| CODE | EPE3009 | ||||||||
| TITLE | Leadership in Early Years Setting | ||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 6 | ||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Early Childhood and Primary Education | ||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit addresses the manner in which leaders, managers, school management teams, educators, other professionals and para-professionals can model effective leadership from the position they are in, and how this may contribute to quality early years provision. The study-unit unpacks the concepts of collaboration, communication, multi-disciplinary teamwork and reflective practice that shape the dynamics between parents, educators and other individuals. Students will engage with these concepts to acquire a deeper understanding of the values, knowledge and skills central to effective leadership and management, partnership with parents, and the importance of pedagogical leadership that acts in the best interest of the child. Study-Unit Aims: The overall aim of this study-unit is to introduce students to theory and practice underpinning the various styles of leadership and management in early years contexts. Students will be challenged to understand how to identify their own leadership roles as early childhood educators, and work collaboratively with parents, other professionals, para-professionals and other stakeholders. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Define leadership and management based on current early years leadership literature; - Describe how early years leaders can create a positive strength-based environment for all stakeholders to grow and develop; - Describe how leadership, as a human construct, can foster and sustains interactive communication and teamwork; - Outline how pedagogical leadership can be transferred from the leader of the early years setting to everyone being a leader in the setting; - Outline management, organisation and the policies and procedures early years services use to operate; - Describe how early childhood leadership sustains genuine partnership and trust with the children鈥檚 families; - Identify the multifaceted strengths, needs and challenges that young children and their families experience; - Identify their own roles as leaders and advocates in support of children's and families鈥� needs. 2. Skills By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Use pedagogical, reflective and management skills effectively; - Model leadership from the position of an early childhood educator; - Communicate with all stakeholders in a strengths-based way (be positive, passionate and engaged) to help others grow and develop; - Develop effective listening and feedback giving skills; - Develop collaborative relationships with all stakeholders; - Take on the role of learner and utilise the family鈥檚 funds of knowledge; - Respect children鈥檚 families and develop positive attitudes towards diverse cultures, identities and languages; - Empower parents to recognise their abilities to support their own children's learning and development; - Engage with families and the community; - Engage in teamwork in a positive way with colleagues and professionals; - Act professionally by using the acquired knowledge and understanding. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - Lindon, J. & Lindon, L. (2011). Leadership and Early Years Professionalism. Hodder Education. Supplementary Readings: - MacDonald, S. (2019). Inspiring Professional Growth: Empowering Strategies to Lead, Motivate, and Engage Early Childhood Teachers. Gryphon House. -Stamopoulous, E. & Barblett, L. (2018). Early Childhood Leadership in Action. Australia: Allen & Unwin. - Aubrey, C. (2011). Leading and Managing in the Early Years. Sage. - Jones, C. & Pound, L. (2009). Leadership and Management in the Early Years. Berkshire: McGraw-Hill. - Lacey, P. (2006). Support partnerships: Collaboration in action. London: David Fulton. - McDowell, C. R. and Murray, J. (2012). Reconceptualizing Leadership in the Early Years. McGraw Hill. - Moyles, J. (2006). Effective Leadership and Management in the Early Years. Leamington Spa: Scholastic Publications. - Rodd, J. (2009). Leadership in Early Childhood. Berkshire: Open University Press. - Siraj-Blatchford, I & Hallet, E. (2013). Effective and Caring Leadership in the Early Years. Sage Publications. Reading Pack containing articles from leading journals. Availability of reports and peer-reviewed journal articles through the VLE. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Independent Study | ||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Charmaine Bonello Mario Cutajar |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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