UW Early Childhood Leadership Program
Why not take a year to nurture yourself as a leader?
Why not take a year to nurture yourself as a leader?
About Early Childhood Leadership Program
This program is designed to nurture your leadership potential through a holistic, research-driven approach that shows you how to create high-quality, inclusive learning environments for young children, families, and communities.
Over 10 months, you’ll learn practical leadership strategies and explore the latest trends and best practices in early childhood education.
By the end of this program, you will have the tools, skills, and confidence to inspire positive change in your schools and programs, foster well-being among staff and students, and champion the development of every child from birth through age 8.
Program Dates
Program Required Dates: September 2025–May 2026
This program will meet quarterly in person and online every other week. Virtual meetings will be 2–2.5 hours each time.
- September 24, 25, and 26th, 2025: Kickoff Retreat in person
- October & November 2025: Biweekly, virtual
- December 2025: Break
- January 2026: 1 day in person
- February 2026: Biweekly, virtual
- March 2026: 1 day in person
- April 2026: Biweekly, virtual
- May 2026: 1.5 days, in person
*Optional Professional Learning in Washington D.C.
P-3 policies, procedures, and practices on both the Federal Level - Georgetown University, Washington D.C.
This week will be spent exploring the intricacies of congressional processes and early childhood policy at the federal level through an immersive summer course.
Key Discussions & Insights:
- Nature of Congress
- The Legislative Process
- House and Senate Dynamics
- Visits to National Early Childhood Education Organizations and Federal Agencies
*More detailed information will be provided to all applicants
Application Process
Please include the following with your application:
- Resume
- Statement of interest:
- Why would you like to participate in the program?
- What is your current role and how many children do you serve?
- What support do you have from your learning community (supervisor) to participate in this program?
- What do you hope to achieve upon completing this program?
Program Cost: We have 30 fully funded scholarships for this year's cohort.
Applications are now open. The deadline to apply is April 30, 2025.
Email ECLeadership@uw.edu. with questions.
Who Should Apply?
- Elementary school principals and assistant principals
- Head Start directors, assistant directors, and education managers
- Childcare directors and assistant directors
- ECEAP directors and assistant directors
- Directors, program managers, and coordinators of early learning programs in a school district
- State, city, and county leaders for early learning programs
Program Benefits
- Improved resilience and leadership capacity
- Evidence-Based Strategies: You will gain practical, research-based strategies that can be immediately applied to your role, resulting in tangible improvements for the children, families, and staff you serve.
- Evidence-based practices in early education that foster the whole child
- Strategies for building emotional and social competencies in both you and your school community
- Opportunities to advocate for P-3 policies that benefit young children
What Makes this Program Unique
A Focus on Leading with Ease
Leadership does not have to be exhausting or stressful—it can be joyful, purposeful, and fulfilling. This program is rooted in the belief that joy is a powerful catalyst for success. When leaders embrace the joy of learning, they inspire the same enthusiasm and engagement in their schools and communities.
Supportive Community of Peers
Throughout the 10 months, you will build lasting relationships with other educational leaders who share your passion for early learning. Collaborative, peer-driven learning enhances your growth and gives you a support system as you tackle challenges and celebrate successes.
Evidence-Based Strategies
You will gain practical, research-based strategies that can be immediately applied to your role, resulting in tangible improvements for the children, families, and staff you serve.
Holistic Professional Development
This program integrates leadership skills, health and wellness strategies, and child development expertise, providing a well-rounded approach to personal and professional growth.
Clock Hours/Credits
This program will provide you with up to 60 course clock hours and/or up to five credits (please note, credits are available to those to are already enrolled in a program at the UW or who are attending the Policy Course in June at Georgetown University).
Contact
Have additional questions? Please contact the program director, Kimberly Kinzer, at kinzek@uw.edu.
