Washington Early Childhood Leadership Development Program
Why not take a year to nurture yourself as a leader?
Why not take a year to nurture yourself as a leader?
About Washington Early Childhood Leadership Development 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
July 28-August 2, 2025 (Optional)
P-3 policies, procedures, and practices on both the Federal and State Level - Georgetown University
September, 2025 - July, 2026 (Required)
The following are the required dates for the program:
- September, 2025: 3 days
- October, 2025: 1 day
- November, 2025: 1 day (virtual)
- January, 2026: 1 day
- March, 2026: 1 day (virtual)
- April, 2026: 1 day
- May, 2026: 1 day
Application Process
Include the following with your application:
- Resume
- Statement of interest:
- Why would you like to participate in the program?
- What do you hope to achieve upon completing this program?
- What support do you have from your learning community to participate in this program?
- How will you apply what you learn from this program at your setting?
- Scholarship application
Applications open February 15, 2025. Applicants will be notified by April 1, 2025.
Who in Washington State 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 Joyful Leadership
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.
