Teacher helps preschool kids explore the garden.

Early Childhood Leadership Institute

Overview of ECLI

The Early Childhood Leadership Institute is dedicated to increasing and enhancing the knowledge base, skills, and competencies of early childhood administrators. It provides opportunities for advanced training, professional growth, networking, and support.

The Institute recognizes the specialized knowledge and skills required to be an effective manager of an early care and education program. To improve program quality for young children and their families, directors’ administrative skills must be strong and continually evolving. Creating early childhood programs with supportive work environments requires directors capable of strong leadership who can develop and retain skilled teachers.

Research Supporting Our Mission

Directors’ level of formal education is a strong predictor of overall program quality.
Sources: Bloom, 1990, 1996; Cost, Quality, and Child Outcomes Study Team, 1995; Kagan & Bowman, 1997; Lower & Cassidy, 2007; Phillips, et al., 2001; Vandell & Wolfe, 2000; Vu, Jeon, & Howes, 2008; Washington, 2008; Whitebook, et al., 2008, 2001.
There is a positive relationship between the quality of administrative practices and the quality of the children's learning environment in center-based programs.
Sources: Lower & Cassidy, 2007; MCECL, 2010; National Center for Children and Families, 2008.
Directors with higher education and specialized training in program administration are more likely to support teacher professional development, secure and maintain program funding, and achieve center accreditation.
Sources: Fowler, Bloom, Talan, T., Beneke, S., & Kelton, 2008; MCECL, 2008; Bredekamp & Willer, 1996.
The credential level of the director is a predictor of classroom quality.
Source: Vu, Jeon & Howes, 2008.

Director Roundtable

Who Can Participate?

  • Current directors, supervisors, leaders, and owners of ECE programs for young children.

  • Future Directors are invited to join upon becoming a director.

What Happens?

  • Support group meeting for networking and discussion.

  • Topic: Share articles, books, websites, apps, philosophies, or business strategies that have helped you as a leader.

    BRING IT! SHARE IT!

Why Attend?

Learn from each other, share resources, and meet fellow directors facing similar professional challenges.

GET INSPIRED AGAIN!

When & How?

Contact banner image

Contact Us

Nicole Kerbey, Child Development Department

Sunnyvale Campus, 211Q
408.745.8056
kerbeynicole@foothill.edu
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