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RECONCEPTUALISING EARLY CHILDHOOD LEADERSHIP
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CHAP TER LEARNING OBJEC TIVES
responsibility of well-qualified EC practitioners.
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EC leadership is underpinned by ethical and inclusive practice.
Leadership implementation brings together elements of the place, people and positions, and is influenced by the head, heart and hands.
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Leading for social justice is crucial in upholding the rights and best interests of all children.
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Research about the work of EC leaders, and leadership theorising, is progressing well.
EC leaders play a pivotal role in implementing quality programs for young children.
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Leadership can be exercised formally and informally.
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After studying this chapter you will understand that: » Leadership is complex, contextual and » Demonstrating intentional leadership changes over time. takes courage, resourcing, learning and collaboration with stakeholders. » Leadership is a professional
KE Y CONCEP TS
» intentional leadership
» intentional leaders
» professional growth
» spheres of influence
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» intersectionality
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OVERVIEW
Leadership in Early Childhood Education (ECE) is relational, ethical and shared. During times of rapid and unpredictable global change, leaders can offer hope and optimism by being informed, capable and skilful in striving to uphold the rights and best interests of young children. Globally, there is increasing recognition of the importance of educational leaders focusing on pedagogical matters to optimise children’s learning and developmental potential. In providing quality education, leadership is also key to optimising the capabilities that individual practitioners bring to each setting, so that they may thrive knowing they have each contributed meaningfully. Leadership is a professional responsibility in implementing quality Early Childhood (EC) programs. Accordingly, EC leaders are the drivers who maximise everyone’s participation in collaborative ways. Findings from distributed pedagogical leadership research offer fresh perspectives to inform policy reform and transform practice in the EC sector. In Australia, buoyed by government policy reform, there is an increasing sense of purpose and excitement in taking up leadership responsibilities in the sector. OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS
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27-Jun-23 16:25:50