Ready to Lead

An open and inclusive professional learning community designed specifically for recently hired (one-day to five years of experience) center-based, early childhood administrators of all backgrounds.
Develop your Leadership Essentials. Delve into topics including: the power of self-awareness and reflection, understanding your leadership style, transitioning from peer to supervisor, and productivity and prioritizing tips. Participate in interactive, in-person learning while networking with other new early childhood administrators. Ready to Lead includes pre- and post-assignments and guided reflections designed to inform your practices, assess your growth, and evaluate your learning experience. Content in RTL is aligned with the Illinois Director Credential and Illinois Gateways to Opportunity.
RTL #5
APPLICATIONS CLOSED
RTL #6 – O’Fallon, IL – Deadline to Apply: April 29, 2022
APPLICATIONS CLOSED
RTL #7 – Chicago, IL – Deadline to Apply: August 12, 2022
APPLICATIONS CLOSED
Download the Ready to Lead flyer to learn more:
Download flyer

Session Topics:
Session 1 – Orientation
Session 2 – From the Inside Out: The Power of Reflection and Self-Awareness
Session 3 – Leadership in Action: How Effective Directors Get Things Done
Session 4 – New Role, New Relationships: Learning to Lead and Shifting from Struggling to Juggling: Prioritizing Pointers and Productivity Tips
Price
$125* and full participation gets you:
- One, two hour virtual orientation (a working computer with Internet accessibility and audio and video capability is required).
- Three, full-day in-person sessions (lunch and snacks included)
- 19.5 contact hours of Illinois Gateways to Opportunity approved professional development
- Books, handouts, and materials
*Valued at over $2,000. The registration fee is only for Illinois administrators. Out-of-state administrators, please contact Barbara Volpe at barbara.volpe@nl.edu or 847-947-5132.
Share the excitement about Ready to Lead on your social networks! Download our easy-to-use social media toolkit:
Download Social Media Toolkit
Three RTL Cohorts Available**
Select the cohort that is right for you!
RTL #5 – NLU Campus, 850 Warrenville Road, Lisle, IL
Applications are closed
- Session 1 – Virtual – February 9, 2022 – 9:00 am – 11:15 am
- Session 2 – In-person – February 18, 2022 – 9:00 am – 4:15 pm
- Session 3 – In-person – March 11, 2022 – 9:00 am – 4:15 pm
- Session 4 – In-person – April 8, 2022 – 9:00 am – 4:15 pm
RTL #6 – Hilton Garden Inn, 360 Regency Park, O’Fallon, IL
Deadline to Apply: April 29, 2022
- Session 1 – Virtual – June 9, 2022 – 9:00 am – 11:15 am
- Session 2 – In-person – June 23, 2022 – 9:00 am – 4:15 pm
- Session 3 – In-person – July 14, 2022 – 9:00 am – 4:15 pm
- Session 4 – In-person – August 4, 2022 – 9:00 am – 4:15 pm
RTL #7 – Richard J. Daley College, 7500 S. Pulaski Rd., Chicago, IL 60652
Deadline to Apply: August 12, 2022
- Session 1 – Virtual – September 30, 2022 – 9:00 am – 11:15 am
- Session 2 – In-person – October 7, 2022 – 9:00 am – 4:15 pm
- Session 3 – In-person – November 18, 2022 – 9:00 am – 4:15 pm
- Session 4 – In-person – December 9, 2022 – 9:00 am – 4:15 pm
**Per NLU policy as of November 2021, masks are required to be worn by participants at all in-person sessions (regardless of vaccination status). Proof of vaccination must be uploaded at time of registration. If a participant is not fully vaccinated, they will be required to upload proof of a negative COVID test that is taken within seven days prior to each training session.