Programs

ELLA-ES [Empowered Latinas Leading and Advancing Educational Spaces] is a one-year fellowship for aspiring ECE Latina educators, offering culturally informed consejos [advice], mentorship, leadership coaching and training. The program aims to empower Latina ECE educators, providing them with the necessary tools and knowledge to confidently advance, excel and exert their leadership and influence in their programs and in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. By fostering their growth, the program seeks to increase Latina leadership representation and bolster support for Latino children, families, and educators. ELLA ES's objective is to create a more diverse and inclusive ECE landscape that recognizes and addresses the unique needs and experiences of the Latino community.

Unidos for ECE offers ELLA-ES to 12 aspiring leaders [each year], who meet the following eligibility requirements: 

• Identify as a Latina: Participants must self-identify as Latina, reflecting their cultural heritage and ethnic background. 

• Interest and Commitment to Early Childhood Education (ECE): Participants should have a strong interest in the field of ECE and a genuine commitment to positively impacting the lives of young children and families. 

• Emerging Leadership Potential: Participants should demonstrate emerging leadership potential, showing a desire to develop their leadership skills and contribute to the field of ECE. 

• Work Experience in ECE: Participants should have at least five years of work experience in the field of early childhood education, such as working in an early care and education center, Head Start program, or other ECE/ Family Childcare setting. 

• Professional Growth and Career Aspirations: Participants should have a clear interest in professional growth and career advancement in the field of early childhood education. They should be motivated to take on leadership roles and make a difference in the ECE field. 

• Ability to Commit to the Program: Participants should be able to commit to the duration of the program, which may include attending training sessions, participating in mentoring activities, and engaging in collaborative professional learning communities. 

• Communication and Collaboration Skills: Participants should possess effective communication and collaboration skills, as they will be expected to actively engage in discussions, share their perspectives, and work collaboratively with other program participants. 

• Willingness to Engage in Advocacy: Participants should be open engaging in advocacy efforts, advocating for policies that benefit the ECE field and the communities they serve. 

• Openness to Cultural Responsiveness: Participants should demonstrate an openness and willingness to engage in culturally responsive practices, recognizing and valuing the diverse backgrounds and experiences of children, families, and colleagues in the ECE field.

• Commitment to Equity and Inclusion: Participants should be committed to promoting equity, inclusion, and social justice in early childhood education, striving to create inclusive and supportive environments for all children and families.

  Fellowship Program is now CLOSED!