Early Learning Leadership Academy

The early learning years from preschool to 3rd grade lay the foundation for children's educational success in school and in life. To prepare our children for future success and ensure the gains made with high quality preschool are sustained, principals and administrators need to effectively build a staircase of learning from early education up through the later grades. Successful school leaders establish a PreK - 3rd grade culture and learning continuum, build relationships with community and family partners, and ensure classroom practices maximize learning in the early learning years (Loewenberg, Aaron. Why Elementary School Principals Matter, New America, May 2016) . The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) has identified six competencies for what principals and administrators should know and be able to do as effective leaders of PreK – 3 learning communities. The Early Learning Leadership Academy focuses on the development of these six competencies and provides administrators with the practical skills, knowledge and tools to align high-quality, developmentally-appropriate practices from prekindergarten through 3rd grade. School leaders will have the opportunity to learn from national, state and local experts, reflect on current practices and create action plans to support effective PreK – 3 implementation. ​ Six Competencies that Characterize Leadership of PreK - 3 Learning Communities: ​Embrace the PreK - 3 early learning continuum Ensure developmentally-appropriate teaching Provide personalized, blended learning environments Make school the hub of PreK - 3 learning for families and communities Use multiple measures to guide student learning growth Build professional capacity across the learning community ​ The Center for Early Learning is housed within Silicon Valley Community Foundation. Our mission is conduct research, convene community leaders and advocate for change to ensure that young children have access to high-quality early learning opportunities and healthy development.