The Director: A Broad View Chapter 1 The Director: A Broad View

Child Care in the United States: A Brief History Child Care Trends Modern day reality

Management A successful program includes learning how to run a business. Use management software for maximum efficiency. Maintain a balanced budget. Establish marketing and public relations strategies. Know and implement licensing standards.

Management-Continued Be aware of legal issues. Develop a work plan. Identify strengths and weakness.

Leadership Leadership is setting a direction or vision for a group to follow. The five “C’s” of leadership are: Character Caring Commitment Confidence Communication

Leadership-Continued To lead or to manage? Differences between what leaders and managers do.

Organization Delegating responsibilities is necessary in order to accomplish all the tasks required of a director. Time must be used efficiently: Set priorities, plan ahead for emergencies, use a computer for record keeping. Both short-and long-term planning are important for the smooth operation of a facility.

Communication Verbal messages are sometimes misunderstood or not heard. Nonverbal messages (facial expressions, movements, eye contact, distance) are subtle communications and are not always noticed by everyone.

Communication-Continued Prevent problems in communication by: Knowing what you want to convey. Considering when to convey the message. Allowing enough time for feedback. Deciding where the message is to be given. Deciding how to present the message. Doing a follow-up, if necessary.

Communication-Continued Part of being an effective communicator is the ability to listen while others speak. Written reports are required for some kinds of messages: Reports concerning finances: cash flow, budgets. Newsletters for parents. Memos or notices when changes are to take place Letters to give positive reinforcement.

Ethical Practices There is a need for guideline to help in difficult situations. NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct Responsibility to children Responsibility to families Responsibility to colleagues Responsibilities to community and society http://www.naeyc.org

Professional Development Directors go through several career stages: Survival Competence building Enthusiastic and growing Career frustrations Reflective and inspiring Career winding down

Professional Development-Continued Administrative Credential There is a need for an administrative credential. The state of Illinois has developed the credential. Associate degree for Level I Baccalaureate degree for Level II Master’s degree or other advanced degree for Level III

The Director’s Evaluation Self-assessment is important. Assessment tools include an evaluation sheet or rating scale.

The Director’s Relation to Boards of Directors Board type and composition. Board duties. Corporations and the chain of command.