ECLH Fellowship
Frequently Asked Questions
If I get nominated, will I automatically make it into the cohort?
No, we will review all nominations to make sure that all criteria for the fellowship are met. From there, there will be an invitation to apply to the Fellowship. After reviewing applications, we will interview candidates in order to intentionally create a dynamic and diverse cohort of ECLH leaders.
How do I decide who to nominate from my organization?
We encourage folks to nominate as many people who fit the criteria for the Fellowship. We are especially seeking emerging leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to the field and who can really benefit from a leadership development experience like this Fellowship. We are NOT seeking “the best” leaders. We are intentional valuing and prioritizing direct experience working with the most underserved children. See next question.
Can I nominate more than one person from my organization?
Yes! Nominating multiple people from your organization does not “pit” one person against the other. In our cohort curation process, we consider and seek a diversity of individuals from multiple lenses including: gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, professional background, number of years of years in the field, role in organization, and role within the ECLH field.
We are especially seeking direct care providers or those with direct care experience, people of color, multiple language speakers, and those who seek to apply an equity lens to their work.
Is the request for 4 years of experience in early care, learning and health for emerging leaders or is the intent to attract candidates already in leadership positions?
Both! The 4 years of experience is intended to create a cohort of professionals invested in furthering their careers within the ECLH field. With that being said, a diverse cohort experience for Rockwood also means a diversity in professional experience and leadership positions. We want to break the isolation faced by top executive leadership while supporting the relationship development of those earlier in their careers.
I fit all the ECLH criteria, but I’m not sure if I’m the type of leader you’re looking for what should I do?
At Rockwood, we know how real imposter syndrome is AND we believe that everyone is a leader. Please nominate yourself or nominate those who you believe might not see themselves as an ECLH leader. Especially for direct care providers, health practitioners, or anyone else who sees themselves at the fringes of the ECLH field, we most especially are encouraging you to nominate yourself or those who may not see themselves in a “leadership development fellowship.”
This Fellowship is not about finding “the best” leaders within the ECLH field. We are seeking those who are eager for a leadership development opportunity that incorporates personal transformation and relationship building. We are looking for those with a clear commitment to the ECLH field—both established and emergent leaders. We are looking for leaders who are willing to be vulnerable and self-reflective about their leadership journeys. We are very intentional about creating a multi-faceted cohort of ECLH leaders who are ready to fortify their skills towards a vision of high quality, affordable, accessible, and equitable educational systems for all children.
Will the first session be held virtually, if necessary?
Yes! The safety and wellness of the fellows, trainers, and staff are our highest priority.
Why should anyone who is busy doing the work within ECLH make time for this Fellowship?
With so much uncertainty in the field and in the world right now, it is especially difficult to take time off for professional development. To that end, we are providing substitute teacher stipends for direct service providers, childcare stipends, travel stipends (when it is safe to travel to meet in person), and 2 coaching sessions per fellow to make the participation in this Fellowship as easeful as possible. It is intentionally created to center the experience of child care providers and those who serve our most under-resourced children.
What makes Rockwood different than other professional development opportunities?
Rockwood knows that it is new to the ECLH field. We have been supporting the transformation of thousands of community leaders for the last 20 years. Participants can expect personal transformation in service of their leadership, development in their own leadership skills based on Rockwood’s 6 core leadership practices, and guest trainers who are experts within the ELCH field. Not only will participants be personally transformed, they can expect to intentionally build relationships with diverse colleagues from the many sectors within the ECLH field.
Who is Rockwood and why should I trust your organization to deliver effective leadership development for the ECLH field?
At Rockwood, we believe that everyone is a leader. We believe that the ability to inspire and align others is essential in every role, and at every level. We believe that the development of concrete skills, the space to slow down, and the development of community is transformative not only for individuals but for entire movements. We don’t promise to be perfect but we do promise to be present in meeting the emerging needs of the ECLH Fellows.