Early Childhood Educators Leadership Initiative
Application (Due September 1st)
The Early Childhood Educators Leadership Initiative (ECEL) is a program presented in partnership by the Alliance for Kids, the
Early Childhood Council of El Paso County and Leadership Pikes Peak. This program will educate and empower women and
men in the early childhood profession to develop deeper leadership skills and an awareness of their potential to make a
difference, positively impacting children & families in the Pikes Peak region.
The 20-25 participants in the ECEL Initiative will gain a broader and deeper knowledge of leadership, management and
professional development skills as well as the most current information about early childhood education initiatives happening in
the State of Colorado.
The Program Timeline: We are excited to kick-off with the opening session and orientation on Tuesday Oct. 6th and then
move into a special overnight retreat that will take place at Farish Recreation Center in Woodland Park CO on Oct. 16th and
17th. Following the retreat the remaining sessions will be held Tuesday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with dinner and
networking included. Classes will be held at various locations throughout the community. Additional project meeting time will
also be necessary, and will be scheduled by the participants.
What You Will Learn: Each class session will address a specific topics, facilitated by experienced professionals in that area.
The classes include speakers, experiential exercises and interactive discussion. Through this interactive training, class members
will gain:
 Early Childhood specific information
 An opportunity to gain and practice leadership skills and competencies
 An introduction to key community leaders and experts, with an opportunity to network
 Motivation to be an advocate for Early Childhood Education and children
**College credit or CEUs are available. (See separate handout for information).
In addition to the specific class sessions, participants will complete a small group project. These projects will enable you to
practice leadership and team building skills while focusing on a valuable early childhood learning topic.
Applicant Criteria:
*Directors of ECE programs including FCCPs.
*Aspiring directors/leaders of ECE.
*Knowledge of Early childhood, child development.
*Minimum of two years working in an early childhood program.
*Resident of El Paso County.
*Education in the field of early childhood education
Expectations/Commitment: Participants are expected to attend all the scheduled sessions and be an active member of the
class. During the program, you will be required to spend out-of-class time working on a small group project with your project
team. Group meeting times will be determined by the members of your team.
Computer/Internet Access: the Alliance for Kids and Leadership Pikes Peak staff will be using email and online
communication methods. All class information will be available online. If you do not have a computer or internet access,
please let us know and we will do our best to assist you.
Tuition & Program Costs: A community partnership between Alliance for Kids and Leadership Pikes Peak is supporting the
majority of the costs for this program, including dinners, materials and overnight accommodations for the retreat. Accepted
participants will attend at the very low tuition rate of $50.
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Participants must get themselves to each meeting location and obtain their own childcare. If you are paying for Childcare, let us
know as we may be able assist with reimbursement for a portion of childcare costs.
Participants will be given the opportunity to donate to the Alliance for Kids if they choose, donations are appreciated and will
assist us in offering this opportunity to additional early childhood professionals in future years.
Application Process: Applications can be found directly by going to: http://www.leadershippikespeak.org/educators/.
The application can also be found through the Alliance for Kids website: www.allianceforkids.org and the
Leadership Pikes Peak website: www.leadershippikespeak.org (link at the bottom of the homepage)
You may contact us by phone or email for a paper application or to answer any additional questions. Contact Jackie Florendo,
AFK Coordinator @ 719-634-8045 or jackie@allianceforkids.org
A selection committee consisting of Alliance for Kids Early Learning committee members will review the applications and
short essays. All applicants will be notified by September 15th.
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Early Childhood Educators Leadership Initiative (ECEL)
Criteria and Application
Deadline to apply: September 1st, 2015
2015 – 2016 CLASS SCHEDULE (all meetings are Tuesdays, 5:30 – 8:30 unless otherwise specified)
Tuesday, Oct. 6th
Friday, Oct. 16th
Tuesday, Nov. 10th
Tuesday, Nov. 17th
Tuesday, Dec. 8th
Tuesday, Jan 12th
Tuesday, Jan, 26th
Tuesday, Feb. 9th
Tuesday, Feb. 23rd
March Date TBD
5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
1:00-Saturday Oct. 17th 3:00 pm
(Overnight)
5:30-8:30
5:30-8:30
5:30-8:30
5:30-8:30
5:30-8:30
5:30-8:30
5:30-8:30
7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Alliance For Kids
Farish Rec. Center
Early Connections
Gill Center
Library 21C
Millibo Art Theatre
Blue Skies Academy
Hope Montessori Stetson Hills
Pikes Peak United Way
Denver: Speak up For Kids Day
Classes will be held at a different community and early childhood education sites throughout the Colorado
Criteria
The ECEL Initiative seeks applicants who:
1. Desire to enhance their leadership skills, professional development and knowledge of the ECE field.
2. Practice new leadership and management skills and support others in their growth.
3. Are committed to attend all scheduled sessions, and to be an active member of the class
and project team.
4. Have a desire to grow professionally.
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