We are excited to announce the relaunch of our legacy leadership program, the Buell Early Childhood Leadership Program (BECLP). Careful planning, consideration, and attention have been dedicated to this curriculum and relaunch to ensure that the next iteration will continue to be transformative and impactful for program participants.
Through the program, fellows will engage in a deeply personalized growth experience that includes leadership coaching, strengths-based development, and systems-change thinking. Graduates become part of the Buell Early Childhood Leaders Network—a powerful community of alumni who continue to learn, collaborate, and lead initiatives that improve outcomes for children and families across Colorado.
Access to the program has been broadened to be more inclusive of individuals from community organizations, government entities, a variety of industries, as well as professionals from the early childhood ecosystem. For program details (including a downloadable PDF), the application, and contact information, visit the BECLP website here.
“BECLP has been known for educating and equipping early childhood professionals to be influential leaders that can facilitate change for children and families within their communities across the state,” said Lesa Nesbit, Senior Program Officer/Supervisor at the Buell Foundation and BECLP alumna who has been involved in the program recreation and planning. “The early childhood landscape has shifted significantly over the years and is now recognized as a universal concern, impacting individuals, families, employers, and communities. To meet the current need of the day, the next iteration of BECLP is accessible to professionals from all industries seeking ways to use their areas of influence to make a difference, to be champions of early childhood, and to facilitate transformational, sustainable change for Colorado’s children and families.”
Laura Carlson, Vice President of Programs at the Buell Foundation added, “We know that early childhood services make it possible for our local economies to run—they ensure that parents can work because their children are cared for, they ensure that tomorrow’s leaders have the early education that sets them up for success, they ensure that families feel supported and safe. We also know that we can do better, and that it will take the work of dedicated champions across Colorado to catalyze the changes that our communities need.”
Applications for the program are due Friday, December 19, 2025. All program information is available on our website here.
