Building Early Learning Leaders (BELL)

Purpose

Building Early Learning Leaders (BELL) cohort-based programs are designed for school leaders and administrators to strengthen their leadership of early learning programs by identifying and implementing strong early learning practices.

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

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

Choose Your Learning Path

Traditional BELL

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

• Bi-monthly coaching from VOCEL experts

• Professional networking opportunities

• ISBE professional development hours

• A supportive network of fellow school leaders

Asynchronous 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 school leaders

• Optional coaching from VOCEL experts

• Networking opportunities with fellow school 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)

Participant Feedback “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.”

Summer Book Study

Join fellow school leaders for a collaborative summer learning experience designed to deepen your understanding of early learning best practices through guided reading, discussion, and optional coaching support.

Participants enjoy:

• Three 2-hour virtual book study sessions over the summer

• Thoughtful discussion with fellow school leaders

• Optional coaching support from VOCEL experts

• ISBE professional development credits upon completion

Benefits for Participating Leaders

No matter which pathway you choose, BELL participants gain access to:

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

• On-the-ground implementation support through VOCEL coaching

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

• A network of CPS school leaders committed to early learning excellence

• Peer collaboration and shared learning experiences

• A joyful celebration to wrap up the session

Program Commitments

Traditional BELL - Participants commit to:

• One year of participation

• Quarterly 2-hour community learning events (available in person and virtually) between September and April

• Networking events with fellow educators

• Bi-monthly coaching with a BELL coach

Asynchronous Learning - Participants:

• Progress through learning modules at their own pace

• Have access to optional coaching sessions

• Receive ISBE professional development credits upon completion

Summer Book Study - Participants

• Commit to three 2-hour virtual meetings over the summer

• Have access to optional coaching sessions

• 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

• Ability to dedicate time and human resources (school leader and up to two additional adult-facing staff members) to a focused improvement effort

Apply Today

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