ECEI Leadership Training
What is the ECEI Leaders Group?
A cohort of 8-10 individuals from varying roles in ECE (teachers, providers, administrators, trainers support staff, parents), selected each year, to become knowledgeable about and active in the promotion of theory and practice of equity/anti-bias education in early childhood.
What does an ECEI Leader do?
- networks with others interested in this critical area of education
- attends bi-monthly training sessions to enhance skills and understanding of the issues (such as creating a rich, multicultural, learning environment; presenting holidays to young children in an equitable, age-appropriate manner; responding appropriately to discriminatory comments from both children and adults; how to work effectively with children whose home language is other than English; promoting strong, positive racial/cultural and gender identities in children etc.)
- attends workshops and "book talks" which feature resource materials for use with children and adults
- receives training in providing classroom assessments of equity/anti-bias education for young children
- completes a personal project focusing on issues of equity/anti-bias education, to improve the quality and responsiveness of your own ECE work environment
After the year’s involvement, is there a way to stay connected to ECEI?
Absolutely. After the first year, these leaders are poised to play a key role in promoting culturally responsive, anti-bias approaches to early childhood education in childcare centers, school-based and home-based early childhood programs through advocacy, professional development, peer coaching, and program planning. Should ECEI Leaders opt for second year participation, it will include an intense "training of trainers" that will prepare them to facilitate training of teachers and other ECE professionals in areas of equity, diversity and literacy development.
Sound very enriching. How can I get involved?
If you are a person with deep concern for the ethical education of our young children, a desire to take part in leading a movement of teachers, parents and others to improve the quality of education in our early childhood programs, and to insure equity for all children in those programs, please consider applying to become a member of the ECEI Leaders Group. Send an email to Cecelia Alvarado at ecei@teachingforchange.org to request that you be notified when there is another opportunity to apply in the DC metro area or to learn how to bring the training to your area.
Below are comments from past participants.
“I have learned to listen to other people’s voices more carefully, at the same time to be a little more conscious of my own voice, opinions and prejudices.”“This knowledge has affected my work directly, giving me tools to be a better facilitator of multicultural groups.”
“Having found a passion for these issues in my graduate work, it was wonderful to be able to dialogue with others who felt the same way and understood some the difficulties working with colleagues who might not share the same viewpoint… this experience has really helped me to shape my beliefs and practices as a new teacher.”
“The issue of skin color [which was addressed] was most important to me and the discussion of the matter of fact ways of handling the issue.”
“I came to appreciate the ease at which we addressed the topics, the lightness of the meetings in that the pacing was even and not too full or rushed and the growth that I experienced.”
“I have been empowered with the language and the permission to have these conversations in my workplace as well as in my personal relationships.”
“I have increased my sensitivity regarding my conversations with others about families in our program; I am making sure that at least one workshop focusing on equity or anti-bias issues is presented during staff development (quarterly)… and the internal growth I experienced has assisted in improving my relationships with colleagues and community partners.”
“My contributions were consistently valued, and the diversity and richness of experiences of the entire group was astounding.”
“My investment in this initiative is substantial. I consider this initiative a top priority, and am sure to speak about the work that we are doing any time I have the floor in another arena or venue…”
