Early Childhood Services staff graduate from Early Childhood Leadership Institute

By Rebecca Bishop Ware, Director of Early Childhood Services

The Snelling Center for Government founded the Early Childhood Leadership Institute (ECLI), to improve early childhood systems work in Vermont. Each year, participants must apply and be accepted in a competitive application process, and then embark on a six-month commitment, two days with an overnight of learning and engagement and networking with their class, held all around the state in order to represent the strengths and needs of each region to participants. Since its beginning in 2014, there have been more than 125 graduates.  

Congratulations to Tonya Havens, our Education Manager, and Linda Darlington, our Health & Nutrition Coordinator, who both graduated from the Snelling Center for Government Early Childhood Leadership Institute last month! Over the last six months, Tonya and Linda have worked hard to meet the program outcomes, to develop their personal goals and reflections, and travelled hundreds of miles and many hours to participate in all the regions of Vermont. Tonya describes her greatest impact from participation as, “finding my voice and becoming an advocate—not just for children and families, but for myself as an educator and leader.” Linda shares how the experience has helped her to recognize the profound impact that effective advocacy and informed policymaking at the state level can have in transforming early childhood education. She says, “ECLI has deepened my understanding of how targeted policies and sustained community engagement are essential for ensuring equitable access to high-quality early childhood programs. This experience underscored the critical role communities play as advocates and partners in shaping policies that directly improve the educational outcomes and overall well-being of young children and their families.”  Past ECLI graduates from the ECS Division include Rebecca Bishop Ware, Grace Winslow, and Kimberly Lawlor-Batty.

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL OUTCOMES FOR PARTICIPANTS 

• Understanding of yourself and of your impact on others 

• Growing knowledge and understanding of the science and landscape of early childhood issues in VT 

• Habits of curiosity, inquiry, listening and reflection 

• Ability to bring a systems perspective to key early childhood issues in Vermont 

• Awareness, empathy, and authentic engagement with those of differing backgrounds, viewpoints, and styles 

• Positive approach to opportunities and lifelong learning 

• Heartfelt connections and a focus on collaborative leadership