childhood Leadership Initiative.  The Central NY Leadership Initiative provides support to Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, and Oswego counties.  Currently the Central NY Leadership Initiative provides Networking, Panel Discussions, Learning Communities, Speaker Series and much more including individualized support for our members.  Join the Central NY Early Childhood Leadership Initiative to learn more.

Network Meetings are a space for us all to connect, to share ideas and learn from each other’s experiences in a community setting. This is intended as an opportunity to welcome you to join other leaders of programs in reflection and conversation who are also supporting and leading family and group family child care spaces. If you’re available, we hope you can join us!

Este invierno, los miembros son bienvenidos a unirse a nosotros para leer y discutir el libro "Mi amado mundo" de Sonia Sotomayor, la primera jueza latina en la Corte Suprema de los Estados Unidos. Las discusiones se centrarán en el mensaje de esperanza, crecimiento y determinación de Sonia en la búsqueda del éxito. En su historia, aborda los desafíos de la vulnerabilidad, la pobreza y la inequidad sistemática. A pesar de todo, canaliza sus esfuerzos hacia su pasión por aprender y ayudar a los demás. Los miembros de la Iniciativa de Liderazgo son bienvenidos, este grupo de libros se llevará a cabo principalmente en español.

Los reuniones para este groupo son: 

Jueves, Diciembre 8  - 6pm - 7:30pm 

Martes, Diciembre 20 - 6pm - 7:30pm 

This winter members are welcomed to join us to read and discuss the book "My Beloved World" by Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina justice on the United States Supreme Court. Discussions will focus on Sonia's message of hope, growth, and determination in pursuit of success. In her story, she tackles challenges of vulnerability, poverty, and systematic inequity. Through it all, she channels her efforts towards her passion of learning and helping others. Members of the Leadership Initiative are welcome, this book group will be primarily held in Spanish. 

Internships, field experiences, and student teaching connect future early childhood educators to the profession and cultivate growth in our workforce. As early childhood leaders, you play a critical role in fostering this ‘pipeline to the profession’. Join us for a dynamic panel event and hear from program directors, higher education faculty, and leaders in early career development about how you can create meaningful and sustainable partnerships with preservice teacher programs and support the early childhood community!  

Join our celebration!  Coffee and Connections just for you!

Come learn about the WNY Leadership Initiative.  The WNY Leadership Initiative started in September 2019, with its first event happening January 2020.  Currently the WNY Leadership Initiative offers various supports, from Networking, Leadership Panel Discussions, Speaker Series and much more.  Come join the WNY Leadership Initiative to learn what supports are offered and get answers to your questions.

event is held 1:00pm-2:00pm

Come learn about the WNY Leadership Initiative.  The WNY Leadership Initiative started in September 2019, with its first event happening January 2020.  Currently the WNY Leadership Initiative offers various supports, from Networking, Leadership Panel Discussions, Speaker Series and much more.  Come join the WNY Leadership Initiative to learn what supports are offered and get answers to your questions.

event is held 6:00pm-7:00pm

This virtual panel event will present diverse perspectives, experiences, strategies and resources on “Supporting Diverse Learners in Early Childhood Education Settings”.

We recognize that the system for supporting children outside of general education pathways has been insufficient for a long time, while the demands to provide services for children are more complex than ever. There are many systematic obstacles that can feel defeating, making it difficult to see our ability to be part of a solution.   

This panel conversation will provide a space where we can discuss the processes and challenges of the situation. As well as, discuss the resources and strengths we have to address them.

The Finger Lakes Leadership Initiative presents a Learning Community: “Intentional Leadership with Heart”.  Dr. Lynn M. Lubecki will lead the Learning Community in a 3-part series, using the book “Coaching with Powerful Interactions,” by Judy Joblon, Amy Dombro and Shaun Johnson.

These sessions will focus on the Directors role in supporting their teachers in developing Professional Development Plans.  Individualized plans provide a roadmap for building meaningful relationships with children, families and colleagues and for creating nurturing and stimulating environments.  Discussions will focus on: supportive supervision, strength based feedback, goal setting, and mindful mentoring.

Are you interested in being mentored by an experienced early childhood leader?

Are you interested in mentoring a new early childhood leader?

If so, please join us for an information session regarding the Central NY Leadership Initiative's Mentorship Program. This 30 minute session will provide an overview of the program, the qualifications, roles and responsibilities for mentees and mentors,  and information regarding the application process. A Q&A time will be offered as needed following the session.

Sessions are held Via Zoom

Choose to attend 1 of 3 available sessions on November 29th.

Connecting with a mentor who has experience and expertise to support the effectiveness and goals of early childhood leaders is an essential component of opportunities offered through the Southern Tier  Leadership Initiative.

Mentoring provides the mentee an opportunity to learn from an experienced practitioner how to navigate many of the challenges and decisions faced by early childhood leaders within the context of a confidential and supportive relationship. Mentors benefit through the opportunity to develop their skills in communication, leadership, and adult education, and to share their expertise, contributing to ensuring quality in the early childhood field. Mentor/mentee matches are made on a rolling basis, based on the needs of mentees and our current pool of mentor’s qualifications and experiences.

If you are a member of the Southern Tier Leadership Initiative and are interested in developing your leadership and management skills, exploring careers, developing contacts, and/or identifying resources then mentoring may be the right opportunity for you.

Information Sessions will take place via Zoom.

Sessions will be one-half hour with an option of Q&A session following

Network Meetings are a space for us all to connect, to share ideas and learn from each other’s experiences in a community setting. This is intended as an opportunity to welcome you to join other leaders of programs in reflection and conversation who are also supporting and leading family and group family child care spaces. If you’re available, we hope you can join us!

Leading an early childhood program is challenging. Stresses and frustrations sometimes take center-stage and weaken our resolve. Leaders who can shift into a stance of appreciation are able to reframe challenges as opportunities and cultivate resilience in themselves and their employees. 

Hear from our panel of early childhood leaders on how they practice acknowledgment, harness the positives, prepare for challenges, and strategically plan through a lens of gratitude.

The Southern Tier Leadership Initiative is proud to present our Fall 2022 Leadership Panel Discussion. These panel events focus on a different aspect of leadership in Early Childhood Education and feature moderated panel discussions with a diverse group of professionals.  This Leadership Panel Discussion will focus on understanding trauma, signs of trauma, strategies for building resilience within and supporting others as a leader.

This virtual panel discussion, “Moving Beyond Surviving: Cultivating a Trauma Responsive Environment Within Your Early Childhood Program," will offer diverse perspectives, experiences, strategies and resources. Our panelist will share information on trauma and supports to build resilience within and strategies to support others.  Our panelists will share their career pathway to their current work, along with understanding the effects of trauma and strategies for leaders to build resilience practices within.

Please join our facilitator, Karen Lawrence, MS Ed, as she leads this crucial conversation with our incredible panelists.

Our Panels are:

• Laura Gates-Weeks, Young Wonders Daycare at the YWCA, Director
• Tracy Lyman, Binghamton University in the Department of Teaching Learning and Educational Leadership and Pyramid Model Master Cadre Trainer
• Bouakham Rosetti, Senior Project Manager with Care Compass Network (CCN) and the Program Director for the CCN Regional Trauma-Informed Care Network (RTIC)
• Trina Zigata, Family Enrichment Network, Infant/Toddler Mental Health Specialist

This in-person panel, “Exploring Leadership Pathways: Voices from our Field," will highlight unique early childhood leadership roles for those considering opportunities outside of programs/schools. Our panelists represent  the Commissioner of the Department of Social Services, a Quality Improvement Specialist, a Technical Assistance/Quality Initiative/Child Care Supply Specialist and  Chief Executive Office of Child Care Resource Network . They will each share their career pathways, how their role has an impact on the field, and the skills, credentials, and dispositions that have helped them to be successful in their respective positions. Attendees will also receive information on how the Early Childhood Career Development Center can help you to explore and navigate your career pathways and transitions.

In-person at the CCNY

217 E. Delavan Ave

Buffalo, NY 14208

Join the Mid-Hudson Leadership Initiative and a team of specialists from QUALITYstarsNY in a three-part professional learning community on how to foster employee retention through onboarding and ongoing leadership action. We will explore the art and science of hiring and onboarding; identify practical strategies for preventing ‘quick-quits’ and getting employees through the critical first months on the job; and cultivate tools for long-term retention such as stay interviews, engagement conversations, and supported goal-setting.

Tuesday, November 15th, 3:30-4:30: Part 1 - The Art and Science of Hiring and Onboarding

Tuesday, November 29th, 3:30-4:30: Part 2 - The First 90-Days: A Critical Retention Window

Tuesday, December 13th, 3:30-4:30: Part 3 - Sustaining Quality Engagement

The Central NY Leadership Initiative has been invited to join in on the Southern Tier Leadership Initiatives presentation of their Fall 2022 Leadership Panel Discussion. Panel events focus on a different aspect of leadership in Early Childhood Education and feature moderated panel discussions with a diverse group of professionals.  This Leadership Panel Discussion will focus on understanding trauma, signs of trauma, strategies for building resilience within and supporting others as a leader.

This virtual panel discussion, “Moving Beyond Surviving: Cultivating a Trauma Responsive Environment Within Your Early Childhood Program," will offer diverse perspectives, experiences, strategies and resources. Our panelist will share information on trauma and supports to build resilience within and strategies to support others.  Our panelists will share their career pathway to their current work, along with understanding the effects of trauma and strategies for leaders to build resilience practices within.

Please join our facilitator, Karen Lawrence, MS Ed, as she leads this crucial conversation with our incredible panelists.

Our Panels are:

• Laura Gates-Weeks, Young Wonders Daycare at the YWCA, Director
• Tracy Lyman, Binghamton University in the Department of Teaching Learning and Educational Leadership and Pyramid Model Master Cadre Trainer
• Bouakham Rosetti, Senior Project Manager with Care Compass Network (CCN) and the Program Director for the CCN Regional Trauma-Informed Care Network (RTIC)
• Trina Zigata, Family Enrichment Network, Infant/Toddler Mental Health Specialist

Courageous Leadership: "Daring Greatly and Rising Strong at Work."

An important role of any leader is growing and nurturing the development of up-and-coming leaders within the field. Leaders with innovative succession planning practices cultivate a new generation of leaders by strategically creating opportunities for employees to explore leadership responsibilities. Hear from a panel of experienced early childhood leaders on how to:

· Plan leadership development for the next generation

· Establish a strategic process for succession planning

· Leverage succession planning as a staff retention tool

· Explore the technical and adaptive challenges of succession planning

Please join us to engage in great conversations with other early childhood leaders in our area. 

panel events focus on different aspects of leadership in Early Childhood Education and feature moderated panel discussions with a diverse group of professionals. 
 

This virtual panel, “Voices from the Field: Exploring Pathways to Leadership", will highlight unique early childhood leadership roles for those considering opportunities outside of programs/schools.

Our panelists will represent diverse pathways in Early Childhood Leadership; and each will share their career pathways, how their role has impact on the field, and the skills, credentials, and dispositions that have helped them be successful in their respective positions.

panel events focus on different aspects of leadership in Early Childhood Education and feature moderated panel discussions with a diverse group of professionals. 
 

This virtual panel, “Exploring Leadership Pathways: Voices From Our Field”, will highlight unique early childhood leadership roles for those considering opportunities outside of programs/schools.

Our panelists will represent diverse pathways in Early Childhood Leadership; and each will share their career pathways, how their role has impact on the field, and the skills, credentials, and dispositions that have helped them be successful in their respective positions.

Are you interested in being mentored by an experienced early childhood leader?

Are you interested in mentoring a new early childhood leader?

If so, please join us for an information session regarding the Finger Lakes Leadership Initiative's Mentorship Program. This 30 minute session will provide an overview of the program, the qualifications, roles and responsibilities for mentees and mentors,  and information regarding the application process.

We invite you to our next virtual WNY Leadership Initiative Book Group discussion featuring "Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself" by Nedra Glover Tawwab.

Set Boundaries, Find Peace presents simple-yet-powerful ways to establish healthy boundaries in all aspects of life. Join our book discussion group with other early childhood leaders to identify strategies to use for a more productive and balanced school year with healthy communication and established expectations. 

Join our two-session book group. We will be providing those who register with a copy of the book. Upon registration we will contact you to obtain your mailing address to send you the book. Registration will be capped at 15, and a waitlist will be made available. Due to a limited number of books available please only register if you can commit to attending and participating fully in both dates (10/19/22 and 10/26/22).

The Southern Tier Early Childhood Leadership Initiative is proud to present a film screening and discussion, featuring the film "Resilience: The Biology of Stress & The Science of Hope."  The event will include a screening of the film followed by a interactive discussion with Karen Roseman, MS, Ed. The event will be hosted live over Zoom. 

Join us to discuss the SCR clearance process. Robin Beller will share suggestions and recommendations to successfully complete your new hire packet to avoid delays in the hiring process. 

Júntese con nosotros para hablar sobre el proceso de autorización en el sistema SCR. Robin Beller estará presente para darles sugerencias y recomendaciones para navegar el proceso de contratación y evitar retrasos en el proceso. 

This is a Long Island event.

Please join the Southern Tier Leadership Initiative in this three-part Learning Community on the NAEYC book, "Advancing Equity and Embracing Diversity in Early Childhood Education." Co-facilitated by Kate Canino, MScED, participants will focus on the NAEYC  Advancing Equity in Early Childhood Education"  Position Statement and review the 'voices' in the book that guide leaders to reflect on equity, understand and evaluate responsive pedagogical practices for their programs, and how to move forward as a profession to create environments of inclusion for their staff, children and families.  This Learning Community will be limited to the first 15 participants and each participant will get a copy of the book.  Please register by November 7th to ensure you receive your materials on time!

Guest Facilitator: Kate Canino, MS, Ed.

This event will be virtual via zoom.

Featured Topic: Employee Retention in Your Early Childhood Program: The Staying Power of Engagement Conversations

Join the Mid-Hudson Leadership Initiative as we meet over coffee and hear Mary Ann Masarech speak on Engagement Conversations. Engagement Conversations are a powerful tool for cultivating relationships and enhancing employee retention. Employees find reasons to stay with their organization when they feel respected, valued, and heard by their leader.

In this dynamic Mid-Hudson Leadership Initiative Speaker Series Event, author, speaker, and seasoned human resource consultant, Mary Ann Masarech shares her expertise and leads a reflective discussion about the role of engagement conversations in employee satisfaction and retention. 

 In this session you will:

Join us as we explore this book and challenge our unconscious bias. We enter into this space knowing we each have biases. Together, we'll join in a safe space to reflect and identify how they show up. From the authors - "How can we dismantle inequities and provide nurturing, responsive care and education to all children?" This book will lead us in conversation exploring equity, bias, and creating culturally responsive learning environments. 

Join the Leadership Initiative & QUALITYstarsNY Long Island Specialists in a three-part series learning community. We will explore how to think about your policies and procedures; the importance of cultivating relationships; and ways to mentor and build a cadre of leaders in your program. 

Handouts and reading material will be emailed to participants once they register for the series.

Join us to discuss the SCR clearance process. Robin Beller will share suggestions and recommendations to successfully complete your new hire packet to avoid delays in the hiring process. 

Join us! We are honored to host Rhian Evans Allvin for this special state-wide edition of the Leadership Initiative Speaker Series. Come to learn about Rhian's exciting journey as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). She served the NAEYC community for over a decade, supporting an increase in membership and bringing strong leadership to the policy advocacy arm of NAEYC's work. During Rhian's tenure, NAEYC released three position statements on equity in early childhood education and convened the Power to the Profession initiative. We'll have the opportunity to learn more about Rhian's leadership philosophy, lessons learned, and her insight on our field at this event. We hope to see you there!  

What's on your mind? Come chat with peers and examine your wonderings together.

Join the Leadership Initiative & QUALITYstarsNY Long Island Specialists in a three-part series learning community. We will explore how to think about your policies and procedures; the importance of cultivating relationships; and ways to mentor and build a cadre of leaders in your program. 

Handouts and reading material will be emailed to participants once they register for the series.

As a member of the WNY Leadership Initiative you are invited to join our networking meetings. Come network with your peers. Meeting topics are driven by your questions and needs. Participants will send questions in advance of the meeting or come to the meetings with questions, strategies and resources to share, or an interest in listening and learning from others' experiences.  This is a space to share stories, strategies, feelings, ideas, resources, and words of encouragement about leading an early childhood program in WNY.

As a member of the WNY Leadership Initiative you are invited to join our networking meetings. Come network with your peers. Meeting topics are driven by your questions and needs. Participants will send questions in advance of the meeting or come to the meetings with questions, strategies and resources to share, or an interest in listening and learning from others' experiences.  This is a space to share stories, strategies, feelings, ideas, resources, and words of encouragement about leading an early childhood program in WNY.

This Leadership Panel Discussion welcomes a group of individuals that  work in various roles of  Early  Intervention process. This panel will share about the process of early intervention, from observation, documentation, and working together to support the development of each child. Each individual plays an important role in a young child's life. We hope you will join us on Wednesday, September 21st, from 1:00pm-2:30pm for this virtual event.

As a member of the Mid-Hudson Leadership Initiative, you are invited to join our monthly networking meetings. Our meetings create a space for you to connect with leaders throughout the region, learn from one another, share stories, strategies, feelings, and resources. Meeting topics are driven by your questions and needs. This is a time for you to engage with your peers, build relationships, and find inspiration and encouragement as early childhood leaders. 

We welcome members of our community to join us for a discussion and reflection on the strengths built over the last two years that have equipped us for Fall 2022. We’ll consider both what has changed and what has remained the same in our field from a leadership lens. We’ll reflect on how our disposition as leaders has strengthened and how that impacts our learning environments. Panelists include guests from multiple roles of leadership of different types of learning settings in NYC. This event will be held virtually. 

• Michelle Boyd, Assistant Director, Easter Seals
• Shana Hewitt, General Manager of Schools, Vivvi
• Mabel Perlera, Director of Preschool Programs, FirstStep
• Moderator: Jasmin Corniel, Founding Director, Little Scholars

Please join the Southern Tier Leadership Initiative in our Fall Book Group: Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself, by Nedra Glover Tawwab.  This event is co-facilitated by Kristine Morseman, Director of My Place: A Play and Learning Center in Watkins Glen and Christine Duffy-Webb, Regional Coordinator.  This is a great two day evening event that will explore this incredible New York Times Best Selling books that "End the struggle, speak up for what you need, and experience the freedom of being truly yourself. 

Nedra Glover Tawwab is a licensed counselor and sought after relationship expert and this book group will explore Healthy boundaries and "how to create have them--in order to achieve work/life balance, cope with toxic people, and enjoy rewarding relationships with partners, friends, and family."  

This book group will focus on how to really invest in yourself - as the new school year begins and as well as to set you up for the new you for 2023!  Participants are limited to 15 and will receive a book at no-cost.  The deadline for signing up will be August 1st and the books will be mailed out in early-August for ample time for reading and full-participation for our two-evening discussion!

Get ready to create those healthy boundaries and focus on both your personal and leadership goals!

Join us for an evening book discussion to feel inspired as we examine the compilation of 8 individual stories of empowerment. Free books will be sent to participants. 

Come learn about the WNY Leadership Initiative.  The WNY Leadership Initiative started in September 2019, with its first event happening January 2020.  Currently the WNY Leadership Initiative offers various supports, from Networking, Leadership Panel Discussions, Speaker Series and much more.  Come join the WNY Leadership Initiative to learn what supports are offered and get answers to your questions.

event is held 1:00pm-2:00pm

Leadership is not about a job title. Leadership is about perseverance and knowing that you can empower yourself and come through any struggle. It’s about knowing that “your place” is wherever you want it to be, as long as you’re willing to put in the work to get there. Leadership is a journey and choice.

Join us this summer for an inspirational discussion of the book: Latina Empowerment Through Leadership: Mindful Stories from Inspiring Women. This collection of stories showcases the struggles, insecurities, and triumphs of 8 incredible women who challenge our thinking, take us out of our comfort zones, and teach us about rising above adversity to make a positive impact through leadership. 

Register by July 22nd to receive a complementary copy of the book.

1st session, Wednesday, August 24th from 7:00-8:00 PM

2nd session, TBD

Join our monthly networking events for great conversations and connections.

"Courage is contagious. Every time we choose courage, we make everyone around us a little better and the world a little braver"
-Brené Brown
Dare to Lead has been praised as a road map for anyone who wants to lead mindfully and love bravely. Readers describe Brené's writing as honest and straightforward, giving actionable tools to enhance bravery in our lives and in our work. 

The Southern Tier and the Finger Lakes Leadership Initiative is offering a summer speaker series for early childhood directors and leaders on the topic of Leading and Sustaining Inclusive Workplace Cultures.

We would like to welcome our distinguished speaker, Raji Ramanan.  Raji is a SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional in HR) in the US, a Certified Human Resource Executive (CHRE) from Canada and a Global Human Resources Professional (GPHR) designation in HR by HRCI.

Raji will discuss the entire Human Resources 'Lifecycle" from and through the lens of inclusivity.  She will discuss strategies of recruitment, onboarding, policies and professional development to create work environments that support Diversity, Inclusion and Equity for your staff.  

The Finger Lakes and Southern Tier Leadership Initiatives are offering a summer speaker series for early childhood directors and leaders on the topic of Leading and Sustaining Inclusive Workplace Cultures.

We would like to welcome our distinguished speaker, Raji Ramanan.  Raji is a SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional in HR) in the US, a Certified Human Resource Executive (CHRE) from Canada and a Global Human Resources Professional (GPHR) designation in HR by HRCI.

Raji will discuss the entire Human Resources 'Lifecycle" from and through the lens of inclusivity.  She will discuss strategies of recruitment, onboarding, policies and professional development to create work environments that support Diversity, Inclusion and Equity for your staff. 

The Child Care Resource Network and the WNY Leadership Initiative have collaborated to present the upcoming, in person, Leadership Panel Discussion “Understanding Trauma to Build Resilience Within and Supporting Others as Leaders”.  Our panelist will share information on trauma and supports to build resilience within and strategies to support others.  Our panelists with share their career pathway to their current work, along with the understanding the effects of trauma and strategies for leaders to build resilience practices within.

Location: Buffalo History Museum, One Museum Court (Corner of Elmwood Ave and Nottingham Terr), Buffalo, NY  14216

"Leadership is hard. Convincing others—and yourself—that you are capable of taking charge and achieving more requires insight and courage."  

"Lead from the Outside discusses candidly what Stacey has learned over the course of her impressive career in politics, business and the nonprofit world: that differences in race, gender, and class provide vital strength, which we can employ to rise to the top and create real and lasting change."

Book groups present an opportunity for members to gather to explore and discuss issues in early childhood and in leadership-- deepening the dialogue and considering key messages in their work.

Book Group will run virtually on August 3rd and August 24th from 6:30pm-8:00pm.

Each registered participant will be mailed a copy of the book.

Come learn about the Central NY Early Childhood Leadership Initiative.  The Central NY Leadership Initiative provides support to Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, and Oswego counties.  Currently the Central NY Leadership Initiative provides Networking, Panel Discussions, Learning Communities, Speaker Series and much more including individualized support for our members.  Join the Central NY Early Childhood Leadership Initiative to learn more.

Meet with us to learn more about the Leadership Initiative and how you can join us to engage with peers and develop professionally.

Our next book group will feature:
 "Educated"  by Tara  Westover.
Join us on July 19th and July 26th from 6:00pm-7:30pm . This interactive, virtual book group will engage leaders to reflect their personal development as a leader and establish the practice of authenticity.

Born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, Tara Westover was seventeen the first time she set foot in a classroom. Her family was so isolated from mainstream society that there was no one to ensure the children received an education, and no one to intervene when one of Tara’s older brothers became violent. When another brother got himself into college, Tara decided to try a new kind of life. Her quest for knowledge transformed her, taking her over oceans and across continents, to Harvard and to Cambridge University. Only then would she wonder if she’d traveled too far, if there was still a way home.

"The Gifts of Imperfection, Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are"  by Brene Brown.

A motivational and inspiring guide to wholehearted living, rather than just the average self-help book, with this groundbreaking work Brené Brown, Ph.D., bolsters the self-esteem and personal development process through her characteristic heartfelt, honest storytelling. With original research and plenty of encouragement, she explores the psychology of releasing our definitions of an “imperfect” life and embracing living authentically. Brown’s “ten guideposts”  are benchmarks for authenticity that can help anyone establish a practice for a life of honest beauty—a perfectly imperfect life.

Facilitated discussion of leadership books
Book groups present an opportunity for members to gather to discuss leadership publications and resources and are facilitated by committed professionals, dedicated to deepening the dialogue and illuminating the key messages​

Please register for a Book Group, as there is limited space.

Participants will be provided a FREE copy of  "The Gifts of Imperfection, Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are"  by Brene Brown

Join us! We are reading the memoir of Elaine Welteroth, a barrier-breaking leader of multiple levels. We'll take a deeper dive into her childhood stories as she navigates a biracial household and her ongoing exploration of self identity that follows her into adulthood. She faces societal barriers head on and openly shares the joys and pains of her experience. Elaine finds her voice as a leader and quiets her self-doubt while venturing into new roles.

This virtual panel will offer diverse perspectives on how women leaders of color have navigated their leadership journey.  This panel will discuss ways program leaders can create inclusive spaces where everyone’s voice and strengths are valued, identify leadership qualities and promote opportunities for growth, and discuss strategies for recruiting and mentoring educators to take on leadership roles within the profession. We will learn from the experiences and perspectives of an early childhood director, group family childcare owner, CEO and owner of early childhood programs, and an early childhood educator/professor in early childhood.  Our panelists will also share their career pathways and what has led them to this work.  Attendees will walk away with important considerations and strategies for leadership, program culture and building leadership from within.

The Leadership Initiative is happy to welcome our colleagues from QUALITYstarsNY for this exclusive info session for members of the Leadership Initiative. Come to learn more about this program and have your questions answered by QUALITYstarsNY team members from the NYC area. QUALITYstarsNY is coordinated by the New York Early Childhood Professional Development Institute within the City University of New York (CUNY), which is also home to the Leadership Initiative! This is a great way to take advantage of all we have to offer.

Connect, Collaborate, Build Communities

"The Gifts of Imperfection, Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are"  by Brene Brown.

A motivational and inspiring guide to wholehearted living, rather than just the average self-help book, with this groundbreaking work Brené Brown, Ph.D., bolsters the self-esteem and personal development process through her characteristic heartfelt, honest storytelling. With original research and plenty of encouragement, she explores the psychology of releasing our definitions of an “imperfect” life and embracing living authentically. Brown’s “ten guideposts”  are benchmarks for authenticity that can help anyone establish a practice for a life of honest beauty—a perfectly imperfect life.

Facilitated discussion of leadership books
Book groups present an opportunity for members to gather to discuss leadership publications and resources and are facilitated by committed professionals, dedicated to deepening the dialogue and illuminating the key messages​

Please register for a Book Group, as there is limited space.

This event will be Co-Facilitated by Laura Gates-Weeks, Director, Young Wonders at the Binghamton YWCA

Participants will be provided a FREE copy of  "The Gifts of Imperfection, Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are"  by Brene Brown

The WNY Leadership Initiative invites you to the upcoming Speaker Series focusing on Recruitment, Retention and Onboarding. The last few years have brought much change in the hiring process, between Covid-19 and the Great Resignation.  As families return to the work force, they will be relying on Early Childhood Education programs.  Are you ready? Do you have the staff? Have you reviewed your hiring practices? Come reflect upon your current practice and what changes you may wish to bring. Lisa Stefanie from Triple Track HR Partners will lead us though the practices of Recruitment, Retention and Onboard with a new lens. Come join us on June 10th from 1:00pm-2:30pm for this virtual Speaker Series.

Friday, June 10th from 1:00pm-2:30pm

The Southern Tier and WNY Leadership Initiatives invite you to the upcoming Speaker Series focusing on Recruitment, Retention and Onboarding. The last few years have brought much change in the hiring process, between Covid-19 and the Great Resignation.  As families return to the work force, they will be relying on Early Childhood Education programs.  Are you ready? Do you have the staff? Have you reviewed your hiring practices? Come reflect upon your current practice and what changes you may wish to bring. Lisa Stefanie from Triple Track HR Partners will lead us though the practices of Recruitment, Retention and Onboard with a new lens. Come join us on June 10th from 1:00pm-2:30pm for this virtual Speaker Series.

Onward: Cultivating Emotional Resilience in Educators, by Elena Aguilar, is a practical resource for cultivating resilience in educators. The book is based on the author's research in emotional resilience, psychology, systems thinking, and change management and on her decade of testing in schools and offices.

In our professional learning community, you will come together with other leaders in discussion of the habits and dispositions of resilient educators outlined in the book. Habits such as knowing yourself, telling empowering stories, being a learner, and riding the waves of change; dispositions including humor, empowerment, courage, and perseverance; all build resilience in ourselves and in our school communities!

Come learn about the WNY Leadership Initiative.  The WNY Leadership Initiative started in September 2019, with its first event happening January 2020 with Ann McClain Terrell.  Currently the WNY Leadership Initiative offers various supports, from Networking, Leadership Panel Discussions, Speaker Series and much more.  Come join the WNY Leadership Initiative to learn what supports are offered and get answers to your questions.

event is held 1:00pm-2:00pm

We invite you to our next virtual Book Group discussion featuring "Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself" by Nedra Glover Tawwab.

Set Boundaries, Find Peace presents simple-yet-powerful ways to establish healthy boundaries in all aspects of life. Join our book discussion group with other early childhood leaders to identify strategies to use for a more productive and balanced school year with healthy communication and established expectations. 

Join our two-session book group. We will be providing those who register with a copy of the book. Upon registration we will contact you to obtain your mailing address to send you the book. Registration will be capped at 15, and a waitlist will be made available. Due to a limited number of books available please only register if you can commit to attending and participating fully in both dates (5/18/22 and 6/8/22).

This virtual panel, “Exploring Leadership Pathways: Voices from the Field," will highlight unique early childhood leadership roles for those considering opportunities outside of programs/schools.

Our panelists represent a Children and Family Services Specialist, Early Childhood Career Advisor, a Childcare Supervisor & Trainer, and a Quality Improvement Specialist. They will each share their career pathways, how their role has an impact on the field, and the skills, credentials, and dispositions that have helped them to be successful in their respective positions.

We invite you to our next virtual Book Group discussion featuring 
"How Full is Your Bucket" by Tom Rath and Donald O. Clifton.  

Organized around a simple metaphor of a dipper and a bucket, How Full Is Your Bucket? shows how even the smallest interactions we have with others every day profoundly affect our relationships, productivity, health and longevity. It will immediately help readers boost the amount of positive emotions in their work and their lives.

Registration will be capped at 15, and a waitlist will be made available. Due to a limited number of books available please only register if you can commit to attending and participating fully. Register no later than March 15, 2022

Over the last few months, there has been an increased focus on investment in early childhood care.  With new federal and state investments, WNY leaders should examine their business practices. We are launching our first learning community focused on calculating the true cost of care. In these sessions, leaders will examine their program costs by age group and identify the "gap" between program expenses, cost per child, and teacher salary.  Erica Chase will lead the group to explore trends and discuss ways in which leaders can strengthen their business practices to ensure stability for their programs.  We plan to have our first meeting Thursday, May 5th.   Please note this event has a limited number of seats and is exclusive for family child care and group family child care Leadership Initiative members.

Over the last few months, there has been an increased focus on investment in early childhood care.  With new federal and state investments, Central NY leaders should examine their business practices. We are launching our first learning community focused on calculating the true cost of care. In these sessions, leaders will examine their program costs by age group and identify the "gap" between program expenses, cost per child, and teacher salary.  Erica Chase will lead the group to explore trends and discuss ways in which leaders can strengthen their business practices to ensure stability for their programs.  We plan to have our first meeting Thursday, May 5th.   Please note this event has a limited number of seats and is exclusive for family child care and group family child care Leadership Initiative members.

Over the past few months, there has been an increased focus on investment in early childhood care. With new federal and state investments, Finger Lakes leaders should examine their business practices. We are launching our first learning community focused on calculating the true cost of care.

In these sessions, leaders will examine their program costs by age group and identify the "gap" between program expenses, cost per child, and provider salary. Erica Chase will lead the group to explore trends and discuss ways in which leaders can strengthen their business practices to ensure stability for their programs. Our first meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 5th.

*Please note that this event has a limited number of seats and is exclusive for family and group family child care Leadership Initiative Members.

Over the last few months, there has been an increased focus on investment in early childhood care.  With new federal and state investments, Southern Tier leaders should examine their business practices. We are launching our first learning community focused on calculating the true cost of care. In these sessions, leaders will examine their program costs by age group and identify the "gap" between program expenses, cost per child, and teacher salary.  Erica Chase will lead the group to explore trends and discuss ways in which leaders can strengthen their business practices to ensure stability for their programs.  We plan to have our first meeting Thursday, May 5th.   Please note this event has a limited number of seats and is exclusive for family child care and group family child care Leadership Initiative members.  If you have any questions, please contact Christine at Christine.Duffy-Webb@cuny.edu

The WNY Leadership Initiative along with QualityStarsNY presents a Learning Community: “Intentional Leadership with Heart”.  Dr. Lynn M. Lubecki will lead the Learning Community in a 3-part series, using the book “Coaching with Powerful Interactions,” by Judy Joblon, Amy Dombro and Shaun Johnson.  These sessions will focus on the Directors role in supporting their teachers in developing Professional Development Plans.  Individualized plans provide a roadmap for building meaningful relationships with children, families and colleagues and for creating nurturing and stimulating environments.  Discussions will focus on: supportive supervision, strength based feedback, goal setting, and mindful mentoring. 

The Mid-Hudson Leadership Initiative is pleased to bring you a valuable opportunity to develop your core business practices. Join Erica Chase-Gregory​, Regional Director of the Small Business Development Center at Farmingdale, as she leads a 3-part professional learning community where you will:  

• Build a strong business foundation
• Evaluate how legal structures and tax rules impact your business
• Calculate the true cost of care for each child in your program 
• Analyze market rate and what it means for your business
• Create a record keeping and budgeting system
• Identify community resources to support next steps in making informed business decisions 

Please note this event has a limited number of seats and is exclusive for family child care and group family child care Leadership Initiative members. 

The Leadership Initiative is pleased to bring you this opportunity to develop your core business practices. Join Erica Chase-Gregory, Regional Director of the Small Business Development Center at Farmingdale, as she leads a 3-part professional learning community where you will: 

·       Build a strong business foundation
·       Evaluate how legal structures and tax rules impact your business
·       Calculate the true cost of care for each child in your program 
·       Analyze market rate and what it means for your business
·       Create a record keeping and budgeting system
·       Identify community resources to support next steps in making informed business decisions 

The Capital District Leadership Initiative is pleased to bring you this opportunity for you to develop your core business practices. Join Erica Chase-Gregory, Regional Director of the Small Business Center at Farmingdale, as she leads a 3-part professional learning community geared for home-based childcare programs.

The Capital Region is pleased to bring you this opportunity to develop your core business practices. Join Erica Chase-Gregory, Regional Director of the Small Business Development Center at Farmingdale, as she leads this 3-part learning community.

The NYC Department of Education's Deputy Chancellor of Early Childhood Education, Dr. Kara Ahmed will share her perspective on leadership and how her career has developed. She'll also share with us her vision for early childhood in NYC.

Dr. Ahmed is known for leading with grace and a dedication to excellence for every child and each family. We are excited to welcome her for the spring Speaker Series.

The event will take place in downtown Manhattan. All guests will need to show photo ID and proof of vaccination.

The Leadership Initiative has officially launched in the Capital District region! Come to one of our virtual information sessions to learn how the Leadership Initiative can support you in your work as a leader of early childhood programs in our region. All current and aspiring leaders are welcome to attend. Learn about our various professional development opportunities, resources to support you, as well as how to stay connected and become a member. The first 10 individuals to complete a Leadership Initiative profile will receive a free NAEYC membership (details will be shared at the info session!)  Also please come to share with us your unique perspectives and needs as a leader and which supports would be most helpful to you. 

 The Mid-Hudson NY Early Childhood Leadership Initiative is proud to present an exciting Speaker Series Event featuring executive leadership coach and business performance consultant, Kathy Meany. This event will engage women entrepreneurs and leaders in amplifying their success!

Please join us for a dynamic conversation with Kathy as she shares her depth of expertise in coaching leaders to reach new heights. Participants will reflect on their leadership challenges, consider strategies to bolster confidence and composure in interactions with board members and senior executives, and examine and embrace the role of risk-taking as visionary leaners and entrepreneurs.  

"The Gifts of Imperfection, Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are"  by Brene Brown.

A motivational and inspiring guide to wholehearted living, rather than just the average self-help book, with this groundbreaking work Brené Brown, Ph.D., bolsters the self-esteem and personal development process through her characteristic heartfelt, honest storytelling. With original research and plenty of encouragement, she explores the psychology of releasing our definitions of an “imperfect” life and embracing living authentically. Brown’s “ten guideposts”  are benchmarks for authenticity that can help anyone establish a practice for a life of honest beauty—a perfectly imperfect life.

Facilitated discussion of leadership books
Book groups present an opportunity for members to gather to discuss leadership publications and resources and are facilitated by committed professionals, dedicated to deepening the dialogue and illuminating the key messages​

Please register for a Book Group, as there is limited space.

Participants will be provided a FREE copy of  "The Gifts of Imperfection, Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are"  by Brene Brown

This workshop will cover a broad range of legal issues that small business owners typically confront, including entity selection and formation, human resources, and intellectual property. Participants will have an opportunity to join Volunteers of Legal Service after the meeting to apply for ongoing services. This workshop is ideal for anyone looking for guidance on the laws and regulations of their business or for leaders who want to form a relationship with a strategic partner. 

Our March Book Group features Brené Brown's Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. As a member of the Mid-Hudson Leadership Initiative, you are invited to come together with other leaders and future leaders in our region to explore the power of empathy, connection, and courage in  leadership. 

"When we dare to lead, we don’t pretend to have the right answers; we stay curious and ask the right questions. We don’t see power as finite and hoard it; we know that power becomes infinite when we share it with others. We don’t avoid difficult conversations and situations; we lean into vulnerability when it’s necessary to do good work." ~ Brené Brown

Register by January 31st to secure your space and a complementary copy of the book.

As copies of the book are limited, participants are asked to commit to attending both sessions.

Family/Group Family Providers - Please join us for a facilitated discussion of leadership book, "Graceful Leadership in Early Childhood Education"

We welcomed NAEYC President  Ann Terrell at our Southern Tier Speaker Series Launch of our Leadership Initiative back in 2021!  Ann provided our audience with captivating discussions of the qualities of the contemporary leader in Early Childhood Education.  We began our reflection as leaders and our personal leadership journeys. We will continue these discussions to build a deep understanding of the topics during our three-part Book Group Series.  

Book groups present an opportunity for members to gather to discuss leadership publications and resources and are facilitated by committed professionals, dedicated to deepening the dialogue and illuminating the key messages​ of the book!  

Those registered for this event will be provided with a FREE copy of Ann's book to engage and discuss the topic of leadership and how to apply it in your own work environment.  To ensure prompt arrival of your book, please register by April 15th, 2023 *This event is only for Leadership Initiative Family/ Group members from the Southern Tier and Central NY

Sessions will take place via Zoom on Wednesdays: May 10th, May 24th and June 7th from 6:30 - 8:00 pm

We invite you to our next virtual Book Group discussion featuring 
"How Full is Your Bucket" by Tom Rath and Donald O. Clifton.  

Organized around a simple metaphor of a dipper and a bucket, How Full Is Your Bucket? shows how even the smallest interactions we have with others every day profoundly affect our relationships, productivity, health and longevity. It will immediately help readers boost the amount of positive emotions in their work and their lives.

Registration will be capped at 15, and a waitlist will be made available. Due to a limited number of books available please only register if you can commit to attending and participating fully. Register no later than January 31, 2022

Please join us for a facilitated discussion of the leadership book, "Graceful Leadership in Early Childhood Education" by Ann McClain Terrell.

We welcomed NAEYC President Ann Terrell at our Speaker Series in December 2021.  Ann provided our audience with captivating discussions of the qualities of the contemporary leader in Early Childhood Education.  We began our reflection as leaders and our personal leadership journeys. We will continue these discussions to build a deep understanding of the topics during our two-part Book Group Series.  

Sessions will take place via Zoom on Wednesday, March 2nd and 16th from 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm.

Those who register will be provided with a FREE copy of the book. *This event is only for Leadership Initiative members from the Long Island region.

We invite you to our next virtual Book Group discussion featuring 
"How Full is Your Bucket" by Tom Rath and Donald O. Clifton.  

Organized around a simple metaphor of a dipper and a bucket, How Full Is Your Bucket? shows how even the smallest interactions we have with others every day profoundly affect our relationships, productivity, health and longevity. It will immediately help readers boost the amount of positive emotions in their work and their lives.

First meeting is Wednesday, February 23rd, 2022
Second meeting, Wednesday, March 9th, 2022 
Time: 6:30 - 8:00pm
Location: Zoom

Registration will be capped at 15, and a waitlist will be made available. Due to a limited number of books available please only register if you can commit to attending and participating fully. Register no later than February 10th, 2022

We welcome Terrance Lee to join us and speak to his work on core leadership principles that can enhance our stance as leaders. He will share thoughtful insights on being identified as an "introvert" and the misconception that this attribute prevents one from becoming an "ideal" leader. Participants will have an opportunity to reflect on their stance as a leader, hear about principles that can enhance their daily practice in a leadership role, and learn about the inner power introverts bring to every team.

As a member of the Finger Lakes Leadership Initiative you are invited to join our monthly virtual networking meetings. Come network with your peers. Meeting topics are driven by your questions and needs. Participants will send questions in advance of the meeting or come to the meetings with questions, strategies and resources to share, or an interest in listening and learning from others' experiences.  This is a space to share stories, strategies, feelings, ideas, resources, and words of encouragement about leading an early childhood program in the Finger Lakes region.

Second Wednesday of every month, 1:00pm-2:00pm, via Zoom

Please join us for a facilitated discussion of the inspirational leadership book, "Graceful Leadership in Early Childhood Education" by Ann McClain Terrell.

NAEYC President Ann Terrell was the distinguished guest at our recent Mid-Hudson Leadership Initiative Speaker Series event. Ann captivated our audience with insightful discussion of the qualities of the contemporary leader in Early Childhood Education and invited reflection on our personal leadership journeys. Inspired by her grace, we offer our Leadership Initiative members the opportunity to re-energize by joining our first Book Group Series of 2022!

Sessions will take place via Zoom on Thursday, February 3rd, 2022 and Thursday, February 17th, 2022 from 6:30-8:00 PM

Those who register will be provided with a FREE copy of the book!

*This event is only for Leadership Initiative members from the Mid-Hudson region and space is limited to 15 participants.
 

Come learn about the WNY Leadership Initiative.  The WNY Leadership Initiative started in September 2019, with its first event happening January 2020 with Ann McClain Terrell.  Currently the WNY Leadership Initiative offers various supports, from Networking, Leadership Panel Discussions, Speaker Series and much more.  Come join the WNY Leadership Initiative to learn what supports are offered and get answers to your questions.

event is held 1:00pm-2:00pm

We welcome members of our community to join us in a discussion about creating and engaging in a meaningful mentor relationship. In this session, participants will hear about creating and benefiting from a mentor/mentee partnership and thinking about what this commitment will look like. Panelists include guests from multiple disciplines who are both mentors and mentees in formal and informal relationships. If you've considered mentorship or are looking to return to it from a new lens, this is a great place to start your journey!

The WNY Leadership Intiative invites you to join a Learning Community foucsed on the NAEYC book, "Advancing Equity & Embracing Diversity in Early Childhood Education: Elevating Voices & Actions" 
 by Iliana Alanis, Iheoma U. Iruka, with Susan Friedman

This  Learning Community will be faciliated by Candice Thompson from OCFS.

Together, the voices of early childhood educators, scholars, and professionals can sound the call to advance the profession towards more equitable educational experiences, systems and practice for all children.
The book showcases many of tese voices from acrss the field of early childhood education and invites you to think about and discuss ways you can add your own voice to that call.

This learning community will meet monthly for 3 months. Meetings will be from 6:00pm-7:30pm.
January 27th
February 24th
March 31st

Come learn about the WNY Leadership Initiative.  The WNY Leadership Initiative started in September 2019, with its first event happening January 2020 with Ann McClain Terrell.  Currently the WNY Leadership Initiative offers various supports, from Networking, Leadership Panel Discussions, Speaker Series and much more.  Come join the WNY Leadership Initiative to learn what supports are offered and get answers to your questions.

event is held

6:00pm-7:00pm

As a member of the Mid-Hudson Leadership Initiative you are invited to join our monthly networking meetings. Our meetings create a space for you to connect with leaders throughout the region, learn from one another, share stories, strategies, feelings, and resources. Meeting topics are driven by your questions and needs. This is a time for you to engage with your peers, build relationships, and find inspiration and encouragement as early childhood leaders. 

Meetings are held once per month from 7:00-8:00 PM

The Leadership Initiative recently launched in the Mid-Hudson Region and our membership is growing! We support the professional development and success of current and future early childhood leaders in centers, group family day care, and family day care. Attend one of our informational sessions to hear about how you can participate in our programs and special events. 

FALL 2022 Sessions:

Tuesday, October 18th at 11:30 AM

Wednesday, November 16th at 9:30 AM

Monday, December 5th at 3:30 PM

As a member of the WNY Leadership Initiative you are invited to join our networking meetings. Come network with your peers. Meeting topics are driven by your questions and needs. Participants will send questions in advance of the meeting or come to the meetings with questions, strategies and resources to share, or an interest in listening and learning from others' experiences.  This is a space to share stories, strategies, feelings, ideas, resources, and words of encouragement about leading an early childhood program in WNY.

Meetings will start at 6:00pm.

As a member of the Southern Tier Leadership Initiative you are invited to join our monthly virtual networking meetings. Come network with your peers. Meeting topics are driven by your questions and needs. Participants will send questions in advance of the meeting or come to the meetings with questions, strategies and resources to share, or an interest in listening and learning from others' experiences.  This is a space to share stories, strategies, feelings, ideas, resources, and words of encouragement about leading an early childhood program in the Southern Tier  region.

Third Thursday of every month, 1:30pm-2:30pm, via Zoom

As a member of the Central NY Leadership Initiative you are invited to join our monthly virtual networking meetings. Come network with your peers. Meeting topics are driven by your questions and needs. Participants will send questions in advance of the meeting or come to the meetings with questions, strategies and resources to share, or an interest in listening and learning from others' experiences.  This is a space to share stories, strategies, feelings, ideas, resources, and words of encouragement about leading an early childhood program in the Central NY region.

As a member of the WNY Leadership Initiative you are invited to join our networking meetings. Come network with your peers. Meeting topics are driven by your questions and needs. Participants will send questions in advance of the meeting or come to the meetings with questions, strategies and resources to share, or an interest in listening and learning from others' experiences.  This is a space to share stories, strategies, feelings, ideas, resources, and words of encouragement about leading an early childhood program in WNY.

We invite you to our next virtual Book Group discussion featuring "Emotionally Responsive Practice: A Path for Schools That Heal" by Lesley Koplow.

Emotionally Responsive Practice: A Path for Schools That Heal explores the Emotional Responsive Practice approach designed to support children and teachers' well-being. Join our book discussion group with other early childhood leaders to consider the ways educational philosophy and school climate impact emotional, social and cognitive outcomes for young children.

Join our two-session book group. We will be providing those who register with a copy of the book. Upon registration we will contact you to obtain your mailing address to send you the book. Registration will be capped at 15, and a waitlist will be made available. Due to a limited number of books available please only register if you can commit to attending and participating fully in both dates (1/13 and 1/27). Must be working in NYC (five boroughs) to participate.

This virtual panel, “Fostering Staff Wellness in Early Childhood Programs”, will offer diverse perspectives, experiences, strategies and resources on cultivating a program climate and culture that supports the wellness of staff. We know that as leaders of early childhood programs you want your staff to feel fulfilled both personally and professionally and yet it can be so hard to figure out a path forward. This panel conversation will discuss considerations for leaders of early childhood programs on fostering a positive climate for staff in the context of all the complexities we are facing today. Attendees will engage in a thoughtful conversation with the panelists. 

Join us on Zoom. 
6:00pm-7:30pm

The Southern Tier Early Leadership Initiative is proud to present the next event in our Leadership Panel Discussion. Each session focuses on a different aspect of leadership in Early Childhood Education and features a moderated panel discussion with a diverse group of professionals.

This session is designed to to support Early Childhood Leaders in self-care. Join us for an afternoon with self-care professionals and learn ways to nurture your physical, emotional, and mental health. Come join this Leadership Panel Discussion, Tuesday, December 14th, from 12:30 - 2:00 pm..

Our distinguished panel of leaders include:

• Khieanne Dawson, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach
• Tina Fetten, Foundational Yoga Therapist, Wellness Educator, Adjunct Instructor (Binghamton University)
• Leslie Vermaat, Infant/Toddler Mental Health Specialist, Social Worker
• Carrie Verracchio, Motivational Speaker, Podcaster, Certified Transformation, Forgiveness and REBT Coach

This virtual panel will offer diverse perspectives on how to break down common myths of self-care, which can be rooted in sexism, racism and other oppressive systems.  This panel will discuss more inclusive strategies, to reduce burnout, promote wellness, and supports for building resiliency to effectively lead your early childhood program. We will learn from the experiences and perspectives of an assistant professor in human development and education, mindfulness and education consultant, meditation instructor, and social worker.  Our panelists will also share their career pathways and what has led them to this work.  Attendees will walk away with important considerations and strategies for leadership, program culture, health and well-being, and resiliency in caring for staff, children and families.

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Join us for our first Leadership Speaker Series event, featuring:

Ann McClain Terrell
Author Graceful Leadership in Early Childhood Education
President, NAEYC Governing Board
and former Executive Director of the Milwaukee Public Schools Foundation Inc.

Admission is free for this virtual event!

Thursday, December 9, 2021 12:30pm-2:00pm
via Zoom

*we will have a capacity of 300 for this event. Waitlist is available. Priority registration given to individuals in the Central NY, Mid-Hudson, and Long Island regions

Join us for an exciting Leadership Speaker Series event featuring:

Ann McClain Terrell

Author of Graceful Leadership in Early Childhood Education

President, NAEYC Governing Board

Former Executive Director of the Milwaukee Public Schools Foundation, Inc. 

Admission is free for this virtual event!

12:30 PM -2:00 PM

Join us for an exciting Leadership Speaker Series event featuring:

Ann McClain Terrell

"Leadership Journeys in Early Childhood"

Ann is the author of the book "Graceful Leadership in Early Childhood Education", President, NAEYC Governing Board,  and former Executive Director of the Milwaukee Public Schools Foundation, Inc. 

Join us from 12:30 PM -2:00 PM

"Celebrating  Early Childhood Education Leaders" featuring  Dr. Lynn M. Lubecki

We invite you to the WNY Leadership Initiative Speaker Series in December. This month we will "Celebrate Strength in Leadership” with Dr. Lynn M. Lubecki. Throughout the global pandemic, Early Childhood Leaders have stayed strong and focused, keeping programs open and operating, caring for our young children so that parents could continue to work. Programs were flexible, they shifted, adapted, and despite all of the challenges, remained optimistic and hopeful. Lynn will present characteristics of resilient leadership, often built into our field, and together, we will imagine the future of Early Childhood Education. Come celebrate the exceptional leadership of early care and education and think about the many opportunities that are ahead of us.

In "Latina Empowerment Through Leadership", 8 women of color come together to share stories, untold secrets and life lessons about what it truly means to be a mindful leader. Thoughout these pages, you'll hear from women:

• * Who have found self-love in the darkest of times,
• * Who have built business and failed before they found success,
• * Who have started over after broken relationships,
• * and who have fought tirelessly to build a life they love.

Facilitated discussion of leadership books
Book groups present an opportunity for members to gather to discuss leadership publications and resources and are facilitated by committed professionals, dedicated to deepening the dialogue and illuminating the key messages​

Please register for a Book Group, as there is limited space.

Core Body of Knowledge (CBK) is designed to help all early childhood professionals including students, directors, teachers, and providers. In this 3-part series leaders will be invited to: 

• reflect on areas of strength using the tool,
• share strategies for using the CBK as a leadership tool and
• discuss how leaders might use the CBK for professional goal setting and development with their staff. 

This Learning Community will be driven by discussions and reflections from participants, using the Core Body of Knowledge for self-reflection and a framework for guiding your professional growth as a leader.

The meetings will take place on November 19th, December 3rd and December 10th from 1:00 pm - 2:30pm 

This event is limited to 18 participants; a waitlist will be made available!

A professional learning community of NYC early childhood leaders interested in reflecting on and learning about cultivating resilience in themselves and others. This learning community features the book Onward: Cultivating Emotional Resilience in Educators by Elena Aguilar.

The learning community will meet monthly for one year. A copy of the book will be provided. This learning community is for early childhood program leaders working in NYC only. 

November 2021-November 2022

Book groups present an opportunity for members to gather to explore and discuss issues in early childhood and in leadership-deepening the dialogue and considering key messages in their work.  Please join the Leadership Initiative in our next book group, "Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts" by Brene Brown

Registered Participants will get a FREE copy of the book.

Registration will be limited to the first 15 participants.

As a member of the Mid-Hudson Leadership Initiative you are invited to join our monthly networking meetings. Our meetings create a space for you to connect with leaders throughout the region, learn from one another, share stories, strategies, feelings, and resources. Meeting topics are driven by your questions and needs. This is a time for you to engage with your peers, build relationships, and find inspiration and encouragement as early childhood leaders. 

Meetings are the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 1:00-2:00 PM

The Western NY Early Leadership Initiative is proud to present the next event in our Leadership Panel Discussion. Each session focuses on a different aspect of leadership in Early Childhood Education and features a moderated panel discussion with a diverse group of professionals.

This session is desgined to to support Early Childhood Leaders in self-care. Join us for an evening with self-care professionals and learn ways to nurture your physical, emotional, and mental health. Come join this Leadership Panel Discussion, Wednesday, November 10th from 6:00pm to 7:30pm.

Our distinguished panel of leaders include:

• Tami Best
• Jehrin Calhoun
• Ruth Connor
• Sheila Tumiel 

"Leadership is not about titles, status, and wielding power. A leader is anyone who takes responsibility for recognizing the potential in people and ideas, and has the courage to develop that potential."

"When we dare to lead, we don’t pretend to have the right answers; we stay curious and ask the right questions. We don’t see power as finite and hoard it; we know that power becomes infinite when we share it with others. We don’t avoid difficult conversations and situations; we lean into vulnerability when it’s necessary to do good work."

"But daring leadership in a culture defined by scarcity, fear, and uncertainty requires skill-building around traits that are deeply and uniquely human. The irony is that we’re choosing not to invest in developing the hearts and minds of leaders at the exact same time as we’re scrambling to figure out what we have to offer that machines and AI can’t do better and faster. What can we do better? Empathy, connection, and courage, to start."
 

Book groups present an opportunity for members to gather to explore and discuss issues in early childhood and in leadership-deepening the dialogue and considering key messages in their work.

As a member of the WNY Leadership Initiative you are invited to join our networking meetings. Come network with your peers. Meeting topics are driven by your questions and needs. Participants will send questions in advance of the meeting or come to the meetings with questions, strategies and resources to share, or an interest in listening and learning from others' experiences.  This is a space to share stories, strategies, feelings, ideas, resources, and words of encouragement about leading an early childhood program in WNY.

Meetings will be scheudled for the last Thursday of the month. Please note that November will be a week early due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

This virtual panel, “Cultivating Staff Wellness: A Conversation with Early Childhood Leaders”, will offer diverse perspectives, experiences, strategies and resources on cultivating a program climate and culture that supports the wellness of staff. We know that as leaders of early childhood programs you want your staff to feel fulfilled both personally and professionally and yet it can be so hard to figure out a path forward. This panel conversation will discuss considerations for leaders of early childhood programs on fostering a positive climate for staff in the context of all the complexities we are facing today. Attendees will engage in a thoughtful conversation with the panelists. 

Join us on Zoom. 
5:30pm-7:00pm

The Leadership Initiative is now in the Mid-Hudson Region! Please attend one of our informational sessions to hear about how we support the professional development and success of current and future early childhood leaders!

A professional learning community of early childhood leaders interested in reflecting on and learning about cultivating resilience in themselves and others. This learning community features the book Onward: Cultivating Emotional Resilience in Educators by Elena Aguilar.

October 2021 - October 2022
 

Over the last few months, there has been an increased focus on investment in early childhood care.  With new federal and state investments, Long Island leaders should examine their business practices. We are launching our first learning community focused on calculating the true cost of care. In these sessions, leaders will examine their program costs by age group and identify the "gap" between program expenses, cost per child, and teacher salary. Robin Beller and Erica Chase will lead the group to explore trends and discuss ways in which leaders can strengthen their business practices to ensure stability for their programs.  We plan to have our first meeting Thursday, October 14th.   Please note this event has a limited number of seats and is exclusive for family child care and group family child care Leadership Initiative members.

We invite you to our next virtual Book Group discussion featuring "Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself" by Nedra Glover Tawwab.

Set Boundaries, Find Peace presents simple-yet-powerful ways to establish healthy boundaries in all aspects of life. Join our book discussion group with other early childhood leaders to identify strategies to use for a more productive and balanced school year with healthy communication and established expectations. 

Join our two-session book group. We will be providing those who register with a copy of the book. Upon registration we will contact you to obtain your mailing address to send you the book. Registration will be capped at 15, and a waitlist will be made available. Due to a limited number of books available please only register if you can commit to attending and participating fully in both dates (9/30 and 10/21).

A professional learning community of early childhood leaders interested in reflecting on and learning about cultivating resilience in themselves and others. This learning community features the book Onward: Cultivating Emotional Resilience in Educators by Elena Aguilar.

September 2021-September 2022

As a member of the Southern Tier Leadership Initiative you are invited to join our monthly virtual networking meetings. Come network with your peers. Meeting topics are driven by your questions and needs. Participants will send questions in advance of the meeting or come to the meetings with questions, strategies and resources to share, or an interest in listening and learning from others' experiences.  This is a space to share stories, strategies, feelings, ideas, resources, and words of encouragement about leading an early childhood program in the Southern Tier  region.

Third Thursday of every month, 1:30pm-2:30pm, via Zoom

You heard Ann Terrell Speak on Graceful Leadership. Now join the WNY Leadership Initiative and your colleagues in a book group discussion focusing on the book "Graceful Leadership in the Early Childhood Education".

Facilitated discussion of leadership books
Book groups present an opportunity for members to gather to discuss leadership publications and resources and are facilitated by committed professionals, dedicated to deepening the dialogue and illuminating the key messages​

Please register for a Book Group, as there is limited space.

Please join us for a facilitated discussion of leadership book, "Graceful Leadership in Early Childhood Education" by Ann McClain Terrell.

We welcomed NAEYC President Ann Terrell at our Speaker Series launch event of our Finger Lakes Leadership Initiative!  Ann provided our audience with captivating discussions of the qualities of the contemporary leader in Early Childhood Education.  We began our reflection as leaders and our personal leadership journeys. We will continue these discussions to build a deep understanding of the topics during our two-part Book Group Series.  

Sessions will take place via Zoom on Tuesday, August 31st and Tuesday, September 14th 6:00pm - 7:00pm.
Those who register will be provided with a FREE copy of the book. *This event is only for Leadership Initiative members from the Finger Lakes*

Please join us for a facilitated discussion of leadership book, "Graceful Leadership in Early Childhood Education" by Ann McClain Terrell.

We welcomed NAEYC President Ann Terrell at our Speaker Series launch event of our Southern Tier Leadership Initiative!  Ann provided our audience with captivating discussions of the qualities of the contemporary leader in Early Childhood Education.  We began our reflection as leaders and our personal leadership journeys. We will continue these discussions to build a deep understanding of the topics during our two-part Book Group Series.  

Sessions will take place via Zoom on Wednesday, August 18th and Wednesday, September 1st 5:00pm - 6:30pm.
Those who register will be provided with a FREE copy of the book. *This event is only for Leadership Initiative members from the Southern Tier*

As a member of the Finger Lakes Leadership Initiative you are invited to join our monthly virtual networking meetings. Come network with your peers. Meeting topics are driven by your questions and needs. Participants will send questions in advance of the meeting or come to the meetings with questions, strategies and resources to share, or an interest in listening and learning from others' experiences.  This is a space to share stories, strategies, feelings, ideas, resources, and words of encouragement about leading an early childhood program in the Finger Lakes region.

Third Wednesday of every month, 1:00pm-2:00pm, via Zoom

As a member of the WNY Leadership Initiative you are invited to join our networking meetings. Come network with your peers. Meeting topics are driven by your questions and needs. Participants will send questions in advance of the meeting or come to the meetings with questions, strategies and resources to share, or an interest in listening and learning from others' experiences.  This is a space to share stories, strategies, feelings, ideas, resources, and words of encouragement about leading an early childhood program in WNY.

The Institute is hosting a professional development offering: Introduction to the Revised New York State Early Learning Guidelines: A Child Development Resource for Educators of Children Ages Birth Through Eight. These sessions are designed specifically for Directors and other leaders of early childhood programs. This professional development session will provide an overview of the shifts within this new and improved version of the New York State Early Learning Guidelines. A specific focus will be provided on utilizing this resource as a leader in your program and supporting its use among your staff. 

Choose one of the session dates and times that works for you. 

Join us for our first Leadership Speaker Series event, featuring:

Ann McClain Terrell
Author Graceful Leadership in Early Childhood Education
President, NAEYC Governing Board
and former Executive Director of the Milwaukee Public Schools Foundation Inc.

Admission is free for this virtual event!

Wednesday June 30, 2021 5:30pm-7:00pm
via Zoom

*we will have a capacity of 300 for this event. Waitlist is available. Priority registration given to individuals in the Finger Lakes and Southern Tier regions

Join us for our first Leadership Speaker Series event, featuring:

Ann McClain Terrell
Author Graceful Leadership in Early Childhood Education
President, NAEYC Governing Board
and former Executive Director of the Milwaukee Public Schools Foundation Inc.

Admission is free for this virtual event!

Wednesday June 30, 2021 5:30pm-7:00pm
via Zoom

*we will have a capacity of 300 for this event. Waitlist is available. Priority registration given to individuals in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions

Join us for a Leadership Speaker Series event, featuring:

Ann McClain Terrell
Author Graceful Leadership in Early Childhood Education
President, NAEYC Governing Board
and former Executive Director of the Milwaukee Public Schools Foundation Inc.

Admission is free for this virtual event!

Wednesday June 30, 2021 5:30pm-7:00pm

*We will have a capacity of 300 for this event. Waitlist is available. Priority registration give to individuals in Niagara, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties, as well as the Finger Lakes and Southern Tier regions.

"Leadership is not about titles, status, and wielding power. A leader is anyone who takes responsibility for recognizing the potential in people and ideas, and has the courage to develop that potential."

"When we dare to lead, we don’t pretend to have the right answers; we stay curious and ask the right questions. We don’t see power as finite and hoard it; we know that power becomes infinite when we share it with others. We don’t avoid difficult conversations and situations; we lean into vulnerability when it’s necessary to do good work."

"But daring leadership in a culture defined by scarcity, fear, and uncertainty requires skill-building around traits that are deeply and uniquely human. The irony is that we’re choosing not to invest in developing the hearts and minds of leaders at the exact same time as we’re scrambling to figure out what we have to offer that machines and AI can’t do better and faster. What can we do better? Empathy, connection, and courage, to start."

Book groups present an opportunity for members to gather to explore and discuss issues in early childhood and in leadership-deepening the dialogue and considering key messages in their work.

Special Co-Hosted Meeting on OCFS Guidance

THE EVENT SCHEDULED FOR TOMORROW EVENING, JUNE 9TH WILL BE POSTPONED. NEW GUIDANCE HAS BEEN RELEASED TODAY AND WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE ABLE TO REVIEW THE MATERIALS BEFORE HOSTING OUR NEXT EVENT. 

Co-hosted by the Long Island Leadership Initiative, the Regional Technical Assistance Center, and CSEA/VOICE for a special session to unpack the New Guidance for Child Care, Day Camp, and Overnight Camp Programs. Robin Beller, Regional Manager from OCFS, will join us to provide responses to commonly asked questions that affect your work.  This session is open to all licensed group family and family child care programs. 

* Content of the session will be the same, therefore you only need to attend one session

Join us for this special two-part Leadership Speaker Series event, featuring Abby Thorman.

"Making Impact: Strengthen Your Voice, Your Message, and Your Story-telling"

As professionals and leaders we have responsibility to use our experience and knowledge to inform and influence others about appropriate practices and the needs of the early childhood field (Core Body of Knowledge 6.6).
Abby will explore and help attendees understand the skills and components of effective storytelling for early childhood advocacy. Part 1 on May 26th will cover crafting effective messages, using those messages for advocacy, and strategies to achieve power in numbers. Join us again on June 3rd in an interactive session with Abby to hone those message-making skills with opportunities for feedback and strategizing.

The Leadership Initiative has officially launched in the Southern Tier region! Come to one of our virtual information session to learn how the Leadership Initiative can support you in your work as a leader of early childhood programs in our region. All current and aspiring leaders are welcome to attend. Learn about our various professional development opportunities, resources to support you, as well as how to stay connected and become a member. The first 45 individuals to complete a Leadership Initiative profile will receive a free NAEYC membership (details will be shared at the info session!)  Also please come to share with us your unique perspectives and needs as a leader and which supports would be most helpful to you. 

We invite you to our next virtual Book Group discussion featuring "Ready or Not: Early Care and Education's Leadership Choices-12 Years Later" by Stacie G. Goffin and Valora Washington.  

"Authors, Goffin and Washington, examine the major issues that must still be addressed if children are to be given more and better opportunities. This second edition will help everyone whose work impacts ECE workforce to deepen their commitment to adaptive systems work and to develop the leadership capacity needed to become change agents."

The Leadership Initiative has officially launched in the Finger Lakes region! Come to one of our virtual information session to learn how the Leadership Initiative can support you in your work as a leader of early childhood programs in our region. All current and aspiring leaders are welcome to attend. Learn about our various professional development opportunities, resources to support you, as well as how to stay connected and become a member. The first 45 individuals to complete a Leadership Initiative profile will receive a free NAEYC membership (details will be shared at the info session!)  Also please come to share with us your unique perspectives and needs as a leader and which supports would be most helpful to you. 

We are offering 5 different date and time options. Please select one when you register

May 25th 3pm-4pm
June 3rd 5:30pm-6:30pm
June 8th 10:30am-11:30am
June 15th 6:30pm-7:30pm
June 19th 10am-11am

Networking meetings bring together leaders in the WNY area to discuss leadership topics, share ideas, concerns and suggestions with peers. Currently network meetings are held virtually through zoom. Meetings are held bi-weekly (twice a month). One meeting will be an open format to discuss the needs of the group, the other meeting will feature a guest facilitator, to discuss a specific topic.  If you are interested, please sign up, a zoom link will be sent by email closer to the networking dates.

At this virtual Leadership Panel Discussion, we will hear from a moderated panel of early childhood professionals and leaders about their work to create equitable environments for children in early childhood settings. This panel will allow participants to dive into what it means to truly have an equity stance. Come and be inspired to hear from our panelists to see how you can put your equity stance into practice. Participants will be encouraged to set a goal to work towards advancing equity in early childhood education.

Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion! 

At this virtual Leadership Panel Discussion, we will hear from a moderated panel of early childhood professionals and leaders about their work to create equitable environments for children in early childhood settings. This panel will allow participants to dive into what it means to truly have an equity stance. Come and be inspired to hear from our panelists to see how you can put your equity stance into practice. Participants will be encouraged to set a goal to work towards advancing equity in early childhood education.

Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion! 

This virtual Leadership Panel Discussion is hosted by the WesternNY and Long Island regional Leadership Initiatives. Come learn from a moderated panel of early childhood professionals and leaders about their work to create equitable environments for children in early childhood settings. This panel will allow participants to dive into what it means to truly have an equity stance. Participants will be encouraged to set a goal to work towards advancing equity in early childhood education.

Read about our panelists and moderator HERE

Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion! 

The NY Early Childhood Leadership Initiative is proud to present a Leadership Speaker Series event in our 2021 series. This event is co-hosted virtually by the NYC, Western NY, and Long Island regional Leadership Initiative chapters. Grace Reef, President of Early Learning Policy, will explore and help attendees to consider what is on the horizon for early childhood education with the new federal administration. Who are the key players? How will priorities shift with this new leadership and in response to COVID? What are the opportunities for change, innovation, and advocacy? What can you do as leaders in early childhood education?

The NY Early Childhood Leadership Initiative is proud to present a Leadership Speaker Series event in our 2021 series. This event is co-hosted virtually by the NYC, Western NY, and Long Island regional Leadership Initiative chapters. Grace Reef, President of Early Learning Policy, will explore and help attendees to consider what is on the horizon for early childhood education with the new federal administration. Who are the key players? How will priorities shift with this new leadership and in response to COVID? What are the opportunities for change, innovation, and advocacy? What can you do as leaders in early childhood education?

The NY Early Childhood Leadership Initiative is proud to present a Leadership Speaker Series event in our 2021 series. This event is co-hosted virtually by the NYC, Western NY, and Long Island regional Leadership Initiative chapters. Grace Reef, President of Early Learning Policy, will explore and help attendees to consider what is on the horizon for early childhood education with the new federal administration. Who are the key players? How will priorities shift with this new leadership and in response to COVID? What are the opportunities for change, innovation, and advocacy? What can you do as leaders in early childhood education?

Join us to explore critical topics from Stacey Abrams book "Lead from the Outside."  Abrams discusses candidly what she has learned over the course of her impressive career in politics, business and the nonprofit world: that differences in race, gender, and class provide vital strength, which we can employ to rise to the top and create real and lasting change."

Networking meetings bring together leaders in the WNY area to discuss leadership topics, share ideas, concerns and suggestions with peers. Currently network meetings are held virtually through zoom. Meetings are held bi-weekly (twice a month). One meeting will be an open format to discuss the needs of the group, the other meeting will feature a guest facilitator, to discuss a specific topic.  If you are interested, please sign up, a zoom link will be sent by email closer to the networking dates.

"Leadership is hard. Convincing others—and yourself—that you are capable of taking charge and achieving more requires insight and courage."  
"Lead from the Outside discusses candidly what Stacey has learned over the course of her impressive career in politics, business and the nonprofit world: that differences in race, gender, and class provide vital strength, which we can employ to rise to the top and create real and lasting change."

Book groups present an opportunity for members to gather to explore and discuss issues in early childhood and in leadership-- deepening the dialogue and considering key messages in their work.

Book Group will run on both nights March 4th and March 11th 5:30pm-7:00pm.

Each registered participant will be mailed a copy of the book.

Join our next virtual Book Group discussion featuring "The Work: Searching for a Life That Matters" by Wes Moore. We will be providing those who register with a copy of the book. Upon registration we will contact you to obtain your mailing address to send you the book.

Networking meetings bring together leaders in the WNY area to discuss leadership topics, share ideas, concerns and suggestions with peers. Currently network meetings are held virtually through zoom. Meetings are held bi-weekly (twice a month). One meeting will be an open format to discuss the needs of the group, the other meeting will feature a guest facilitator, to discuss a specific topic.  If you are interested, please sign up, a zoom link will be sent by email closer to the networking dates.

These panel events focus on a different aspect of leadership in Early Childhood Education and feature moderated panel discussions with a diverse group of professionals. This event is co-hosted virtually by the Early Childhood Career Development Centers and Leadership Initiatives of the NY Early Childhood Professional Development Institute.  This virtual panel, “Exploring Leadership Pathways: Voices from our Field," highlighted unique early childhood leadership roles for those considering opportunities outside of programs/schools. Our panelists represented a NYS Credentialed Coach, Early Childhood Career Advisor, a Quality Improvement Specialist, and a Professor of Early Childhood and Teacher Education Programs. They shared their career pathways, how their role has an impact on the field, and the skills, credentials, and dispositions that have helped them to be successful in their respective positions. 

November and December Meetings
Weds Nov 3rd 1pm-2pm
Weds Nov 17th 5pm-6pm
Weds Dec 1st 1pm-2pm
Weds Dec 15th 5pm-6pm

Meetings are every other week on Wednesdays: first meeting of the month at 1pm-2pm and second meeting of the month at 5pm-6pm
Attend how often and whenever you can.

Join us for a virtual panel: "Remote Learning for Young Children: Best Practice Considerations for Leaders." Leaders of early childhood programs and schools will learn from the experiences and perspectives of a higher education faculty, a STEM trainer and a pre-K leader. Our panelists will discuss developmentally-appropriate remote learning practices and strategies for young children, features and type of digital platforms to consider, as well as strategies and considerations for evaluating remote learning in your programs. 

The NY Early Childhood Leadership Initiative is proud to present a film screening and discussion, featuring the film "Resilience: The Biology of Stress & The Science of Hope."  The event will include a screening of the film followed by a interactive discussion with Tim Hathaway, Executive Director of Prevent Child Abuse New York. This event is co-hosted by the regional Leadership Initiatives of New York City, Western NY, and Long Island. The event will be hosted live over Zoom.

The Western NY Regional Early Childhood Leadership Initiative is proud to present a film screening and discussion, featuring the film "Resilience: The Biology of Stress & The Science of Hope."  The event will include a screening of the film followed by a interactive discussion with Tim Hathaway, Executive Director of Prevent Child Abuse New York. This event is co-hosted by the regional Leadership Initiatives of New York City, Western NY, and Long Island. The event will be hosted live over Zoom, the Zoom link will be provided at a later date.

The Long Island Regional Early Childhood Leadership Initiative is proud to present a film screening and discussion, featuring the film "Resilience: The Biology of Stress & The Science of Hope."  The event will include a screening of the film followed by a interactive discussion with Tim Hathaway, Executive Director of Prevent Child Abuse New York. This event is co-hosted by the regional Leadership Initiatives of New York City, Western NY, and Long Island. The event will be hosted live over Zoom, the Zoom link will be provided at a later date.

How Full Is Your Bucket? reveals how even the briefest interactions affect your relationships, productivity, health, and longevity. Organized around a simple metaphor of a dipper and a bucket, and grounded in 50 years of research, this book will show you how to greatly increase the positive moments in your work and your life -- while reducing the negative.

Filled with discoveries, powerful strategies, and engaging stories, How Full Is Your Bucket? is sure to inspire lasting changes and has all the makings of a timeless classic.

Book groups present an opportunity for members to gather to discuss leadership publications and resources and are facilitated by committed professionals, dedicated to deepening the dialogue and illuminating the key messages​

Book Group will run on both nights November 16th and 23rd.

You will need to come and pick up your book at the Child Care Resource Network. Further information will be sent to you after you register.

A professional learning community of early childhood leaders interested in reflecting on and learning about cultivating resilience in themselves and others. This learning community features the book Onward: Cultivating Emotional Resilience in Educators by Elena Aguilar.

November 2020-November 2021
Registration is currently closed.

This virtual panel will present diverse perspectives on developing a trauma-informed lens in leading your early childhood program and supporting your program staff.  We will learn from the experiences and perspectives of a trauma systems therapy trainer, Early Childhood program director, social worker and behavioral specialist, and an assistant professor in human development and education. Our panelists will also share their career pathways and what has led them to this work. Attendees will walk away with important considerations and strategies for leadership, program culture, trauma-informed care, and resiliency in caring for staff, children and families.

This virtual panel will present diverse perspectives on developing a trauma-informed lens in leading your early childhood program and supporting your program staff.  We will learn from the experiences and perspectives of a trauma systems therapy trainer, Early Childhood program director, social worker and behavioral specialist, and an assistant professor in human development and education. Our panelists will also share their career pathways and what has led them to this work. Attendees will walk away with important considerations and strategies for leadership, program culture, trauma-informed care, and resiliency in caring for staff, children and families.

This virtual panel will present diverse perspectives on developing a trauma-informed lens in leading your early childhood program and supporting your program staff.  We will learn from the experiences and perspectives of a trauma systems therapy trainer, Early Childhood program director, social worker and behavioral specialist, and an assistant professor in human development and education. Our panelists will also share their career pathways and what has led them to this work. Attendees will walk away with important considerations and strategies for leadership, program culture, trauma-informed care, and resiliency in caring for staff, children and families.

In an interview moderated by Sherry Cleary, University Dean of Early Childhood Initiatives and Executive Director of the New York Early Childhood Professional Development Institute, Melodie Baker will share her experience as a black female education leader and advocate.  She will share her factors to success, navigating challenges, and balancing family and work.

Melodie Baker has spent her career working to advance education opportunities for disadvantaged students. Prior to joining Just Equations she was the director of education at United Way of Buffalo and Erie County. Melodie Chairs and Co-Chairs various national, state and local coalitions including, Erie Niagara Birth-8, Raising New York, and The Coalition for Community Schools. In 2014, she co-founded the first inquiry-based school in Western New York, The Charter School of Inquiry to build on an early learning program she implemented earlier in her career as assistant director for a Head Start.  Her work in education has led to several noteworthy appointments such as being selected to serve on Governor Cuomo’s Reimagining Education Advisory Council and leading the research and evaluation for Rockefeller Institute of Government’s First 1000 Day’s on Medicaid initiative headed by the New York State Department of Health. In 2019, Baker was the first African American to run for the Democratic nomination in New York’s 27th Congressional District.

In an interview moderated by Sherry Cleary, University Dean of Early Childhood Initiatives and Executive Director of the New York Early Childhood Professional Development Institute, Melodie Baker will share her experience as a black female education leader and advocate.  She will share her factors to success, navigating challenges, and balancing family and work.

Melodie Baker has spent her career working to advance education opportunities for disadvantaged students. Prior to joining Just Equations she was the director of education at United Way of Buffalo and Erie County. Melodie Chairs and Co-Chairs various national, state and local coalitions including, Erie Niagara Birth-8, Raising New York, and The Coalition for Community Schools. In 2014, she co-founded the first inquiry-based school in Western New York, The Charter School of Inquiry to build on an early learning program she implemented earlier in her career as assistant director for a Head Start.  Her work in education has led to several noteworthy appointments such as being selected to serve on Governor Cuomo’s Reimagining Education Advisory Council and leading the research and evaluation for Rockefeller Institute of Government’s First 1000 Day’s on Medicaid initiative headed by the New York State Department of Health. In 2019, Baker was the first African American to run for the Democratic nomination in New York’s 27th Congressional District.

In an interview moderated by Sherry Cleary, University Dean of Early Childhood Initiatives and Executive Director of the New York Early Childhood Professional Development Institute, Melodie Baker will share her experience as a black female education leader and advocate.  She will share her factors to success, navigating challenges, and balancing family and work.

Melodie Baker has spent her career working to advance education opportunities for disadvantaged students. Prior to joining Just Equations she was the director of education at United Way of Buffalo and Erie County. Melodie Chairs and Co-Chairs various national, state and local coalitions including, Erie Niagara Birth-8, Raising New York, and The Coalition for Community Schools. In 2014, she co-founded the first inquiry-based school in Western New York, The Charter School of Inquiry to build on an early learning program she implemented earlier in her career as assistant director for a Head Start.  Her work in education has led to several noteworthy appointments such as being selected to serve on Governor Cuomo’s Reimagining Education Advisory Council and leading the research and evaluation for Rockefeller Institute of Government’s First 1000 Day’s on Medicaid initiative headed by the New York State Department of Health. In 2019, Baker was the first African American to run for the Democratic nomination in New York’s 27th Congressional District.

This month we will launch our second book group using a podcast format.  We will engage in a two-part discussion on Himama podcasts.  Links to the episodes of the Himama podcast that we will discuss in each session are listed below.

Elena Aguilar will explore high leverage strategies that anyone can use to build their resilience, as well as the resilience of others. Attendees will understand how to use these strategies and why they are so effective, particularly in times of crisis and change. 

Elena Aguilar is the Founder and President of Bright Morning Consulting. She has trained trained thousands of educators in transformational coaching. Elena’s expertise derives from twenty five years as a classroom teacher, instructional coach and leadership coach working in diverse school environments. She is the author of four highly acclaimed books: The Art of Coaching, (2013) and The Art of Coaching Teams, (2016) Onward: Cultivating Emotional Resilience in Educators (2018) and the Onward Workbook (2018), and the forthcoming Coaching for Equity (August 2020). She is a regular contributor to Edutopia and ASCD’s Educational Leadership, and she was a blogger for EdWeek Teacher for many years.
 

Elena Aguilar will explore high leverage strategies that anyone can use to build their resilience, as well as the resilience of others. Attendees will understand how to use these strategies and why they are so effective, particularly in times of crisis and change. 

Elena Aguilar is the Founder and President of Bright Morning Consulting. She has trained trained thousands of educators in transformational coaching. Elena’s expertise derives from twenty five years as a classroom teacher, instructional coach and leadership coach working in diverse school environments. She is the author of four highly acclaimed books: The Art of Coaching, (2013) and The Art of Coaching Teams, (2016) Onward: Cultivating Emotional Resilience in Educators (2018) and the Onward Workbook (2018), and the forthcoming Coaching for Equity (August 2020). She is a regular contributor to Edutopia and ASCD’s Educational Leadership, and she was a blogger for EdWeek Teacher for many years.
 

Elena will explore high leverage strategies that anyone can use to build their resilience, as well as the resilience of others. Attendees will understand how to use these strategies and why they are so effective, particularly in times of crisis and change. 

Elena Aguilar is the Founder and President of Bright Morning Consulting. She has trained trained thousands of educators in transformational coaching. Elena’s expertise derives from twenty five years as a classroom teacher, instructional coach and leadership coach working in diverse school environments. She is the author of four highly acclaimed books: The Art of Coaching, (2013) and The Art of Coaching Teams, (2016) Onward: Cultivating Emotional Resilience in Educators (2018) and the Onward Workbook (2018), and the forthcoming Coaching for Equity (August 2020). She is a regular contributor to Edutopia and ASCD’s Educational Leadership, and she was a blogger for EdWeek Teacher for many years.
 

Join us for to network with your colleagues in the Leadership Initiative.  Please make sure you sign up to become an official Leadership Initiative member to participate in this event.

Come join us for a discussion on the topic of brain development with a specific focus on COVID-19's impact.

The Brain Architects Podcast: COVID-19  A Special Edition" by the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. Please select either an afternoon or evening session. 

Join us for to network with your colleagues in the Leadership Initiative.  Please make sure you sign up to become an official Leadership Initiative member to participate in this event. 

This session will be run if we have at least 5 people in attendance. 

Come join us for a discussion on the topic of brain development with a specific focus on COVID-19's impact.

The Brain Architects Podcast: COVID-19  A Special Edition" by the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. Please select either an afternoon or evening session. 

Our Podcast Discussion.

Here's the link to the podcast!

Brene Brown’s Unlocking Us: https://brenebrown.com/unlockingus/

Join us for to network with your colleagues in the Leadership Initiative

Join us for to network with your colleagues in the Leadership Initiative

This virtual panel, “Leadership During a Time of Crisis”, moderated by Sherry Cleary, Executive Director of the NY Early Childhood Professional Development Institute, will focus on the many qualities and considerations for effective leadership in a time of crisis. We will learn from the experiences and perspectives of a former CEO of a social service non-profit, a licensed child development mental health expert and play therapist, a social worker and FEMA crisis master trainer, and an executive director of a child care program. Attendees will walk away with important considerations and strategies for leadership, trauma-informed care, building resiliency, crisis management and coping, and planning for change. 

This virtual panel, “Leadership During a Time of Crisis”, moderated by Sherry Cleary, Executive Director of the NY Early Childhood Professional Development Institute, will focus on the many qualities and considerations for effective leadership in a time of crisis. We will learn from the experiences and perspectives of a former CEO of a social service non-profit, a licensed child development mental health expert and play therapist, a social worker and FEMA crisis master trainer, and an executive director of a child care program. Attendees will walk away with important considerations and strategies for leadership, trauma-informed care, building resiliency, crisis management and coping, and planning for change. 

This virtual panel, “Leadership During a Time of Crisis”, moderated by Sherry Cleary, Executive Director of the NY Early Childhood Professional Development Institute, will focus on the many qualities and considerations for effective leadership in a time of crisis. We will learn from the experiences and perspectives of a former CEO of a social service non-profit, a licensed child development mental health expert and play therapist, a social worker and FEMA crisis master trainer, and an executive director of a child care program. Attendees will walk away with important considerations and strategies for leadership, trauma-informed care, building resiliency, crisis management and coping, and planning for change. 

Join us for to network with your colleagues in the Leadership Initiative

Join us for to network with your colleagues in the Leadership Initiative

Join us for to network with your colleagues in the Leadership Initiative

Join us for to network with your colleagues in the Leadership Initiative

The Leadership Initiative is holding weekly Virtual Network meetings every Wednesday at 4 pm for the foreseeable future

Join us for to network with your colleagues in the Leadership Initiative

Join us for to network with your colleagues in the Leadership Initiative

Join the Long Island Leadership Initiative in partnership with Nassau BOCES and the Child Care Councils of Nassau & Suffolk for a lunch hour zoom Networking Meeting.

Together we want to let you know we are here for you and grateful for the role you play in supporting young children and their families. This will be a time for you to share how you are doing, what your program is doing during this COVID-19 emergency and to share ideas with each other.

Join us for a 3-part Learning Community to dig deeper into exploring our individual and collective roles in advancing equity in early childhood. Facilitated by Fela Barclift and Wendy Cole, two of our panelists from our December Dine & Discuss event.

We ask that you commit to attending all three dates. 

You heard Ann Terrell Speak on Graceful Leadership. Now join the Buffalo Leadership Initiative and your colleagues in a book group discussion on Graceful Leadership in the Early Childhood Education.

Facilitated discussion of leadership books
Book groups present an opportunity for members to gather to discuss leadership publications and resources and are facilitated by committed professionals, dedicated to deepening the dialogue and illuminating the key messages​

Please register for a Book Group Cohort, as there is limited space.

Join us for a discussion of the book:

Unconscious Bias in Schools: A Developmental Approach to Exploring Race and Racism
by Tracey A. Benson and Sarah E. Fiarman