Characteristics of Effective Early Childhood Leaders

Abstract

Effective leadership in early childhood is vital for quality early childhood care and education. There is a need for a comprehensive and coordinated system of early childhood leadership training. To create fiscally sound early childhood programs with learning environments that nurture and challenge young children and with work environments that develop, support, and retain skilled teachers, program directors capable of strong leadership are essential. There is a need to establish policies and pathways to ensure early childhood leaders are well prepared. The purpose of this study was to identify sets of characteristics that are essential for effective early childhood leadership and explore the challenges early childhood leaders encounter in an effort to become effective leaders. Based on the findings, the researcher recommends relational leadership as an essential component of the framework for effective leadership in early childhood education.