đź“ŁÂ Buell President & CEO Steve ErkenBrack Named as Co-Chair on the New Early Childhood Leadership Commission. More information
✍️ Clarity is Kindness: Guest Blog from Current BECLP Cohort Fellow, Drew McGee.  More information
📊 New Report: Designing a Stronger Early Childhood Workforce Pipeline: Aligning Access, Pathways, and Investment Across Colorado’s Education Systems. More information
đź“Ś Investing in the People Who Care for Colorado’s Kids by Director of Initiatives, Jason Callegari. More information
Buell Early Childhood Leadership Program
LEADERSHIP ACROSS SECTORS. ACTION ROOTED IN COLORADO.
Early childhood systems are shaped by decisions made across education, business, government, philanthropy, health, nonprofits, and communities. The Buell Early Childhood Leadership Program (BECLP) brings leaders from these sectors together to understand the system, learn from one another, and take action where they have influence.
Throughout the program, each fellow advances an action project connected to a challenge they can influence. The project becomes a learning lab for understanding the system, listening to community perspectives, testing ideas, gathering feedback, and adapting a strategy over time.
BECLP AT A GLANCE
Nine-month hybrid leadership fellowship
Individual coaching and strengths-based development
Real-world action project grounded in a challenge you can influence
Statewide, cross-sector peer cohort
Continued connection through the Buell Early Childhood Leaders Network
You do not need an executive title or a job in an early childhood organization to belong in BECLP. We welcome Colorado leaders whose roles, decisions, or influence affect the conditions in which children and families thrive. Applicants may come from education, business, government, philanthropy, health, nonprofits, and community organizations. Early childhood expertise is not required. A willingness to listen, learn, advance equity, and participate fully is.
BECLP MAY BE A STRONG FIT IF YOU
Lead formally or informally and can influence people, policies, resources, or practices
Bring a challenge connected to the conditions in which children and families thrive that you have the ability to influence
Are ready to examine how you lead, receive feedback, and try new approaches
Value perspectives different from your own and want to collaborate across sectors and communities
EXPERIENCE AND OUTCOMES
BECLP is designed for working leaders who are ready to learn by doing. Across nine months, fellows move between immersive retreats, virtual learning, individual coaching, peer feedback, reflection, and action on a real challenge.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
Attend and participate in in-person and virtual leadership sessions across 9-months (see program dates below!)
Participate in at least two individual executive coaching sessions, with additional coaching opportunities available
Complete leadership assessments, preparation, and reflection
Complete a personal leadership memoir that reflects how your leadership has grown and changed
Advance an action project focused on a real challenge you can influence
Use your strengths, values, identity, and feedback to lead with greater self-awareness
Examine assumptions, understand how bias shapes decisions, and try new approaches
LEAD WITH OTHERS
Build trust, navigate difference, and collaborate across sectors and communities
Understand how relationships, power, and decision-making shape change
LEAD CHANGE IN SYSTEMS
Deepen your understanding of Colorado’s early childhood ecosystem and identify patterns, root causes, and meaningful leverage points
Design, test, and adapt strategies with community input and an equity lens
YOUR COMMITMENT
Fellows are expected to attend and engage fully in all scheduled events. We understand that circumstances sometimes arise. When they do, fellows should contact BECLP staff as soon as possible. Because each session builds on the last and the cohort learns through one another, fellows should plan to prioritize the time together throughout the nine-month experience. Between sessions, fellows will complete preparation and reflection, participate in at least two coaching sessions, continue advancing their action project, and develop a personal leadership memoir.
PROGRAM INVESTMENT
Curious about cost? Good news! If you are selected for the cohort, BECLP covers the cost of program content, accommodations, and meals for all in-person events. Participants traveling more than 100 miles are also eligible for mileage reimbursement.
APPLY
BECLP looks for leaders who bring curiosity, influence, community knowledge, and a willingness to grow. You do not need to speak the language of early childhood. We care more about the perspective you bring, the challenge you are ready to explore, and your willingness to turn learning into action.
BEFORE YOU APPLY
Review the program dates, experience, and participation expectations
Preview the application questions, including the video responses
Identify a leadership challenge you are ready to explore
Talk with your supervisor, if applicable, to confirm your ability to participate fully
YOUR APPLICATION WILL INCLUDE
Online application responses
Video responses
Resume of no more than two pages
Two professional references who can speak to your leadership and growth mindset
Commitment to Participate form signed by you and your supervisor
HOW TO APPLY
 Review the application questions and gather the required materials.
 Complete the online application.
 Submit your application by December 9, 2026.
RECRUITMENT TIMELINE
Applications open: Oct 5, 2026
Applications close: Dec 9, 2026
Interviews for applicants who move forward will be held Jan 20 and 21, 2027
