Exchange Leadership Initiative (ELI)

The Exchange Leadership Initiative identifies and supports leadership in Early Care and Education. Leadership takes many forms, from people working directly with children in an early care and education or school-age program, to people administering programs or working with support organizations; and from working locally to working in states and provinces, nationally and internationally.

Our Exchange Leaders are everywhere, doing powerful work.

They share these constants:

  • Passion for young children and their families and the field of early care and education.
  • Vision, determination and persistence.
  • Willingness, eagerness and curiosity to continue to learn and grow.
  • Belief that together we are stronger.
  • Humility based on a commitment to equity and diversity and recognition that leaders before us have built the mission, passion, and knowledge base of our field.
ELI member, Anjali Dubey
The personal mantra that I use and teach to my students is that everybody is a leader. For an organization to be effective all employees should be given the opportunity to grow and develop. As aptly put by Barbara Coloroso “The beauty of empowering others is that your own power is not diminished in the process.”
Anjali Dubey, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Executive Director, Isabella Walton Childcare Centre
ELI member, Joshua Rifkin

I remember a moment half a decade ago when I addressed my colleagues in a staff meeting about our responsibility to live in a organization that practiced sustainable solutions for the planet. … That day I learned that leadership must be fueled by aligning our words and actions with our deepest-felt values.

Joshua Rifkin, Denver, Colorado, United States. Nature and technology specialist, Early Learning School-Denver JCC
ELI member, Alexandra Saharig

My passion in this field is to educate others on the importance of quality education for all, no matter your cultural background or socio-economic status. Every child in this nation deserves to learn in a safe and nurturing environment.

Alexandra Saharig, Morristown, New Jersey, United States. Techincal assistance specialist, Central Jersey Family Health Consortium

Articles by ELI Members

Exchange Leadership Criteria

Leadership

Exchange leaders are grounded in their own work and are using their strengths and advocacy skills to make a difference for children, families, and their communities. They demonstrate leadership in strengthening their program or organization, and go beyond their position through building the profession, and advocating for children and families at community, state, and/or national levels.

Roles

Exchange leaders engage in work that addresses issues around young children and families and early care and education—they are program managers, classroom teachers, organization leaders, home care providers, home visitors, trainers, advocates, professors, researchers, counselors, and policy makers.

Knowledge Base

Exchange leaders understand strong early care and education principles and practices, address diversity and equity, and are engaged in life-long learning.

Spirit

Exchange leaders work collaboratively and with personal initiative to build networks around key issues and demonstrate perseverance in pursuing difficult objectives.

Application

The act of applying for this designation is profound.

If you see yourself as a leader, that will change how you think and how you act. Each of us has the capacity to contribute to our field.

Please note that the application must be completed by the applicant. There is no nomination process, but we encourage you to recommend individuals who you believe fit the criteria.

Applications and recommendations are currently closed. To be notified when applications are available, please fill out the information below.

Questions? Contact us at [email protected].