Whether you are new to directing an early learning program or an experienced seasoned director looking for new perspectives on your work, I hope that this handbook will be an ongoing resource for you.

Early Childhood Education has expanded dramatically since I began my career in 1993 as a director, from the regulations governed by our state regulatory systems to more innovative early childhood program accreditation standards through the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

It has been amazing to watch the alternative approaches that support directors emerge over the years. During your study we will review and learn from Bloom, Bruno, Biddle, and Neugebauer; just to name some of my favorite authors. What I enjoy about learning from their bodies of work is the journey through organizational leadership styles specific to early childhood administrators.  Many of us joined this profession because of our great love for educating young learners but with little managerial training. Developmentally appropriate practice is rarely the challenge for most directors; conflicts arise with managing human resources to operate a childcare program. 

Marketing, family counseling, budgeting, accounting, legal policies, and human resource development are all managerial functions that must be coupled with flexible leadership skills and a solid focus on the vision of the program for true progression to take place. This is why “I Love Directors”.  Trust me, once you have gone through your day with a spot on your shirt from your visit to the infant room, gotten stuck in the toddler room because the teacher was late, busted your budget because the cooling unit stopped working and to top the morning off with an unannounced visit from your licensing consultant; it’s not even 10:00 am. I love directors because they have earned it.