ACTIVITY #3: Leadership Dynamics

SHOW SLIDE ONE.

Tell the directors that because Leadership is the first strand, we will be focusing more closely on it today through the Leadership Dynamics PowerPoint.

Point out that the Leadership Dynamics PowerPoint will help us determine what effective leadership is and how it functions. 91
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(Allow directors to respond.)

Tell the directors that leadership actually includes all of the strands and subtopics discussed in the previous activity, even though they also fit under the other strands, which is why leadership is covered first. Say
B lot of research has been done on the topic of leadership. It is this

SHOW SLIDE TWO.

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(Allow directors to respond.)

Say
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Leadership is the process of influencing others to achieve mutually

agreed-upon goalsE Everyone at your center looks up to you and

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A leader brings the team together and

addresses the individual needs of the staf,C

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SHOW SLIDE THREE.

Say
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influenced by your values and beliefs about how others grow, develop, and change. These beliefs can be formed by your childhood,

SHOW SLIDE FOUR. Say,

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on one another for supportC

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SHOW SLIDE FIVE.

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high-quality care and

educationC (Allow directors to respond.)

Say
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compliance with state or federal regulations and guidelines, and to

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Say
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accountability, and supportive workplaces. We have already talked

about the importance of being a model for the staff and supporting them. This connects to maintaining a stable staffC

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implement a continuous improvement model. A vision statement, which we will talk about in our third session, is a good way to create a long-term goal for the center to constantly work :5='8*
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SHOW SLIDE SIX.

Say
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Dembrace early childhood learningE Learning begins early, so it is essential that a leader fosters high-quality

programs in their centers for young children. The learning that occurs in early childhood education follows the child through adulthood, and can af,+):
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Dengage families and communitiesE Children are more successful when they have an extensive support system. Children may receive support in the school, but the

environment may be different when they go home. This makes it all the more important for the center to reach out to the families and community organizations to get involved in the education and well-(+/4-
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SHOW SLIDE SEVEN.

Say
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The National Association of Elementary

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Dpromote appropriate learning environments for

young childrenE Center directors can promote appropriate learning

environments by tailoring the curriculum and materials to the needs of the children. Also, by monitoring teacher and classroom behaviors, :.+
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Densure quality teachingE Children want to

learn. They must be given opportunities to learn in engaging ways. It is the responsibility of the leader to make sure children are being -/<+4
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learningE !.+8+
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A step toward assessing is to consider standards such as VPK, teacher observations, assessing for difficulties or barriers the child 3'?
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SHOW SLIDE EIGHT.

Say
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monitors the progress toward the goal, plans for addressing needs and establishing activities toward the goal, and +<'2;':+9
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SHOW SLIDE NINE.

Say
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cultures are a reflection of shared values, norms, history, traditions, climate, and ethics of the director, staff, children, and families belonging to the

SHOW SLIDE TEN.

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positive, which fosters a work environment that enables children to

learn, teachers to teach, and families to feel respected and valued. A

positive culture is fundamental to the productive functioning of the centerC

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SHOW SLIDE ELEVEN.

Say
BLeaders influence culture by building vision, stimulating innovation,

and encouraging performance. As we discussed earlier, staff look to

the director of the center as their leader and role model. When a vision is created and supported, the staff is motivated to succeed. Leaders can help encourage performance and stimulate innovation, prompting staff to work independently and also to help them help each other. A
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SHOW SLIDE TWELVE.

Say
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visionary, a motivator, and a manager. These words by no means

encompass everything a leader does, but they are a start. &ou will learn much more in detail about leaders and leadership over the next two 9+99/549C

SHOW SLIDE THIRTEEN.

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Allow directors to respond and elaborate. Allow directors to ask any questions.