Early Learning Cohort
Building the foundation for future success.

AASA's Early Learning cohort brings educational leaders from across the country together to review emerging research, discover early learning best practices and plan to facilitate change.
Recent research shows the high returns on investment and importance of high-quality early education programs—especially for disadvantaged children.
Who Should Participate?
Any educational leader who is interested in furthering the early learning initiative and mission, particularly superintendents, assistant superintendents and directors of early learning.
What Will I learn?

- Explore early learning best practices and research to determine what will make the greatest impact in your community.
- Develop lasting relationships with colleagues who are also working on early education, and share knowledge of what works and what doesn’t.
- Have the opportunity to work with early learning advocates from across the nation including district administrators and topic experts to gain insight and research to shape actions, advocacy, and responses that promote sustainable and effective early learning efforts.
- Gain a network of colleagues who are embracing early learning in their district.
Virtual Meetings
Monthly cohort convenings will be held virtually on the second Wednesday of each month from 1:00 –2:30 pm ET.
August 9, 2023
September 13, 2023 | Speakers: Deborah Bergeron, National Head Start Association; Robert Lee, Sanford College of Education, National University; Jodi Berscheid, South Dakota Head Start Collaboration Director; and Travis Lape, Educational Consultant and Thought Leader.
October 11, 2023 | Speaker: Susan Friedman, Senior Director, Publishing and Content Development, NAEYC
January 10, 2024
April 10, 2024
May 8, 2024
In-Person Meetings
November 8 - 10, 2023 | Long Beach Unified School District, Calif.
February 14, 2024 | Neighborhood House, San Diego, Calif.
March 20 - 22, 2024 | Gwinnett County Public Schools (Ga.)
Cohort Leads and Advisory Committee
When we talk about breaking down barriers…a strong early learning start gives everyone even footing to achieve their full potential.Kristi Dominguez
The research is very clear that early learning builds a foundation for future success for students. It’s important as a nation that we invest in early learning.Peter Finch![]()
Details
August 9, 2023 to June 30, 2024
$2,000
Member Price
$2,500
Non-Member Price
Not a member? Join today.
Register TodayContacts
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Debbie Magee
Director, Leadership Network
AASA, The School Superintendents Association
703-875-0716
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Stephanie St. John
Project Coordinator, Leadership Network
AASA, The School Superintendents Association
703-875-0762
Early Learning Resources
AASA Early Learning Spring 2023 Meeting at the Caldwell School District (Idaho)

View Meeting Photo Album!
AASA Early Learning Spring 2022 Meeting at the West Valley School District 208 (Wash.)
2022 Early Learning Toolkit

How AASA’s Cohort Sparked My Early Learning Knowledge
"AASA’s cohort, which I’ve been part of for the past three years, has placed me in the midst of a group of like-minded, passionate colleagues to explore, research and grasp more fully the issues of poverty, family engagement and essential learning milestones during a child’s developing years."
Read more from this School Administrator article, written by Michael Kuhrt.