The Certificate in Early Education Leadership (CEEL) covers three broad topics: the science of early learning, leadership, and teaching and learning. Participants can explore these topics through “Learn” modules, which build core knowledge in key areas. The “Plan and Apply” module supports participants to use key learnings to create and implement a plan tailored to their site and work.
Participants can begin with any Learn module and take these modules in any order. The fee is $245 per module.
If you are a returning CEEL participant, visit the Professional Education Community and follow these instructions to check your progress and see which modules you have left to complete to earn your Series-level certificate or the full CEEL certificate.
When do you want to participate?
July │ August │ September │ October │ November
Plan and Apply modules are designed for participants who have completed at least two Learn modules within a given series. If you are new to CEEL, please join us for any Learn modules.
July 2023 Modules
| Program Dates: July 3 – 28, 2023 | |
| Registration and Payment Deadline: June 23, 2023 | |
| Series 1: Leading for Early Learning and Development | Plan and Apply | Register |
| Series 2: Rethinking Leadership in Early Education | Plan and Apply | Register |
| Series 3: Supporting Optimal Teaching and Learning Environments | Plan and Apply | Register |
August 2023 Modules
| Program Dates: August 7 – 25, 2023 | |
| Registration and Payment Deadline: July 28, 2023 | |
| Series 1: Leading for Early Learning and Development | Learn A: The Science of Early Learning | Register |
| Series 2: Rethinking Leadership in Early Education | Learn A: Effective Approaches to Leadership | Register |
| Series 3: Supporting Optimal Teaching and Learning Environments | Learn A: Cornerstone Educator Competencies | Register |
September 2023 Modules
| Program Dates: September 5 – 22, 2023 | |
| Registration and Payment Deadline: August 25, 2023 | |
| Series 1: Leading for Early Learning and Development | Learn B: Leading Adults for Quality Improvement | Register |
| Series 2: Rethinking Leadership in Early Education | Learn B: Leading Change in Others | Register |
| Series 3: Supporting Optimal Teaching and Learning Environments | Learn B: Teaching for Cognitive Growth | Register |
October 2023 Modules
| Program Dates: October 10 – 27, 2023 | |
| Registration and Payment Deadline: September 29, 2023 | |
| Series 1: Leading for Early Learning and Development | Learn C: Stress, Adversity, and Trauma | Register |
| Series 2: Rethinking Leadership in Early Education | Learn C: Leveraging Diversity for Improvement | Register |
| Series 3: Supporting Optimal Teaching and Learning Environments | Learn C: Effective Classroom Management | |
November 2023 Modules
| Program Dates: November 6 – 28, 2023 | |
| Registration and Payment Deadline: October 27, 2023 | |
| Series 1: Leading for Early Learning and Development | Learn D: Strong Relationships and Interactions | Register |
| Series 2: Rethinking Leadership in Early Education | Learn D: Effective Teams | Register |
| Series 3: Supporting Optimal Teaching and Learning Environments | Learn D: Universal Design for Learning | Register |
Typical CEEL Module Schedule
Please refer to the charts below for our typical CEEL module calendar. Each series of modules will take place during the same month every year.
| Registration Calendar | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov |
| Learn A | • | • | |||||||||
| Learn B | • | • | |||||||||
| Learn C | • | • | |||||||||
| Learn D | • | • | |||||||||
| Plan and Apply | • | • |
Certificate FAQs
What is the format and what work is involved in this certificate program?
CEEL takes place exclusively online and offers participants a flexible and job-embedded learning experience. The CEEL Portfolio is comprised of the following three series:
- Series 1: Leading for Early Learning and Development
- Series 2: Rethinking Leadership in Early Education
- Series 3: Supporting Optimal Teaching and Learning Environments
Each of the three series includes four instructional Learn modules that build participants’ core knowledge in key areas, including early learning and development, adult learning, and leadership and management. The fifth module is a Plan and Apply module designed to support participants as they map key learnings and to create and implement a plan tailored to their site and work.
Modules within each series are available for individual enrollment; those who complete all modules across the three series will earn the Certificate in Early Education Leadership.
Each Learn module is three weeks and will require approximately 10 hours of work. The Plan and Apply module runs for four weeks and requires approximately 15 hours of work. To receive more information and updates, please click here.
Do I need to take the three series in a specific order?
CEEL is designed to support flexibility; you can begin with any module and complete them in any order. Participants pursuing the full certificate must complete all 15 modules.
Do I need to take modules within a series in a specific order?
Participants who register module-by-module can begin with any Learn module and complete them in any order. Participants must complete all four of the Learn modules in a Series (A through D) before they take the Plan and Apply module within that series.
How long does it take to complete the Certificate in Early Education Leadership?
It takes 18 months to complete the certificate if one module is completed every four to five weeks.
What is the cost of the program?
For participants who wish to register for modules on an individual basis, the fee for each module is $245.
Is financial aid available for this program?
Financial aid is not available for this program.
Are there on-campus or in-residence opportunities for participants enrolled in CEEL?
CEEL is offered as an exclusively online program and currently does not involve any on-campus participation. However, the Zaentz Professional Learning Academy also offers a variety of in-person institutes. Click here for more information.
Can teams apply to this program? Is there a discount for teams?
We encourage participation from both individuals and teams in all of our professional learning institutes. Professional learning can be very impactful when teams engage in learning together.
In support of team participation, we offer special pricing for districts or networks looking for large-scale professional development opportunities. Click here to get in touch with our admissions team and learn about our special CEEL group rates.