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Introduction to the Certificate in Early Education Leadership (CEEL)

The Certificate in Early Education Leadership (CEEL) is a professional development program designed for early education leaders and practitioners. The program aims to provide participants with the core knowledge, management skills, and leadership tools necessary to build and advance high-quality early education in any learning environment.

Program Overview

CEEL is comprised of three learning series, each containing five modules. The program is presented by the Zaentz Professional Learning Academy at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and led by Zaentz faculty directors Nonie Lesaux and Stephanie Jones.

Program Structure

• Each series includes four instructional Learn modules that build participants' core knowledge in key areas.
• The fifth module is a Plan and Apply module designed to support participants as they map key learnings and create and implement a plan tailored to their site and work.
• Participants who complete all modules across the three series will earn the Certificate in Early Education Leadership.

Program Details

Series 1: Leading for Early Learning and Development

Develop foundational knowledge, skills, and tools necessary for cultivating optimal learning environments and experiences.

Series 2: Rethinking Leadership in Early Education

Integrate innovative work from the Harvard Business School and beyond to build leadership and management skills that can transform professional settings.

Series 3: Supporting Optimal Teaching and Learning Environments

Learn how to help educators develop their competencies, improve their effectiveness in classroom management, and support children’s cognitive growth.

Module Schedule

The program modules are scheduled throughout the year, with each Learn module running for three weeks and requiring approximately 10 hours of work. The Plan and Apply modules run for four weeks and require approximately 15 hours of work.

Faculty Chairs

• Nonie K. Lesaux: Dean of the Faculty of Education and Roy Edward Larsen Professor of Education and Human Development.
• Stephanie M. Jones: Gerald S. Lesser Professor in Early Childhood Development and Faculty Co-Chair, Early Childhood Concentration.

Who Should Attend

CEEL is designed for early education leaders and practitioners, including:

• Directors of early education centers or programs
• Administrators, coaches, and practitioners in public school preK programs
• Leaders of early education service organizations
• State leaders and administrators
• Philanthropists, grant-makers, and advocates

Tuition and Discounts

• Each CEEL module is $245.
• When you successfully complete four modules within the same series, you are eligible to take the fifth module for free.
• Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more participants.

Earn CEUs

Professional Education is excited to offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for successful participation in this program. The Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is a nationally and internationally recognized unit of measurement for non-credit continuing education programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the format, and what work is involved in this certificate program?
  • CEEL occurs exclusively online and offers participants a flexible and job-embedded learning experience.
• Do I need to take the three series in a specific order?
  • CEEL is designed to support flexibility; you can begin with any series and complete them in any order.
• How long does it take to complete the Certificate in Early Education Leadership?
  • Depending on when you begin your participation and how many modules you take simultaneously, it can take between 5 and 18 months to earn the certificate.

About the Zaentz Initiative

The Zaentz Professional Learning Academy offers a variety of professional development programs, including the Certificate in Early Education Leadership. The academy is committed to providing high-quality professional development opportunities for early education leaders and practitioners.