Early Learning Cohort

Building the foundation for future success.

Leaders engaging with staff and young students

Embark on a transformative expedition with AASA's Early Learning Cohort, where visionary district leaders unite to champion the foundation of educational excellence! This cohort will help you experience the profound impact of early childhood education — not merely as an educational stage, but as the cornerstone of opportunity and limitless potential for every child in your community.

Learning Objectives:
  • Learn Transformative Practices: Uncover research-backed approaches that elevate early learning from good to exceptional, identifying the unique constellation of strategies that will ignite possibility in your distinct community landscape.
  • Cultivate a Vibrant Leadership Community: Forge meaningful connections with fellow educational leaders who share your passion for early childhood excellence, creating a powerful network of mutual inspiration, support, and collaborative innovation.
  • Co-Create Alongside Leading Visionaries: Engage directly with pioneering early learning advocates and thought leaders to craft sustainable initiatives that transcend temporary interventions and become embedded in your district's educational DNA.
  • Amplify Your Impact Through Collective Wisdom: Join a growing movement of educational champions who recognize that early learning excellence isn't just a program—it's a transformative philosophy that reshapes educational trajectories and community futures!
    Program Dates and Details
    2026-2027 Meeting Schedule
    Virtual Meetings

    All virtual meetings will take place from 1:00pm - 2:30pm ET on the following days:

    • September 9, 2026
    • November 18, 2026
    • January 13, 2027
    • March 10, 2027
    In-Person Meetings

    October 7 - 9, 2026: Cohort Site Visit | Buffett Early Childhood Institute and DC West in Omaha (N.E.) | This site visit is exclusively for registered cohort members and their team!

    April 14 - 16, 2027: Rooted in Relationships Summit: The Power of Partnerships in Early Learning and Authentic Family Engagement | Albuquerque Public Schools (N.M.) | This summit is open to all leaders. Registered cohort participants receive one complimentary Summit registration and can add team members at a discounted rate.
    Who should participate?

    Superintendents, district staff, and others involved in early learning initiatives who are looking to advance their programs. Only one representative from each district/organization needs to register, and additional team members from the same district/organization are welcome to participate.

    Partners

    When we talk about breaking down barriers…a strong early learning start gives everyone even footing to achieve their full potential.
    Kristi Dominguez

    Superintendent, Ferndale School District (Wash.)

    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

    Superintendent, West Valley School District 208 (Wash.)

    Peter Finch

    Details

    September 9, 2026 to April 19, 2027

    Registration is now open for the 2026 - 27 academic year.

    $2,250

    Member Price

    $2,750

    Non-Member Price

    Not a member? Join today.

    Register Today

    Contacts

    • Stephanie St. John

      Program Manager, Leadership Network

      AASA, The School Superintendents Association

      sstjohn@aasa.org

      703-875-0762

    • John Malloy

      Senior Vice President, Leadership Network

      AASA, The School Superintendents Association

      jmalloy@aasa.org

     Joyful Learning in Early Childhood Education: Denver Public Schools' Approach

    Read about the Cohort's fall 2024 site visit to Denver Public Schools where they explored the power of play, collaboration and community.

    Read Post

     

    AASA Early Learning Spring 2024 Meeting at Gwinnett County Public Schools (Ga.)

    Toddler painting on an easelView Photo Album

    AASA Early Learning Spring 2023 Meeting at the Caldwell School District (Idaho)

    Early Learning visit

     

     

     

     

     

    View Photo Album

    2022 Early Learning Toolkit

    Early Childhood and Learning Toolkit