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Leadership Initiative Events

Throughout the year, a variety of events are offered to the membership to encourage networking, collaborations and learning experiences among peers. We offer a Speaker Series, Leadership Panel Discussions and a myriad of workshops to inspire considerations on leadership in early childhood education.

Upcoming events on this page are limited to our publicly advertised events. Member-only events such as Networking events and Book Group discussions will only appear in the "Past Events" section.

Upcoming Events

Book Group: Latina Empowerment Through Leadership

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 1st from 1:00-2:00

Session #2: Tuesday, August 8th from 1:00-2:00 

*Register by June 15th 

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

Sessions Available
Tuesday, August 1st, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Tuesday, August 8th, 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Book Group: Don't Look Away: Embracing Anti-Bias Classrooms

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.

 

Sessions Available
Thursday, July 13th, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Thursday, July 27th, 3:30pm - 5:00pm

Book Group: Lead from the Outside

“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.

Sessions Available
Wednesday, June 21st, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Wednesday, June 28th, 4:30pm - 6:00pm

Registration Closed

Past Events

Book Group: Graceful Leadership in Early Childhood Education

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.

 

Sessions Available
Monday, May 22nd, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Monday, June 5th, 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Registration Closed

Best Business Practices for a Profitable Child Care: The True Cost of Care- Mondays

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.

Sessions Available
Monday, March 6th, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Monday, March 13th, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Monday, March 20th, 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Registration Closed
Survive to Thrive Webinar, January 10th

From Survive to Thrive Conclusion: Balancing Act- Managing Your Role as the Director

Discussion: 12:30pm - 1:30pm

Read more about our Survive to Thrive Series

Partnership Voices: Colleges, Universities, and Early Childhood Programs Working Together to Build our Future Workforce

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!  

 

Thursday, December 8th 2022 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Survive to Thrive Webinar, November 16th

From Survive to Thrive: Chapter 9 - Center Enrollment

Webinar: 12:30pm - 1:30pm

Discussion: 1:30pm - 2:00pm

Read more about our Survive to Thrive Series

Leading with Gratitude

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.

 

Wednesday, November 16th 2022 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Onboarding and Beyond: Leadership Practices for Successful Staffing and Employee Retention

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

Sessions Available
Tuesday, November 15th, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Tuesday, November 29th, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Tuesday, December 13th, 3:30pm - 4:30pm

Leave a Legacy: Cultivating a New Generation of Early Childhood Leaders

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

Thursday, October 27th 2022 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Survive to Thrive Webinar, October 19th

From Survive to Thrive: Chapter 8- Working with Families

Webinar: 12:30pm - 1:30pm

Discussion: 1:30pm - 2:00pm

Read more about our Survive to Thrive Series

Coffee & Collaboration: A Morning with Mary Ann Masarech

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:

· Increase your understanding of the engagement-retention connection, factors influencing engagement, and the role you play as a leader
· Learn a practical, conversational approach for better understanding individual team members’ engagement drivers 
· Explore ideas for increasing engagement 
· Engage in personal reflection and consider tips for  taking control of your own engagement 
 
** This is an IN-PERSON event. Coffee and breakfast pastries will be served. **
 
Location: Carl Onken Conference Center, Goshen, NY
 
Capacity is limited.
 
 

 

Wednesday, October 12th 2022 10:00am - 11:30am

An Interview with Rhian Evans Allvin

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!  

Wednesday, September 28th 2022 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Survive to Thrive Webinar, September 21st

From Survive to Thrive: Chapter 7 - Staffing

Webinar: 12:30pm - 1:30pm

Discussion: 1:30pm - 2:00pm

Read more about our Survive to Thrive Series

Mid-Hudson Leadership Networking Meeting

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 at least once per month. Afternoon and evening meetings available!

Mark your calendars for our next meeting: Wednesday, February 22nd, 2023, 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Sessions Available Between Tuesday, September 20th 2022 and Wednesday, June 14th 2023

Summer Book Group: Latina Empowerment Through Leadership: Mindful Stories from Inspiring Women

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

 

Sessions Available
Wednesday, August 24th, 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Registration Closed
Survive to Thrive Webinar, August 17th

From Survive to Thrive: Chapter 6: Observation, Assessment, and Documentation

Webinar: 12:30pm - 1:30pm

Discussion: 1:30pm - 2:00pm

Read more about our Survive to Thrive Series

Survive to Thrive Webinar, July 20th

From Survive to Thrive: Chapter 5 - Program Curriculum

Webinar: 12:30pm - 1:30pm

Discussion: 1:30pm - 2:00pm

Read more about our Survive to Thrive Series

Survive to Thrive Webinar, June 15th

From Survive to Thrive: Chapter 4 - Budget and Finances

Webinar: 12:30pm - 1:30pm

Discussion: 1:30pm - 2:00pm

Read more about our Survive to Thrive Series

Onward: Cultivating Emotional Resilience in Educators

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 yourselftelling empowering storiesbeing a learner, and riding the waves of change; dispositions including humorempowermentcourage, and perseverance; all build resilience in ourselves and in our school communities!

Sessions Available Between Wednesday, June 8th 2022 and Wednesday, May 3rd 2023

Survive to Thrive Webinar, May 18th

From Survive to Thrive: Chapter 3 - Achieving and Maintaining Program Quality

Webinar: 12:30pm - 1:30pm

Discussion: 1:30pm - 2:00pm

Read more about our Survive to Thrive Series

Best Business Practices for Profitable Child Care: The True Cost of Care

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. 

Sessions Available
Tuesday, May 3rd, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Tuesday, May 17th, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Tuesday, May 31st, 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Survive to Thrive Webinar, April 27th

From Survive to Thrive: Chapter 2 - Program Context and Culture

Webinar: 12:30pm - 1:30pm

Discussion: 1:30pm - 2:00pm

Read more about our Survive to Thrive Series

Find Your Voice: Building Confidence and Executive Presence for Women in Leadership

 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.  

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday, March 24th 2022 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Survive to Thrive Webinar, March 23rd

From Survive to Thrive: Chapter 1 - What Does it Mean to Be a Director?

Webinar: 12:30pm - 1:30pm

Discussion: 1:30pm - 2:00pm

Read more about our Survive to Thrive Series

March Book Group: Dare to Lead by Brené Brown

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.

Sessions Available
Wednesday, March 16th, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Wednesday, March 30th, 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Quiet Voice- Fearless Leader

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.

Tuesday, February 15th 2022 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Book Group: "Graceful Leadership" by Ann McClain Terrell

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.
 

Sessions Available
Thursday, February 3rd, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Thursday, February 17th, 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Registration Closed

Mid-Hudson Early Childhood Leadership Evening Networking Meeting

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

 

Sessions Available Between Tuesday, January 25th 2022 and Sunday, July 31st 2022

Registration Closed

Mid-Hudson Early Childhood Leadership Initiative Information Sessions 2022

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

Sessions Available Between Tuesday, January 25th 2022 and Saturday, December 31st 2022

Ann McClain Terrell: Leadership Journeys in Early Childhood Education

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

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

Registration Closed

Speaker Event: Ann McClain Terrell, Leadership Journeys in Early Childhood Education

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

 

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

Registration Closed

Mid-Hudson Early Childhood Leadership Networking Meeting

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

 

Sessions Available Between Tuesday, November 16th 2021 and Tuesday, August 9th 2022

Mid-Hudson Leadership Initiative Information Sessions- Fall 2021

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!

Sessions Available
Friday, October 15th, 9:30am - 10:30am
Monday, October 18th, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Wednesday, October 20th, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Introduction to the Revised Early Learning Guidelines- for Leaders

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. 

Sessions Available Between Monday, July 19th 2021 and Tuesday, August 31st 2021

Registration Closed

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

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.

Sessions Available
Wednesday, May 26th, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Thursday, June 3rd, 12:00pm - 1:30pm

Registration Closed

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