The impact of early learning programs on communities is profound. AASA’s Early Learning cohort brings educational leaders from across the country together to review emerging research, discover early learning best practices and plan to facilitate change. Recent research shows the high returns on investment and importance of high-quality early education programs—especially for disadvantaged kids.
Who Should Participate?
Any district leader who is interested in furthering the early learning initiative and mission, particularly superintendents, assistant superintendents and directors of early learning.
What Will I Learn?
By joining AASA's Early Learning Cohort, you will:
- Discover the power of early education. Explore early learning best practices and research to determine what will make the greatest impact in your community.
- Develop lasting relationships with colleagues who are also working on early education, and share knowledge of what works and what doesn’t.
- Have the opportunity to work with early learning advocates from across the nation including district administrators and topic experts to gain insight and research to shape actions, advocacy, and responses which promote sustainable and effective early learning efforts, will leave the course and creative or enhanced strategic plans regarding early learning. Participants also gain a network of colleagues who are embracing early learning in their district.
Programs Dates & Details
Program Duration: July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022
Registrations are accepted on a rolling basis.
Monthly cohort convenings will be held virtually on the second Wednesday of each month from 1–2:30 pm ET.
September 8, October 13, November 10, January 12, March 9, April 13, June 15
Face-to-Face Meeting ( all subject to change based on the current pandemic situation): Tentatively planning a December 6-8, 2021 in-person for those able to travel - Dallas, TX; Feb 16 for those attending the National Conference on Education - a site visit to Metro Nashville schools; May 4-6 a site-visit to West Valley School District 208 in Yakima, WA.
Cohort Lead
Deborah Bergeron, Deputy Director for Community Engagement and Innovation, National Head Start Association
Cohort Steering Committee
Peter Finch, Interim Superintendent, West Valley School District #208 (WA)
Eddie Manuszak, Superintendent, Dundee Community School District (MI)
Summer Schultz, Superintendent, Dell Rapids School District 49-3 (SD)
Program Fees
Nonmember Price: $2,500
AASA Member Discounted Price: $2,000
The program fee includes access to all cohort meetings, materials, discussions and more.