What People are Saying
Here is what some leaders in Pennsylvania had to say after participating in the ECELI . . .
"Leadership matters at all levels of the education system. If we want quality Pre-K programs, we need to invest in developing leaders for those programs. If we want smooth transitions and alignment between Pre-K and elementary schools, we need professional development programs that bring those school leaders together with the leaders of early education programs to design a systems approach to achieve the desired results. That is why Pennsylvania asked NISL to design the Early Childhood Executive Leadership Institute, and early feedback from its implementation indicate it is achieving those goals."
Gerald Zahorchak, Superintendent, Allentown School District (former Secretary of Education, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania)
"A compelling reason for implementing the Early Childhood Executive Leadership Institute in Pennsylvania was to protect the Commonwealth's investment in early education. Leaders who understand child development and age-appropriate instructional strategies can create the environment for children to thrive as they transition from Pre-K to kindergarten and beyond."
Harriet Dichter, National Director, First Five Years Fund (former Secretary of Public Welfare, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania)
"I found the Institute to be highly worthwhile and a great investment of my time. Just knowing that there are school districts out there who want to partner with EC Programs in an attempt to make a seamless transition for children and families during these important years was rewarding. The various resources used throughout the 5 days, as well as the presentations of the other teams provided me with a lot of good information on leadership and investment in change, which I will be able to utilize in the up coming school year."
Marie Groody, Early Childhood Services Manager Child Development, Inc.
"Little did I know what I didn't know about early childhood education. It was one of those "holes in a resume" that can only be filled with presentations by a knowledgeable staff, a well thought out, interactive curriculum and an engaged group of participants. I am grateful to have been able to take advantage of this extraordinarily useful course offering."
Jim Wigo, Assistant Superintendent Upper Darby School District
"The Early Childhood Executive Leadership class opened my eyes. I began thinking about preschool and about its importance and ties to achievement in ways that I had previously not considered. The opportunity to meet and learn from my peers in this area was a highlight of the class."
Deb Adler, Principal Souderton Area School District
"Through the Early Childhood Executive Leadership program, I learned a lot about the developmental needs of our youngest learners and about the programs available to our families before the students even arrive at our doors. I read an exceptional text that continues to be a reference tool for me as I work with my teachers. In the QCSD we have been highly involved in developing higher level thinking skills (Webb's depth of knowledge) with our students K- grade 5. This course helped me see the relationship of play to higher level thinking development. I have had great discussions with my faculty, which quite frankly I am not sure would have occurred, had it not been for my participation in this course. The Early Childhood Leadership program also facilitated networking."
Leslie Staffeld, Principal Quakertown Community School District