Application for the 2026 Early Childhood Leadership Institute

Early Childhood Leadership Institute Application
The Early Childhood Leadership Institute was initiated in 2014 and seeks to stimulate enthusiasm for and effective participation in efforts to improve early childhood work in Vermont. A group of diverse participants will come together each year, for twelve seminar days over six months, to gain leadership skills and a deeper knowledge and understanding of themselves as leaders and the science and landscape of early childhood issues in Vermont. ECLI will give participants the information, tools and inspiration to make greater contributions in their organizations, their communities and Vermont toward early childhood issues. ECLI Associates will join a professional network of over 1100 Vermont Leadership Network Alumni with more than 150 Early Childhood Leadership Institute graduates to date.

Through this application process, we want to get to know you, your ideas, and your vision for improving your community and Vermont.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: August 24, 2025 **Extended Deadline**

Contact tasha@snellingcenter.org for more info.

As part of the selection process, you may be asked to participate in an interview.

Please complete the application as soon as you can.

Thank you!

**Please note that this form is NOT saveable. If you need to, please type answers out in word and cut and paste so as not to lose your work or print a copy for your records prior to submitting.
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Early childhood educator who works directly with children (in a center or home-based setting)AdministratorDirectorSpecialized CareECE CoachesHead StartAfter school ProgramOther
Briefly describe your job responsibilities and the nature of your work. If you are not employed outside the home, tell us how you spend your time.
What do you consider your most significant contribution(s) and/or achievement(s) related to your work?
Please share (in order of importance to you) civic, political, religious, professional, social or other activities in which you have been involved. List, in this order: organization, nature of organization, your role or position, dates.
Why did you become involved with the organizations that you listed above?
What did you learn from your involvement?
If you have not previously been involved in community life, what has changed to allow more involvement now?
Please describe your professional path; description and/or list employers, titles, key responsibilities, highlights and challenges.
Please list all the schools you've attended, beginning with high school. Please include any graduate or specialized programs. List institution, degree, major/specialty and year completed.
What do you think are the three most pressing issues facing early childhood work in Vermont over the next ten years? Please share a paragraph about each. Use this box for issue 1.
This box for issue 2
This box for issue 3
What are your future civic and professional goals?
What do you hope to gain from your Early Childhood Leadership Institute experience?
What contributions will you make to the Early Childhood Leadership Institute experience?
What do you envision as your key challenges to dedicating the time, energy and attention required for full participation in this program? How do you intend to address these challenges?
Please share the names and contact info for two people* aware of your leadership potential and who we may contact regarding your qualifications.
*Please have each of your references send a letter of support to The Snelling Center for Government, C/O Early Childhood Leadership Institute, PO Box 698, Shelburne, VT 05482 OR email tasha@snellingcenter.org. Applications cannot be considered until letters of support are received.
How did you learn about the Early Childhood Leadership Institute?*
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ECLI Contract

The Vermont Early Childhood Leadership Institute requires a genuine commitment of energy, time, patience and heart. Associates are expected to be on time and come prepared to each session. Applicants are assumed to value genuine dialogue and inquiry, curiosity about the issues facing Vermont, and to be committed to the state, to learning, and to their own personal growth. The program design acknowledges that growth and learning can be uncomfortable. We strive to create a safe place for Associates to stretch their thinking, challenge their beliefs, and try on new ideas. The ECLI 2026 program involves twelve days and six overnight sessions between November 2025 and April 2026. Associates are expected to participate fully and should have the support and commitment of their employers.

I understand the purpose of the Early Childhood Leadership Institute.

I agree to participate fully.
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The Early Childhood Leadership Institute Class of 2026 is funded by a grant through the State of Vermont. This grant will allow all associates to participate tuition free.

THANK YOU FOR APPLYING TO BECOME AN ASSOCIATE OF THE EARLY CHILDHOOD LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE.

We suggest you print and keep a copy of your application before submitting.

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USD$25 ECLI Application Fee

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Early Childhood Leadership Institute Application