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Professional Development
Build leadership skills to translate vision into sustainable action through daily work in early learning systems.
In accordance with Harvard University policy, Professional Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education affirms the right of all individuals to equal treatment in education without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Effective leadership in early education demands more than managing day-to-day operations. It calls for setting direction, regularly making difficult decisions, and translating vision into sustainable action through daily work. Whether you lead an early learning program, a nonprofit organization, a district-based early childhood initiative, or work at the state or local systems level, building capacity across settings is what enables you to drive meaningful improvement for children and families.
This program explores five core practices connected to everyday strategic leadership in early childhood. Through research, case discussions, and collaborative problem-solving with peers, you'll strengthen your capacity to discern priorities amid competing demands, navigate complex organizational dynamics, and lead with greater impact. You'll leave with an action plan tailored to your context and a network of leaders committed to the same work.
Through work on strategy, instructional improvement, and the future of learning, Liz City develops leaders with the skills, imagination, and collaboration necessary to build and re-build systems that serve each and every child well.
Team participation is encouraged, but individuals are welcome.
This program welcomes applications from both individuals and teams. First-time applicants need to create a Professional Education account to apply.
Individuals: Click the "Apply" button at the top of this page to log into your Professional Education account and access the application page. Proceed with the individual form until submission.
Teams: Designate one participant or an administrative staff member as the Coordinator.
Invoices: Invoices will only be available upon your acceptance.
Professional Education is excited to offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for your successful participation in this program. The Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is a nationally and internationally recognized unit of measurement for non-credit continuing education programs. As an IACET Accredited Provider, Professional Education offers IACET CEUs for learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard.
Requirements to be eligible to earn CEUs:
Upon successfully meeting all requirements outlined above, you will be notified via email that you have A) earned the certificate of completion for the program and B) are now eligible to earn CEUs. This email will contain the link to complete the required reflection assignment if you wish to receive CEUs, along with a submission deadline and time frame for receiving your CEUs. After submitting your reflection assignment, we will notify you via email of your CEU status, and if you have met all requirements, you will be able to download and view your CEU certificate at this point in time.
Building Capacity Across Early Learning Settings & Systems: Strategic Leadership in Action is eligible for 0.5 CEU and 5 clock hours.
Note: Professional Education is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard. IACET is recognized internationally as a standard development organization and accrediting body that promotes the quality of continuing education and training.