Early Childhood Policy Fellowship

Are you a systems leader looking to exchange ideas, refine your work, and receive leadership coaching? The Bank Street Education Center is now recruiting for the fourth cohort of the Early Childhood Policy Fellowship. This program is designed to help leaders advance key priorities in their agencies while growing their leadership skills.

This 12-month, hybrid fellowship begins in January 2026. Through a hands-on capstone project, you’ll explore real-world challenges, connect with other fellows in thought leadership, and develop strategies to create equitable, high-quality early childhood systems. Apply today to be part of a transformative journey that can help shape the future of early childhood education.

Please note that our application is completed in segments and submitted in stages. To view a PDF of the full application before applying, click here.

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Program at a Glance

With over 100 years of leadership in early childhood education, Bank Street College of Education has been a pioneer in improving classroom practice and advocating for children and families nationwide. Bank Street helped launch the federal Head Start program and continues to focus on supporting the early childhood workforce through the Bank Street Education Center.

The Early Childhood Policy Fellowship builds on this legacy, offering a tailored experience for fellows that includes:

• A 2-day in-person kickoff in New York City (travel expenses covered)
• Monthly virtual sessions connecting research, policy, and practice
• Cohort-based learning with a network of peers
• Personalized coaching to guide your leadership journey and capstone project

Capstone Project

Capstone projects are a key part of the fellowship, allowing you to apply new skills and knowledge directly to your work. As part of the application, you’ll propose a project that builds on your current role to create lasting systems-level change. Your project can be based on existing work or something new, and it should be within your sphere of influence. The examples below are just a starting point—your project can go beyond these suggestions.

• Building network engagement for sustainable and equitable impact
• Improving navigation and access in early childhood systems
• Centering family and provider voice in systems change
• Designing career pathways to support the existing workforce

Download Capstone Project Proposal Template (Word)

What You’ll Learn

As part of the fellowship, you’ll engage in cohort-based learning and get hands-on support from Bank Street staff and industry experts. You’ll gain practical skills to:

• Use Systems Thinking: Understand how systems work and how your actions can drive long-term impact.
• Navigate Complex Systems: Analyze the challenges leaders face and identify strategies for meaningful change.
• Shape Policy for Early Learning: Explore how policies can create developmentally meaningful and culturally responsive environments for young children.
• Lead with Equity: Learn how to authentically engage with the communities you serve, ensuring equitable practices and policies are at the forefront of systems change.

Who Should Apply?

To be considered, applicants should be early childhood policy and systems leaders who:

• Have 5 to 8 years of experience as an early childhood policy and systems leader at the federal, state, county, and city levels, including those in state early childhood agencies
• Are committed to creating high-quality, equitable early childhood systems
• Have full support from their supervisor and organizational leadership, including approval for the capstone project and participation during work hours
• Are prepared to provide references if selected as a finalist

Given our commitment to inclusion, equity, and representation, the selection process will prioritize those that bring diverse perspectives based upon cultural fluency, resilience, and life experiences.

View Supervisor Support Form

Key Dates