Strong Foundations Matter SYMPOSIUM 2015 TOGETHER4CHILDREN

Leadership Matters APRIL 24, 2015 SUSAN M OFFUTT

A leader is someone you’d choose to follow to a place you wouldn’t go by yourself. “ ” - Joel Barker

Leadership? Where does it Start? 92% of girls believe they can learn the skills to lead 21 % believe they already possess them Girls Scout Research Institute (2008)

The Director’s Multifaceted Role  Instructional leader  Organizational leader  Role model  Talent developer  Data manager  Motivator  Systems engineer  Idea igniter  Cheerleader  Change agent  Chief Example to Others (CEO)

The Director’s Multifaceted Role In the Real Setting  Counselor  Dish washer  Bus driver  Janitor  Teacher  Family Service guide  Librarian  Plumber  Know-it-all

What Have We Learned from Research?  Few directors enter the field with the goal of being a program administrator.  Directors are unprepared for the demands and intensity of the role.  Directors’ formal education is a strong predictor of overall program quality.  Directors with more training are more active as advocates for the early childhood workforce.  The quality of administrative practices impacts the quality of the children’s learning environment.

Teacher Training Child Development Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum (DAP) Math, science, literacy, How to set up a classroom Parent-teacher conferences Social emotional

Great teachers are not enough. They need to be led and developed by great Principals directors. Adapted from Will Miller, Wallace Foundation President

Same Universe, Different Realities  Oversee curriculum and assessment  Supervise and evaluate teachers  Manage human resources allocation  Oversee family engagement  Community outreach  Manage fiscal matters Principals Directors  Oversee curriculum and assessment  Supervise and evaluate teachers  Manage human resources allocation  Oversee family engagement  Community outreach  Manage fiscal matters

 Similar Jobs  Different Pay, Qualifications Director Principal

 Most states require teaching certification, experience, master’s degree, and ongoing professional development  Many states require special ed coursework and supervisory endorsements  ISLLC, NAESP standards Principals Directors  Only 4 states require a degree at any level  Only 5 states require any administration coursework  NAEYC guidelines  Less than 66% have a bachelor’s degree  24 states have a voluntary director credential  Aim4Excellence national director credential Qualifications and Standards

Early Childhood Administrator Organizational Culture Teaching Practices Family Engagement Direct Child Outcomes Indirect The Early Childhood Administrator’s Influence

Instructional Leadership “Schools that improve student achievement are more likely to have principals who are strong organizational managers than schools who spend time observing classrooms or directly coaching teachers.” Kappan Magazine, November 2010

Lead Educators Principals Center and program directors Family child care providers Others who work in early childhood settings

Recommendation 8 Ensure that policies and standards that shape the professional learning of care and education leaders (elementary principals and directors in early care and education settings) encompass the foundational knowledge and competencies needed to support high-quality practices for child development and learning in their organizations.

Knowledge and Competencies Practices to help children learn Assessment of children Fostering a professional workplace Assessment of educators Developing and fostering partnerships Organizational Development and Management

Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others. “ ” - Jack Welch

Professional Development Taking Charge of Change Course work Coaching – Change – Adult learning – Motivation – Delegate

Perceived Level of Competency.

Leadership and Management Practices

Building a Brighter Future for Children......one leader at a time.

For additional information Thank you McCormickCenter.nl.edu (Leadership Matters)

Honoring Patricia Ayres

Thanks for All You Do On Behalf of Children and Families