Leading the Way: Practical Pathways for Aspiring and Current Early Childhood Leaders

Outline

0–5 min
Welcome and Framing the Session Introduce presenters and purpose. Establish relevance for early childhood educators aspiring to lead.
Chat prompt: “What does leadership look like to you?”

5–15 min
Exploring Leadership Pathways Overview of leadership routes featured in Pathways to Leadership in Early Childhood Education. Discussion of challenges and opportunities across diverse settings.
Interactive poll: “Where are you on your leadership journey?” + visual slides.

15–25 min
Mentorship and Professional Growth Discussion on mentorship, sponsorship, and networking as key supports for emerging leaders.
Breakout rooms: “Share one mentor or experience that shaped your growth.”

25–35 min
Equity, Representation, and Systemic Barriers Examine real stories from Black and Brown leaders. Identify systemic barriers and culturally responsive solutions.
Jamboard or chat activity: “What barriers do you see in your context?”

35–45 min
Leadership Action Planning Guided reflection and creation of one actionable next step toward leadership.
Downloadable Leadership Action Sheet + peer reflection.

45–50 min
Closing and Call to Action Presenters summarize takeaways, share resources, and invite participants to continue connecting post-session.
Verbal commitments + QR code to join ongoing leadership network.

Outcomes

1. Identify diverse pathways and opportunities for leadership in early childhood education.
 2. Apply mentorship and professional growth strategies to support their leadership journey.
 3. Commit to one actionable next step for advancing as an equity-minded leader.

Supporting research

1. Blake, S. E., Crosby Weeks, C., & Jeter-Iles, P. (2025). Pathways to Leadership in Early Childhood Education: A Practical Guide for Aspiring and Current Educators.
 2. Douglass, A. (2017). Leading for Change in Early Care and Education: Cultivating Leadership from Within.
 3. NAEYC (2023). Advancing Equity in Early Childhood Education Position Statement.
 4. Kagan, S. L., & Bowman, B. (2020). Leadership for Early Childhood Professionals: Making a Difference in Early Learning.
 5. Katz, L. G. (2021). Leading with Heart and Courage in Early Childhood Education.
 6. Meier, D., & Stremmel, A. (2022). Working with Families and Children: Culturally Responsive Practice in Early Childhood.
 7. Tschannen-Moran, M. (2014). Trust Matters: Leadership for Successful Schools.
 8. Harvard Graduate School of Education (2024). Voices of Early Educators: Leadership, Equity, and Innovation.
 9. Fullan, M. (2019). Leading in a Culture of Change.
 10. Douglass, A., & Carter, A. (2021). Transforming Early Childhood Systems Through Leadership Development.