MGMT07064 2022 Professional Leadership and Advocacy for Early Learning and Care Environments

General Details

Full Title
Professional Leadership and Advocacy for Early Learning and Care Environments
Transcript Title
Leadership and Advocacy
Code
MGMT07064
Attendance
80 %
Subject Area
MGMT - Management
Department
SOCS - Social Sciences
Level
07 - NFQ Level 7
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
Start Term
2022 - Full Academic Year 2022-23
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Breda McTaggart
Programme Membership
SG_EEARL_H08 202200 Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Early Education and Care SG_EEARL_H07 202100 Level 7 Professional Qualification in Education in Early Education and Care SG_EEARL_B07 202400 Bachelor of Education in Early Education and Care (exit)
Description

Leadership is a socio-cultural construct ( Coleman & Earley, 2005 :Hujala  & Purolia ,1998 ) that is underpinned by the beliefs and  values of society. Providing quality ECEC requires leaders to understand and meet the myriad of governance, regulatory and professional requirements for which they are accountable. It is essential that Early Childhood Educators critically consider and apply their professional accountabilities in ways that are consistent with their vision for quality, their professional values and their local context. First 5 , Goal D , An effective Early Childhood System outlines in Building Block 1, the leadership, governance and collaborative components of this system and this module aims to provide students with the requisite knowledge, competences  and understanding of effective and professional leadership and advocacy in the context of contemporary regulatory practices required in the Siolta Standards, 10, 11, 12 and 15,  Tusla Quality Regulatory Framework, Governance, Early Years Education Inspections, Area 4, Quality of Management and Leadership for learning. Contextualising  both national and international models, students will analyse contemporary theoretical frameworks, key concepts, principles, and values. In addition, the module encourages students to identify and apply empowering practices in democratic and inclusive leadership and advocacy while providing them with opportunities to critically reflect on their placement experiences of leadership and identify their individual leadership approach.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;

1.

Examine the contribution of contemporary theories of leadership, concepts, principles, and values for Early Childhood Education and Care environments.

2.

Identify the occupational roles (Urban, Robson and Scacchi, 2017 ) responsibilities, competencies and functions of quality leadership for the Early Education and Care sector in the context of national policy frameworks and guidelines.

3.

Evaluate the challenges of current ECEC leadership practices of leading a competent system in developing a sustainable community of practice.

4.

Analyse the concept of advocacy and examine their advocacy and examine the early year's professional's role in ECEC.

5.

Critically interrogate key areas of ECEC practices which Early Childhood Educators should advocate for and select appropriate advocacy approaches to support children, families, communities, the staff in an ECEC setting and the ECEC sector.

6.

Apply the principles of leadership and advocacy in support of the delivery of high quality professional practice. 

Teaching and Learning Strategies

The teaching and learning strategy is founded on student‑centered active learning, where learners will be active participants in the process. Lectures, tutorials, group work, guest lectures, case studies, field trips will be adopted and integrated as appropriate to learning outcomes. Technology will also be utilised as appropriate. This will be reviewed annually with the support of student evaluations.

Module Assessment Strategies

Assessment One: Case study: Learners are provided with a case study that requires effective inclusive democratic leadership and advocacy to address a number of multiple challenges and they will present their strategy in class and to an invited panel of ECEC experts from the County Childcare Committee, Children and Young People Services Committee, Pobal. Students will be provided with formative feedback on key learning milestones in the analysis and recommendations arising from the issues outlined in the case study.   LOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ). 80%.

Assessment Two: Critical Essay Learners will reflect on the application of theory to practice. The learner will critique leadership and advocacy theory, exploring. the challenges of leading and advocating within the sector today. Students will be provided formative feedback in tutorials on the identification and analysis of the leadership and advocacy theories explored in the essay,  LOs (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) 20%.

Repeat Assessments

Repeat requirement will be determined based on failed components and will be recorded at Progression and Award Boards.

Indicative Syllabus

LO1) Examine the contribution of contemporary theories of leadership, concepts, principles, and values for Early Childhood Education and Care environments.

Indicative content

  • Exploring models of leadership, identify and describe the learner’s own leadership style, examining the definition of quality leadership, the value and outcomes of active leadership, national and international research on ECEC leadership
  • Discussing evolving concepts of leadership in early childhood education and care, including Situational Theory, Emotional Intelligence, Relationship/Transformational Theory, Skills Theory of Leadership and relationship to practice
  • Examining the model of Democratic leadership and other models, Autocratic, Bureaucratic, Charismatic Laissez’Faire, recognition of personal leadership style in order to lead a team of professionals,
  • Identifying the principles underpinning codes of professional responsibilities and ethical leadership, values, 
  • Identify strategies and techniques for distributed leadership that can be used to communicate effectively in different situations, e.g. one-to-one meetings, large-group meetings, in the media

LO2) Identify the occupational roles (Urban, Robson and Scaatchi, 2017 ) responsibilities, competencies and functions of quality leadership for the Early Education and Care sector in the context of national policy frameworks and guidelines.

Indicative content

  • Identifying the occupational role profiles, reflecting on each role and the respective responsibilities
  • Discuss the role of Distributed leadership in curriculum implementation and evaluation
  • Pedagogical leadership role: Role of the leader in supporting learning and development
  • Develop the leadership skills, knowledge and confidence to lead health, nutritional and stress management programmes to support the child, the family and their communities by participating in proactive programmes
  • Analyse the elements, identify key influencers  to design, lead  and implement an effectively Child Health and Wellbeing promotion strategy
  • Communication and interpersonal skills for effective leadership in an Early Education and Care environment
  • Discuss and analyse the role and function of Leadership in an interdisciplinary context
  • Examine the elements of effective engagement and dimensions of the role of Leadership and parental engagement

LO3) Evaluate the challenges of current ECEC leadership practices of leading a competent system in developing a sustainable community of practice.

  • Analyse current ECEC practices and emerging discourses both nationally and internationally, examining issues such as Professionalisation of the Workforce, Development of the Affordable Model of Childcare
  • Examine the enabling factors to develop and sustain a community of practice leaders in ECEC, modelling, team building, mentoring, engagement with stakeholders
  • Identify the elements of a learning organisational culture focusing on leading Continuous Professional Development
  • Reflecting on the challenges of ensuring quality of practice, leading a motivated engaged staff of ECEC professionals  in a time of change

LO4) Analyse the concept of advocacy and within professional practice.

  • Explore definitions and understandings of advocacy
  • Reflect on prior experiences with advocates and advocacy 
  • Examine their role in relation to advocating for children, families, communities, the staff in an EEC setting and the EEC sector 
  • Explore advocacy at different levels/contexts – child, room, settings, local community, national systems etc
  • Make connections between their role as pedagogical leaders and advocacy

LO5) Identify key areas of ECEC practices which they should advocate for and choose appropriate advocacy approaches to support children, families, communities, the staff in an ECEC setting and the ECEC sector.

  • Examine practices including play, relationships, pedagogical approaches, linking theory to practice, reflective practices, ethical practices, inclusive practices, democratic practices, the creation and maintenance of communities of practice, engagement with and in research which should be advocated for
  • Consider advocacy in relation to values including the view of the child, the rights of the child, and participation
  • Examine their roles as change agents and the role of advocacy within this
  • Explore practices such as policy creation, documentation, communication, and relationship building as examples of strategies for advocacy
  • Consider their role in supporting others to become advocates (children, families, other staff the wider community)
  • Critically explore factors that support effective advocacy and factors which can act as a barrier.

LO6) Apply the principles of leadership and advocacy in support of the delivery of high quality professional practice. 

  • Consider how the application of leadership and advocacy could support all stakeholders.
  • Implement into practice, ideas, and concepts explored in the previous learning in practice scenarios.
  • Critique the theories comparative to the practice of leading and advocating in an evolving profession and sector.

Coursework & Assessment Breakdown

Coursework & Continuous Assessment
100 %

Coursework Assessment

Title Type Form Percent Week Learning Outcomes Assessed
1 Case Study Coursework Assessment Assessment 70 % Week 8 1,2,3,4,5,6
2 Critical Essay Coursework Assessment Assignment 30 % Week 15 1,2,3,4,5,6
             

Full Time Mode Workload


Type Location Description Hours Frequency Avg Workload
Lecture Tiered Classroom Lecture 2 Weekly 2.00
Tutorial Flat Classroom Tutorial 1 Weekly 1.00
Independent Learning Not Specified IL 3 Weekly 3.00
Total Full Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 3.00 Hours

Required & Recommended Book List

Required Reading
2020 Advocacy for Early Childhood Educators
ISBN 0367343932 ISBN-13 9780367343934

Become a better advocate--for your students, for your coworkers, and for yourself--with the valuable strategies in this accessible guidebook. Written with a candid and humorous style, this tool kit reinforces why effective early childhood education matters and the positive impact an effective advocate can have on a child's classroom experience. Chapters explore how to explain and support best practices, build relationships with students and families, speak up for English language learners and students with exceptionalities, reduce coworker conflict and negativity, and reach out for the help you need. Equipping readers with practical takeaways and everyday examples of what advocacy in early childhood education actually looks like, Advocacy for Early Childhood Educators is perfect for teachers, coaches, and anyone seeking effective strategies to become a relentless advocate for their students, for each other, and for themselves.

Required Reading
2018-03-02 Early Childhood Education Management Routledge
ISBN 1138494100 ISBN-13 9781138494107

The Early Childhood Education sector around the world is constantly changing, whether because of the unprecedented demand for ECE services globally, accelerated social change, or the introduction of pedagogical and regulatory practices. Based upon empirical inquiry, Early Childhood Education Management examines the somewhat controversial concept of operating an early childhood service as a business. It challenges the assumption that an early childhood manager does not require specialist knowledge or skill and discusses which attributes an effective manager should possess. In this book, which brings together management theory and practice, Moloney and Pettersen address core issues at the heart of the management role, including the relationship between early childhood policy and broader legislative enactments, as well as issues related to the challenges and development of management skills. The book also draws upon real-life examples from practice in order to offer insight into some of the most common topics and challenges related to management practice in Early Childhood Education, such as business acumen and entrepreneurship, recruitment and selection, financial management and budgeting, supervision, mentoring, staff development, curriculum management, collaborative working, and change management. Written by leading academics with practice experience, the book should be of great interest to researchers, academics and postgraduate students in the field of education, specifically those working in early years and education policy and management. It should also be essential reading for managers working in Early Childhood settings.

Required Reading
2018-04-30 Intentional Leadership for Effective Inclusion in Early Childhood Education and Care Routledge
ISBN 1138092886 ISBN-13 9781138092884

Intentional leadership can unite, motivate and empower all educators to work towards the common goal of creating a truly inclusive culture in which all children, with or without disabilities, are supported and enabled to fully participate in every aspect of daily life and learning. This book recognises diverse manifestations of special educational needs, from communication difficulties and delays in learning, to social and physical disabilities, and considers the ways in which these needs might be embraced within inclusive mainstream settings. Key to this is robust and purposeful leadership that removes barriers to learning, changes existing attitudes and values, motivates staff and foregrounds holistic learning opportunities and experiences. Chapters draw on theoretical models, reflect on international and national policies, and consider topics including: the image of the child physical, aesthetic and temporal aspects of the learning environment relational pedagogy long-, medium- and short-term planning the role of assessment collaborative working with parents, families and other professionals. In-depth descriptions of behaviours and leadership strategies, practice scenarios and activities support the reader's understanding. Intentional Leadership for Effective Inclusion in Early Childhood Education and Care is a comprehensive guide for students, teachers and practitioners involved in Early Childhood Education and Care, Social Care and Early Intervention programmes.

Required Reading
2017-09-20 Leadership Agility
ISBN 1138065102 ISBN-13 9781138065109

Leadership is about influencing others to move in a certain direction and there are many ways of achieving this influence. Each of these leadership styles has its inherent qualities and pitfalls, and will be more suited to specific people and different circumstances. The more leaders understand their preferred leadership styles and are able to flexibly switch to the most suitable style given the situation, the more effective they will be. This book maps out ten sets of opposite leadership styles, giving the reader the possibility to understand the strengths and weaknesses of both sides, and to identify his/her own current preference. The ten leadership style dimensions cover the full range of leadership roles, from the leader as coach (inter-personal leadership), to the leader as organizer (organizational leadership), as strategist (strategic leadership), as sense-maker (leadership and purpose) and as role model (leadership and self). Readers are invited to draw up their own leadership development plans, which is supported by an interactive App. Readers are also challenged to reflect on how they would approach a number of cases, after which they can go to an interactive web-forum to read how others have responded and engage in a discussion with them. Leadership Agility is a useful tool for practitioners in the corporate world as well as business students and emerging leaders.

Required Reading
2021-03-31 Leadership in Early Childhood Routledge
ISBN 0367718588 ISBN-13 9780367718589

'Essential reading and a powerful tool for emerging early childhood leaders.' - Catharine Hydon, Early Childhood Consultant With increasing community insistence for quality and accountability in early childhood education and care, there is a need for effective and professional leadership in these services. Leadership in Early Childhood is a practical resource for early childhood practitioners who want to understand how to create and sustain successful childcare and early education settings. Fully revised and updated, this fourth edition is divided into three sections: deconstructing leadership; leadership in practice; and special responsibilities of early childhood leaders. This edition also includes new case studies, an additional chapter summarising the key contributing factors to effective leadership and examples based on an extensive international study of early childhood leaders. Leadership in Early Childhood has been widely used in early childhood education programs and as a professional reference text and remains a valuable resource for both students and professionals.

Required Reading
2017 Leadership in Practice Routledge
ISBN 1138223115 ISBN-13 9781138223110

Recent financial crises and other high-profile mismanagement cases have brought a spotlight to the quality of a leader's character in the business sector. Leadership in Practice is the first book to provide an authoritative collection of cases to engage students interested in the importance of the character of business leaders. The authors have compiled a collection of cutting-edge cases and readings, situating them within the theoretical landscape, so students are familiarized with the concepts as they move through the text. The cases cover a wide range of successful businesses--from the NFL to Apple--and include notable controversies, such as those surrounding Enron and Volkswagen. Alongside exclusive interviews and insights into the value of leadership character at individual, team, organizational and societal levels, the book includes learning objectives and discussion questions to facilitate lively debate and interaction in the classroom. This volume will be a valuable supplement for students and instructors in any leadership class as well as researchers and practitioners interested in exploring case studies that illuminate the nature of leadership in a business setting.

Required Reading
2012-10-18 Leadership: Contexts and Complexities in Early Childhood Education OUP Australia & New Zealand
ISBN 0195576136 ISBN-13 9780195576139

Leadership in Early Childhood is an essential resource that informs day-to-day pedagogy and management of early childhood organisations.

Module Resources

Non ISBN Literary Resources
Journal Resources

Bown, K., & Sumsion, J. (n.d.). Generating visionary policy for early childhood education and care: Politicians’ and early childhood sector advocate/activists’ perspectives. Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood17(2), 192–209. https://doi-org.queens.ezp1.qub.ac.uk/10.1177/1463949116641511

Diamond, A. (2014). Pre-service early childhood educators’ leadership development through reflective engagement with experiential service learning and leadership literature. Australasian Journal of Early Childhood39(4), 12.

Fenech, M. ( 1 ), Stratigos, T. ( 1 ), & Salamon, A. ( 2 ). (n.d.). Building parents’ understandings of quality early childhood education and care and early learning and development: changing constructions to change conversations. European Early Childhood Education Research Journal27(5), 706–721. https://doi-org.queens.ezp1.qub.ac.uk/10.1080/1350293X.2019.1651972.

Fenech, M., & Lotz, M. (2018). Systems advocacy in the professional practice of early childhood teachers: from the antithetical to the ethical. EARLY YEARS38(1), 19–34. https://doi-org.queens.ezp1.qub.ac.uk/10.1080/09575146.2016.1209739

Fonsén, E., & Soukainen, U. (2020). Sustainable Pedagogical Leadership in Finnish Early Childhood Education (ECE): An Evaluation by ECE Professionals. Early Childhood Education Journal48(2), 213. https://doi-org.queens.ezp1.qub.ac.uk/10.1007/s10643-019-00984-y

Georgeson, J., Porter, J., Daniels, H., & Feiler, A. (2014). Consulting young children about barriers and supports to learning. European Early Childhood Education Research Journal22(2), 198–212. https://doi-org.queens.ezp1.qub.ac.uk/10.1080/1350293X.2014.883720

Halpern, C., Szecsi, T., & Mak, V. (2020). “Everyone Can Be a Leader”: Early Childhood Education Leadership in a Center Serving Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Children and Families. Early Childhood Education Journal, 1. https://doi-org.queens.ezp1.qub.ac.uk/10.1007/s10643-020-01107-8

Hollingsworth, H. L., Knight-McKenna, M., & Bryan, R. (2016). Policy and advocacy concepts and processes: Innovative content in early childhood teacher education. Early Child Development and Care, 186(10), 1664-1674. doi:10.1080/03004430.2015.1121252

IONESCU, M. Organization Spotlight: The Power of an Association in Early Childhood Education and Care: ISSA - An Engine for Advocacy, Capacity Building, and Creating a Growing Learning Community. Childhood Education[s. l.], v. 91, n. 5, p. 390–394, [s. d.]. DOI 10.1080/00094056.2015.1090856. Disponível em: http://search.ebscohost.com.queens.ezp1.qub.ac.uk/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edselc&AN=edselc.2-52.0-85066295400&site=eds-live&scope=site. Acesso em: 9 maio. 2021

Male, T., & Palaiologou, I. (2015). Pedagogical Leadership in the 21st Century: Evidence from the Field. Educational Management Administration & Leadership43(2), 214–231.

May, H. (2006). “Being Froebelian”: An Antipodean Analysis of the History of Advocacy and Early Childhood. History of Education35(2), 245–262.

Modise, M. R. (2019). Pedagogical Leadership in Early Childhood Development: A Means for Quality Practices through Professional Training. In Bulgarian Comparative Education Society. Bulgarian Comparative Education Society

Palaiologou, I., & Male, T. (n.d.). Leadership in early childhood education: The case for pedagogical praxis. Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood20(1), 23–34. https://doi-org.queens.ezp1.qub.ac.uk/10.1177/1463949118819100

 

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