STANDARD COMPETENCIES:

 

 1. Demonstrate knowledge of effective communication skills dealing with children, families, staff, other professionals, and community volunteers.

 2. Define and discuss the human relations and advocacy components of an early childhood professional’s responsibilities.

 3. Identify the quality of an early childhood program from a human relations standpoint.

 4. Explore strategies for connecting to and communicating with families and the community.

 5. Analyze the qualities of leadership including mission, vision, goal setting, team building, strategic planning.

 6. Develop and demonstrate reflective listening & conflict resolution skills and mentoring strategies to use with staff and families.

 7. Practice making ethical decisions using the NAEYC Code of Ethics, (includingbchildren, families, coworkers, and community stakeholders).

 8. Respect difference in roles among early intervention team members and follow chain of command to address policy questions, system issues and personnel practices.

 9. Practice competence, integrity and sound judgment within one’s skill limits and request direction, instruction, guidance and feedback for new or unfamiliar tasks.

 TOPICAL OUTLINE:

 

 I. Issues – Looking at Leadership and the Individual

 a. Defining leadership and its functions

 b. Defining styles of leadership

 c. Looking at the cultural context of leadership

 i. Values

 ii. Mission and vision

 iii. Social and interpersonal skills

 iv. Strategic planning

 v. Advocacy

 d. Developing a personal definition of leadership

 II. Issues – Professional Relationships

 a. Identifying and developing interpersonal skills of leaders

 i. Communication styles and reflective listening

 ii. Conflict resolution

 b. Coaching/collaborating/consulting with staff and other professionals

 i. Team building process

 ii. Strategic planning skills

 iii. Goal setting skills

 III. Issues – Partnerships with Families and Community

 a. Collaboration with families

 b. Forming collaborative relationships with community organizations

 IV. Using the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct

 a. Using the Code of Ethics with staff

 b. Using the Code of Ethics with family and community

 V. Advocacy and the ECE Director

 a. Current issues

 b. Articulating information to staff, families and community

 VI. Nurturing leadership in children