Celebrating Leadership in Early Childhood Education: Linda Darlington and Tonya Havens at ECLI 2025

Written by Linda Darlington, ECS Health & Nutrition Coordinator

We are proud to share that Linda Darlington and Tonya Havens are continuing their leadership journey as participants in the Snelling Center’s six-session Early Childhood Leadership Institute 2025 (ECLI). On January 16-17, 2025, they attended the third session of the program in Montpelier, VT, focusing on The People and Places of Policy and Decision Making.

This intensive two-day session provided valuable insights into the arc of policy making in Vermont, highlighting the different roles and organizations involved in shaping early childhood education policies. Linda and Tonya, along with their ECLI ’25 cohort, examined how various sectors—including practitioners, advocates, legislators, administration, business, and philanthropic communities—collaborate to enhance outcomes for children and families. They also explored how their MBTI assessments, personal values, equity lens, and leadership styles can shape their roles in policy making.

As part of the session, Linda and Tonya had the opportunity to visit the Waterbury State Office Complex, where they engaged in facilitated discussions on Professional Credential and Development, Intention and Implementation, and Advancing the Profession. These conversations allowed them to deepen their understanding of the efforts underway to elevate the early childhood education field in Vermont.

The session also included a visit to the Vermont State House, where ECLI participants were formally introduced to the House by Representative McGill (Addison-5) and had the chance to visit the Senate Chambers. Linda also had individual meetings with Representative Cooper (Bennington-1) and Senator Bongartz, engaging in meaningful discussions on early childhood education policies and initiatives.

Linda and Tonya’s participation in ECLI 2025 exemplifies their commitment to leadership and advocacy in early childhood education. We look forward to celebrating their graduation from the program in April and seeing how they continue to impact early childhood education policy and practice.

Please join us in congratulating Linda and Tonya on their achievements and in supporting their continued growth as leaders in the field!