Leadership in early childhood: Leader's views on their role

Changes in the sector in relation to the structure of early childhood education and care, and legislation have made leadership a multifaceted and demanding role. Currently there is little training available and limited research (Siraj Blatchford and Manni (2006) and Rodd (1997)). This paper explores leaders views of their role within a range of Early Childhood settings. Research was gathered from Early Childhood Studies students in their final year on the BA (Hons) ECS programme. The research examines how these early years practitioners perceive the practice of leadership and identifies some of the daily realities of leadership. The research explores leaders views on their role including perceived barriers to effective leadership and causes of conflict within teams. Many of the participants find themselves in positions of leadership early in their careers, where their role focuses on managing adults and administrative tasks rather than working with children. Participants expressed frustration in the career path for leaders in early childhood often being based on excellent practice. They also expressed concern over having received little or no training for the leadership roles they find themselves in, which deal with finance, administration and staff issues rather than working with children.

Changes in the sector in relation to the structure of early childhood education and care, and legislation have made leadership a multifaceted and demanding role. Currently there is little training available and limited research (Siraj Blatchford and Manni (2006) and Rodd (1997)). This paper explores leaders views of their role within a range of Early Childhood settings. Research was gathered from Early Childhood Studies students in their final year on the BA (Hons) ECS programme. The research examines how these early years practitioners perceive the practice of leadership and identifies some of the daily realities of leadership. The research explores leaders views on their role including perceived barriers to effective leadership and causes of conflict within teams. Many of the participants find themselves in positions of leadership early in their careers, where their role focuses on managing adults and administrative tasks rather than working with children. Participants expressed frustration in the career path for leaders in early childhood often being based on excellent practice. They also expressed concern over having received little or no training for the leadership roles they find themselves in, which deal with finance, administration and staff issues rather than working with children.