Early Childhood Leadership

How systems thinking can serve people in

A number of US early childhood systems have viewed systems thinking as important to their national, state and local work. Leadership development of Preschool and Early Childhood Center Directors, School District, State and National Leaders of Early Childhood Education have brought systems thinking capabilities to hundreds of early childhood professionals. Much of the inspiration of this work with organizations like NAEYC, CEELO, NASLEE, BUILD, Smart Start North Carolina, First Things First Arizona and First Five California and other came from innovative pioneer teachers who believed that young children are natural systems thinkers. The Habits and tools of systems thinking are actively practiced in early learning classrooms across the US and internationally.

Systems Thinking in Action

The Center for Enhancing Early Learning Outcomes (CEELO), established in 2014, sponsored 5 cohorts of state level leaders of early childhood Fellows. The CEELO program inspired ongoing cohort opportunities for state level leaders and is now sponsored by the National Association of State Leaders in Early Education (NASLEE). Several CEELO Fellows and coaches have furthered their systems thinking expertise by successfully earning a Waters Center Advanced Facilitator Credential while working with their respective states to bring high quality care and education to every child and family. Credential Waters Center facilitators who were formerly involved with CEELO are now the systems thinking trainers and coaches for the NASLEE Leadership Academy.

Interested in learning more about systems thinking and the Waters Center's services?

Schedule a 15-minute inquiry call with a Waters Center staff member

or email us at info@waterscenterst.org

Outcomes

Ability to see and understand the complexity of Early Childhood systems
Increased understanding of the interdependencies among systems, policy, workforce, and family and children's needs
Enhanced ability to communicate with staff, other departments and constituents which builds confidence, capability and influence
Deep development of leadership capabilities
Engage stakeholders in developing a shared understand and shared vision of their EC systems (e.g. classroom, center, school, district, state)

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