Leadership is a core skill required by all early childhood educators, whatever position they hold - whether leading their own ethical and professional practice or leading others. From understanding ethical frameworks to managing change, and from quality assurance to working with teams, families and the wider community, the most effective early childhood leaders act with confidence, flexibility and creativity. In this book early childhood researchers Elizabeth Stamopoulos and Lennie Barblett provide a new model for leadership. Recognising that leadership is both an individual and collective endeavour, multi-layered and multidimensional, the authors have distilled core tasks of leadership that are explored in detail in each chapter: *Understanding and conceptualising theories of leadership *Leading in times of change * Advocating for high quality pedagogy and practice *Developing strong communication skills * Leading through digital technology and media * Developing effective teams * Building positive relationships with families and the wider community * Embedding Indigenous perspectives * Embracing evidence-based research And * Leading ethical practice. Featuring the perspectives of leaders from diverse settings, together with reflection exercises and discussion questions throughout, this is an essential book for both pre-service and in-service early childhood educators. 'The authors...are commended for their commitment to shining a light on a wide range of research, theories and issues concerned with leadership and the early childhood profession. ' -- from the foreword by Catharine Hydon and Dr Anne Kennedy

"Leadership is a core skill required by all early childhood educators, whatever position they hold - whether leading their own ethical and professional practice or leading others. From understanding ethical frameworks to managing change, and from quality assurance to working with teams, families and the wider community, the most effective early childhood leaders act with confidence, flexibility and creativity."--Provided by publisher.

Early childhood educators are keenly aware of the importance of a child’s transition to “real school.” This transition is occurring earlier in a child’s life now that school districts nationwide are moving to pre-kindergarten experiences for 3- and 4-year olds. Annually, more than one million children attend public school pre-k programs overseen by elementary school principals who, although veteran educational leaders, were not trained to oversee these programs. Although pre-k classrooms are rapidly growing and deserve special attention, school leaders must be reminded that early childhood means more than pre-kindergarten; it extends through third grade. School leadership needs to understand the principles of early childhood education to effectively support all children age three to grade three. Professional and Ethical Consideration for Early Childhood Leaders is a collection of innovative research that crafts an overall understanding of the importance of early childhood leadership in today’s schools. The book employs strategies to improve support for children in early childhood years, examines the different roles of early childhood leadership, analyzes best practices for implementation in early childhood contexts, and explores improvements for leadership preparation for schools with pre-k through third-grade children. While highlighting a wide range of topics including advocacy, cultural responses, and professional development, this publication is ideally designed for educators, administrators, principals, early childhood development teachers, daycare instructors, curriculum developers, advocates, researchers, academicians, and students.

This book introduces an intriguing juxtaposition of "caring" alongside "effective", and it is a thought-provoking book. Including examples of early years leaders on their own reflective learning journeys, it provides a rich source of ideas for relational leadership that are firmly based in research and professional experience.′ - Professor Margaret Carr, University of Waikato, New Zealand Effective and caring leadership is an essential part of raising standards and increasing the quality of learning in early childhood settings. This book explains leadership practices that can make a positive difference to the provision offered and improve outcomes for both children and families. With theoretical, practical and research-informed perspectives, this book: Uses case studies to provide examples of effective leadership Integrates education and care with key practices in effective leadership Explores directional, collaborative, empowering and pedagogical leadership Offers readers opportunity to reflect upon their own leadership practices This is a key text for anyone studying Early Childhood, existing and aspiring leaders, graduate Early Years Leaders and those training to work in settings, schools and children’s services. Professor Iram Siraj is Professor of Early Childhood Education at the Institute of Education, University of London. Dr. Elaine Hallet is a Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at the Institute of Education, University of London.

This book redefines leadership in early childhood education (ECE), offering fresh theoretical insights and practical approaches. Delving into the challenges of the workforce in the ECE sector, this book unravels the narrative of leadership development. It underscores the importance of leadership practices in maintaining process quality within ECE, which significantly impacts children’s academic, emotional and social outcomes and life trajectories. The book presents novel conceptualisations of leadership, shedding light on factors that enable and constrain leadership development through the theoretical frameworks of complexity leadership theory and the theory of practice architectures. It also provides practical strategies for cultivating leadership within early childhood organisations. Through interviews and case studies, the book brings to life the experiences of ECE leaders, amplifying important themes and experiences. This book is an invaluable read for educators and leaders around the world, providing inspiration and guidance for their leadership journey. It is also an empirically based must-read for lecturers and students in the higher education sector.

This comprehensive Handbook explores how to best understand, develop and practise educational leadership in an era of significant disruption to education. Contributors evaluate the latest developments in leadership in education and provide novel insights into key conceptual and methodological issues.

The general public often views early childhood education as either simply “babysitting” or as preparation for later learning. Of course, both viewpoints are simplistic. Deep understanding of child development, best educational practices based on development, emergent curriculum, cultural competence and applications of family systems are necessary for high-quality early education. Highly effective early childhood education is rare in that it requires collaboration and transitions among a variety of systems for children from birth through eight years of age. The SAGE Encyclopedia of Contemporary Early Childhood Education presents in three comprehensive volumes advanced research, accurate practical applications of research, historical foundations and key facts from the field of contemporary early childhood education. Through approximately 425 entries, this work includes all areas of child development – physical, cognitive, language, social, emotional, aesthetic – as well as comprehensive review of best educational practices with young children, effective preparation for early childhood professionals and policy making practices, and addresses such questions as: · How is the field of early childhood education defined? · What are the roots of this field of study? · How is the history of early childhood education similar to yet different from the study of public education? · What are the major influences on understandings of best practices in early childhood education?

The principles and practice of confident and creative leadership for early childhood pre-service teachers and educators

Young Children and the Environment is a practical, future-oriented resource that explores how early childhood educators can work with children, their families and wider community to tackle issues of sustainability. Now in its third edition, this seminal text covers Early Childhood Education for Sustainability, as well as the science of sustainability, public health, children's wellbeing, ethics and a broad range of environmental management topics. 'Stories from the Field' present practical ideas for early childhood educators to support their own learning and teaching in sustainability, and international case studies provide examples of how sustainability is taught to young children across the globe. Young Children and the Environment is a call to action for those who work with children to put in place practices for a sustainable future. This book is a vital resource for students and practitioners looking for guidance on how to implement change for the future of children and the environment.

Leading Change in the Early Years focuses on the type of leadership skill needed for leading the reform and change agendas that challenge the early years sector. Early years professionals are expected to implement a range of government initiatives, as well as professionally endorsed changes, aimed at raising the quality of early years provision. The ease and success with which such initiatives are implemented relies on the competent leadership of change, that is, knowledge, understanding and expertise in encouraging, supporting and working with everyone involved with implementing and sustaining change. This resource helps to unpick the principles, processes and practice of effecting change and offers early years professionals a practical guide to the important elements relevant for meeting the political agenda for quality improvement and the professional challenge of effecting responsible change. Key content includes: the link between competent leadership and successful change dimensions, models and processes of change leadership skills for effecting change strategies for reducing reluctance and resistance This book is ideal for early years leaders who understand the general principles and practice of leadership, but who are interested in exploring and expanding their understanding and expertise in leading reform and change. Jillian Rodd is an educational and developmental psychologist and has published widely in the early childhood field throughout the world. This is a powerful text that utilises the voices of early years leaders to clearly articulate the challenges of leading change and demonstrate how the sector is rising to that challenge. It is, therefore, an excellent and vital resource for all working in the early years sector and comes at absolutely the right time as the pace of change in the sector continues to be fast flowing. This book comprehensively and accessibly draws together theory and practice enabling a thorough exploration of the subtle nuances within current debates as to the interrelationship and interaction of leadership and change. The closing thoughts at the end of each chapter are inspired; not simply a summary of the chapter, but an opportunity to underline the importance of key issues. The constructive and helpful strategies offered throughout the text give considerable support for those charged with leading change in the early years sector and, consequently, should be on the bookshelf of every early years setting. Dr Caroline Leeson, Associate Professor of Early Childhood Studies, Plymouth University In a constantly changing world strong leadership and change management skills become of paramount importance and there is an increasing expectation that early years professionals are able to negotiate these domains. This text draws on research evidence and case studies from practice to support those dealing with change on a daily basis. By encouraging early years professionals to draw on their skills of leadership and interpersonal relationships, Jillian provides clear strategies to enact change. This is a 'must have' book for all those working in the Early Years. Nikki Fairchild, Early Years Initial Teacher Training Programme Coordinator, University of Chichester At a time when early years practitioners everywhere are feeling pressure to respond to the children's policy agenda, this accessible guide offers support in implementing and sustaining change. Underpinned by theoretical models, Rodd explores the relationship between leadership and quality and identifies the dynamics of change within the processes of leadership. The text is complemented by comments from a wide of practitioners illustrating how professionals in different contexts experience and respond to the complexity of change. Rory McDowall Clark, Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood, Worcester University Jillian Rodd gives a contemporary view of leadership and change incorporating the latest research from the early years sector. Practitioner voices are evident throughout the book and bring the text to life, helping to contextualise theory explained in the chapters to real issues practitioners encounter in everyday practice. The book provides insight to the complexities of leadership and change, essential understanding for both early years students and practitioners. Natalie Canning, Lecturer in Education - Early Years, The Open University This latest book from Jillian Rodd is timely as early childhood services continue to respond to the demands of policy and funding changes arising from continuing government interest in the early years. Another important application lies in responding to complexity arising from diverse communities and the challenges of improving and developing pedagogy and curriculum to enhance each child’s learning and wellbeing. Currently there is little available that specifically addresses change in the early years. 'Leading change in the early years' progressively develops an argument that change is complex and multi-faceted, conceptualising change as encompassing quality improvement as a core function of early years services rather than as a special event to be managed. The role of leadership is presented as embedded within change where multiple leaders have responsibilities to contribute to change through building professional relationships that support collective endeavours within services. In recognising the complexity of change the work draws on current research offering comprehensive coverage of the issues and significant factors associated with change, including the importance of establishing and nurturing a culture of learning within a service. This latest work is very accessible and will be invaluable for existing early childhood leaders, aspiring leaders and tertiary students. I have no doubt this book will be valued as a companion to the acclaimed Leadership in Early Childhood now in the 4th edition. Kaye Colmer, CEO Gowrie SA Change is the big 'c' word in contemporary educational environments. Information overload, turbulence and complexity characterise our everyday practice and our paths up ahead. The inevitability of change means we must be prepared and can be proactive in responding to external drivers, as well as in initiating reform. Most of all we must be willing to learn and to grow in our thinking. In this book, Jillian Rodd, a pioneer leadership researcher is once again, on the front foot, engaging early childhood readers with inquiry, insights and innovation. Rodd's approach to leading change makes it possible to embrace challenges as opportunities. This book is a 'must read' for intentional leaders seeking practical strategies for the everyday realities of early childhood settings. Manjula Waniganayake (PhD), Associate Professor at the Institute of Early Childhood , Macquarie University