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Learning Resources

Required Resources

• Article: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). (1993). A conceptual framework for early childhood professional development: A position statement of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. POSITION STATEMENTS (NAEYC) by NAEYC. Copyright 1998 by National Assn for the Education of Young Children. Reproduced with permission of National Assn for the Education of Young Children in the format electronic usage via Copyright Clearance Center.

• Article: National Professional Development Center on Inclusion. (2008). What do we mean by professional development in the early childhood field? Chapel Hill: The University of North Carolina, FPG Child Development Institute, Author. Used by permission of the National Professional Development Center for Inclusion (NPDCI), University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill.

• Article: Richardson, J. (2002). Take a closer look: Reflection gives educators a chance to tap into what they've learned. Tools for Schools. National Staff Development Council. TOOLS FOR SCHOOLS by RICHARDSON, J. Copyright 2002 by National Staff Development Council. Reproduced with permission of National Staff Development Council in the format electronic usage via Copyright Clearance Center.

• Article: Rigby, E., & Newman, M. J. (2000). Making a difference: Leadership in early care and education policy. Young Children. Beyond the Journal. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children. BEYOND THE JOURNAL: YOUNG CHILDREN ON THE WEB. ONLINE by Elizabeth Rigby and Michelle J. Newman Copyright 2005 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Reproduced with permission of National Association for the Education of Young Children in the format electronic usage via Copyright Clearance Center.

• Course Text: Early Childhood Education Today
  
  
• • Figure 1.5, "Seventeen Competencies for Becoming a Professional: A Professional Development Checklist," p. 26

Media

• Video: Laureate Education (Producer). (n.d.). A call for leadership [Video File]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu
  
  
• • Review Video 2 from Week 1, "A Call for Leadership"

Optional Resources

• Web Article: Leading Early Childhood Learning Communities: What Principals Should Know and Be Able to Do (Executive Summary)
  http://web.naesp.org/misc/ECLC_ExecSum.pdf

• Web Article: Competencies for Early Childhood Professionals Area VIII: Teacher Qualifications and Professional Development
  http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/cc/provider_training_development/intro_page/publications/competencies/chapters_individually/10.pdf

Models of Leadership in the Early Childhood Field

As you have learned, part of your role as an early childhood professional is to be a leader who uses your knowledge of child development to advocate for young children and their families. Your leadership activities may focus on educating members of your own community about the needs of young children and families. Or, you may consider a broader role as a professional who shapes public policy on early care and education. Looking at different models of leadership in the early childhood field can offer ideas and insights to support your advocacy and to further expand career opportunities to explore.

Based on your reading of the Rigby article, "Making a Difference: Leadership in Early Care and Education Policy," and your review of DVD Program 2, "A Call for Leadership," consider the following questions:

• What is your impression of public policy as a career focus?
• Which of the six professionals profiled interests you the most?
• What new knowledge or insights have you gained from viewing "A Call for Leadership" again now that you have nearly completed this course?
• What assumptions or misconceptions did you have about educational leadership or public policy advocates that have been dispelled or corrected? What inspires you about this type of career in the field?

With this information and your thoughts in mind, respond to the following:

By Day 3:

Post a response to the following:

• Describe new knowledge and insights about educational leadership in the early childhood field that you gained from reading the article and from viewing the video program again. Also, if relevant, explain any assumptions or misconceptions that were corrected for you;
• Choose one the six professionals profiled in the article whose career inspires you with regard to thinking about public policy as a career direction, and explain your choice. Then identify a professional goal you could set now to move yourself in the direction of a career in early care and education policy, or to help develop your leadership skills as a community advocate for young children and families.