Leadership in Early Childhood Education, Advocacy, and Policy (LEaP)
MaineAEYC’s Leadership in Early Childhood Education, Advocacy, and Policy (LEaP) program is a yearlong leadership development opportunity for early childhood professionals working with children from birth through age 8. LEaP brings together emerging leaders from across Maine to build their knowledge, strengthen their advocacy skills, and develop the tools needed to create meaningful change.
Through monthly sessions, participants explore leadership, advocacy, public policy, early childhood systems, communication, and systems change. Participants also have opportunities to put their skills into action through real-world advocacy experiences, including engaging with policymakers, sharing their perspectives, communicating with the public, and participating in early childhood policy initiatives.
Ready to take the next step in your leadership journey?
The 2027 LEaP cohort will meet from January through November 2027, with a break in July. The program includes monthly Zoom sessions, an in-person kickoff in Augusta, and an in-person gathering at MaineAEYC’s Statewide Early Childhood Conference in Portland.
Only 10 participants will be selected for the 2027 cohort.
LEaP is open to early childhood professionals working in a variety of settings, including family child care, center-based programs, public pre-K, Head Start, out-of-school time, and other early childhood settings.
Throughout the year, participants may have opportunities to write and present testimony, meet with policymakers, participate in media interviews, write Letters to the Editor or Op-Eds, give presentations, organize colleagues and families, and take part in advocacy and policy initiatives.
Ready to grow your leadership skills, connect with other early childhood leaders, and help shape the future of early childhood education in Maine?
Meet the 2025 LEAP Cohort
Kaitie Gilmour, Sheena Haley, Kim Watson, L. Kathleen Reed, Colleen O'Brien, Jennifer Szantyr, Shara Sala, Andrea Day, Danielle Ridlon, Kerry Brunault, Jennifer Eastman, Thania Hernandez (Members are listed in no particular order).