Professional Development

Human-Centered Leadership

Overview

Human-centered leadership is a management approach that prioritizes employee well-being, growth, and empowerment over mere operational efficiency. It focuses on empathy, authenticity, and flexibility to create a supportive environment where people and ideas flourish, ultimately driving long-term organizational success.

Webinar Series

This professional development series equips early childhood leaders—including formal leaders like directors and informal leaders such as teacher leaders—with the knowledge, resources, and skills to navigate today’s evolving early childhood landscape. The series begins with a two-part foundational module on human-centered leadership, the leader’s role with different team structures, and the mindsets that support staff and child well-being. Aligned with the Pyramid Model, the training promotes workforce retention, leadership efficacy, and organizational wellness.

This opportunity includes participating in the first Foundation Module and then provides a “Pick your Path” format for leaders to select modules that align with their individual leadership goals and organizational needs. This includes a self-assessment to guide participants on selecting modules to attend.

Each topic will include 2, 2-hour sessions. The topics that are available in this series are:

  • Wellness and Community Care
  • Courageous Leadership
  • Effective Conflict Resolution
  • Trauma-Informed Leadership
  • Leading with Data
  • Authentic Family Partnerships
  • Establishing and Maintaining a Team
  • Reflective Practices

Together We Lead Retreat

This three-day, early childhood leadership retreat, targeted for program/agency directors, administrators, and leaders, brings together teams for an immersive experience that blends experiential learning, reflection, and practical skill-building to strengthen human-centered leadership. Participants leave with deeper self-awareness, stronger team connections, and a clear, actionable plan to lead with courage and impact over the next 6–12 months and beyond.

Resource library

Explore the Full Pyramid Model Resource Library

Browse free, evidence-based tools, guides, and materials designed to support social-emotional development across early childhood settings.