Certificate in Early Education Leadership (CEEL)

CEEL is a first-of-its-kind, job-embedded, online program that provides early education leaders with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to strengthen learning environments and foster quality improvement in all early education settings.

Certificate in Early Education Leadership (CEEL)

Led by Zaentz faculty directors Nonie Lesaux and Stephanie Jones, CEEL covers three topics: the science of early learning; leadership; and teaching and learning. Participants can explore these topics through “Learn” modules, which build knowledge in key areas. The modules feature videos, readings, online discussions, self-reflection exercises, case studies, and other interactive activities and tools.

Participants can begin with any Learn module and take the modules in any order. The “Plan and Apply” module helps participants use what they’ve learned to create and implement a plan tailored to their own workplace.

Filter By:
Leading for Early Learning and Development
Learn More About the Full Series
LEARN Modules:
The Science of Early Learning
03/03/25 - 03/21/25

Register By: 02/21/25

spring, summer
Learn More
Leading Adults for Quality Improvement
09/09/24 - 09/27/24

Register By: 08/29/24

fall, spring
Learn More
Stress, Adversity, and Trauma
10/07/24 - 10/25/24

Register By: 09/27/24

fall, spring
Learn More
Strong Relationships and Interactions
11/04/24 - 11/22/24

Register By: 10/25/24

fall, summer
Learn More
We recommend that participants complete at least two Learn modules before they take the Plan and Apply module within any series.
Plan and Apply
Date 01/13/25 - 02/07/25
Learn More
Rethinking Leadership in Early Education
Learn More About the Full Series
LEARN Modules:
Effective Approaches to Leadership
03/03/25 - 03/21/25

Register By: 02/21/25

spring, summer
Learn More
Leading Change in Others
09/09/24 - 09/27/24

Register By: 08/29/24

fall, spring
Learn More
Leveraging Diversity for Improvement
10/07/24 - 10/25/24

Register By: 09/27/24

fall, spring
Learn More
Effective Teams
11/04/24 - 11/22/24

Register By: 10/25/24

fall, summer
Learn More
We recommend that participants complete at least two Learn modules before they take the Plan and Apply module within any series.
Plan and Apply
Date 01/13/25 - 02/07/25
Learn More
Supporting Optimal Teaching and Learning Environments
Learn More About the Full Series
LEARN Modules:
Cornerstone Educator Competencies
03/03/25 - 03/21/25

Register By: 02/21/25

spring, summer
Learn More
Teaching for Cognitive Growth
09/09/24 - 09/27/24

Register By: 08/29/24

fall, spring
Learn More
Effective Classroom Management
10/07/24 - 10/25/24

Register By: 09/27/24

fall, spring
Learn More
Universal Design for Learning
11/04/24 - 11/22/24

Register By: 10/25/24

fall, summer
Learn More
We recommend that participants complete at least two Learn modules before they take the Plan and Apply module within any series.
Plan and Apply
Date 01/13/25 - 02/07/25
Learn More
We recommend that participants complete at least two Learn modules before they take the Plan and Apply module within any series.
Learn More About the Full Certificate

CEEL is flexible. You can begin with any Learn module and complete modules in any order. Participants pursuing the full certificate must complete all 15 modules.

Yes! We support both individuals and teams in all of our professional learning institutes. Professional learning can be very effective when teams learn together. Click here to apply as a team or group.

We offer special pricing for districts or networks looking for large-scale professional development opportunities. Click here to apply as a team or group.

When you successfully complete an individual module, you will receive documentation of participation as well as a letter confirming the number of hours awarded (10 for a Learn module, 15 for a Plan and Apply module).

Participants who successfully complete all 15 modules will receive the Certificate in Early Education Leadership.

CEEL is designed for leaders at all levels of early education, including state leaders, early education directors and program administrators, nonprofit leaders, instructional coaches, public school principals and district leaders, and educators with leadership roles.

The registration fee for an individual module is $245. Participants who successfully complete four Learn modules in a Series qualify to take their fifth module free.

Financial aid is not available for this program.
Module Duration

Each Learn module runs for three weeks and requires approximately 10 hours of work. The Plan and Apply module runs for four weeks and requires approximately 15 hours of work.

The more we learn about promoting children’s healthy development and laying a strong foundation for later learning and development, the clearer it becomes that one of the best investments for young children is an investment in the adults who shape the settings where they learn and grow.”
- Nonie Lesaux and Stephanie Jones, Zaentz Co-directors