VOCEL Leaders

School leaders are best equipped to lead exemplary early learning programs when provided with the right resources and a community of peers, to learn and strategize together. Learn, grow, lead, as part of the VOCEL Leaders community.

Purpose

VOCEL Leaders programming is designed for ECE leaders and administrators to strengthen their leadership of early learning programs by identifying and implementing strong early learning practices.

The early learning leadership team from VOCEL partner closely with participants to identify the most pressing challenges in their early learning programs and develop tailored action plans, working alongside admin teams to support implementation and improve outcomes for our earliest learners.

Our differentiated approach to professional learning was developed with the busy ECE leader in mind. Whether you prefer in-person collaboration, self-paced online learning, or a focused summer experience, VOCEL Leaders offers multiple ways to learn, grow, and lead.

Choose Your Learning Path

Learning Cohort

Our signature year-long cohort experience brings together school leaders in a collaborative improvement community focused on strengthening early learning practices through professional development, coaching, and peer learning.

Participants receive:

  • Quarterly community learning events

  • Thought partnership with VOCEL Leaders staff

  • Professional networking opportunities

  • ISBE professional development hours

  • A supportive network of ECE leaders

Self-guided Learning

We heard from many school leaders that while they're eager for additional professional development, the demands of their roles can make it challenging to commit to traditional in-person workshops. In response, we've designed a fully virtual, asynchronous model that provides the same rich learning experience—on your schedule.

Participants benefit from:

  • Self-paced online learning modules

  • Flexible learning designed for busy leaders

  • Thought partnership with VOCEL Leaders staff

  • Networking opportunities with fellow leaders

  • Learning focused on play-based instruction and social-emotional practices in Pre-K through 2nd grade

  • ISBE professional development credits (2 hours per completed module, up to 6 total hours)

"The dashboard is easy to follow and the modules have been great. Packed with information in small chunks that are doable without being too time consuming. The mindfulness module was right on time as I had just made the statement to someone about being more present in tasks instead of just trying to get through them. It is all much appreciated and needed." -Feedback from Chicago Public School Administrator

Book Studies

Join fellow ECE leaders for a collaborative learning experience designed to deepen your understanding of early learning best practices through guided reading, discussion, and thought partnership with the VOCEL Leaders team. Book studies in the 2026-2027 school year will happen over the summer.

Participants enjoy:

  • Three 2-hour virtual book study sessions

  • Thoughtful discussion with fellow ECE leaders

  • Thought partnership with VOCEL Leaders staff

  • ISBE professional development credits upon completion

“Thank you for providing a platform for leaders to come together and learn, reflect and share best practices”

“Sessions really allow me to be reflective of my practice. The book was a good choice. I will be sharing this with EC colleagues”
Instructional Coach in Powerful Interactions” -Feedback from ECE leaders

Benefits for Participating Leaders

No matter which pathway you choose, VOCEL Leaders gain access to:

  • In-person or virtual professional development with accompanying ISBE professional development hours

  • Opportunity for individualized support through thought partnership with VOCEL staff

  • Invitations to learning and social events featuring guest speakers, panel discussions, and networking opportunities

  • A network of school leaders committed to early learning excellence

  • Peer collaboration and shared learning experiences

  • A joyful celebration to wrap up the session!

Program Commitments

Learning Cohort - Participants commit to:

  • One year of participation

  •  2-hour community learning events (available in person and virtually) between August and June

  • Networking events with fellow educators

  • Opportunity for individualized support through thought partnership with VOCEL staff

Self-guided Learning - Participants:

  • Progress through learning modules at their own pace

  • Optional thought partnership sessions with VOCEL Leaders team

  • Receive ISBE professional development credits upon completion

Book Studies - Participants

  • Commit to three 2-hour virtual meetings over the summer (June/July)

  • Optional thought partnership sessions with VOCEL Leaders team

  • Receive ISBE professional development credits upon completion

Eligibility

We prioritize schools that meet a combination of the following criteria:

  • Title I designation

  • At least one Pre-K classroom

  • An identified Early childhood focus within the CIWP or other school priorities

Apply Today

We’re currently accepting applications! Have any questions? Email Callie Crump at Callie@VOCEL.org with any questions.

Apply Now!