CCEI953P1- Managing A Center - A Practical Application Course - Handout

Welcome to CCEI953P1

This handout contains the instructions for the practical application portion of this course.

Course Objectives:

By reviewing the information in this course, completing the observations or other activities, and successfully responding toassessment questions, participants will meet the following objectives:

Identify the organizational structure of a centerDefine and demonstrate understanding of the term "culture of improvement"Identify examples of center policiesIdentify and explain program philosophy and goals, and demonstrate understanding of the connection betweenphilosophy, goals, and curriculumIdentify and demonstrate understanding of staff qualifications

 

Practical Application Exercises

(Enter the answers to these in the survey in class.)

The following exercises will assist you in better understanding what is involved in running the day-to-day operations of anearly childhood program.  A Director will also better understand how relationships with parents and the community can havean impact on the overall program.  Your responses should be clear and specific to each question.

1.Write a paragraph describing the organizational structure of your center. Answer the following questions in your paragraph:

Who is above and below the director in the chain of command and what are their basic responsibilities?Who has ultimate authority? Is there a governing board or an advisory board?Would you say that there is good, constructive communication among various people within your organizationalstructure? Why or why not? Give examples.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.In your own words, what does it mean to build a “culture of improvement” in your center? Do you think your center has sucha culture? If you do, describe how. If not, describe how you could get there.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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3.As it pertains to your center, explain how each of the following areas can contribute to a culture of improvement.

Consistent LeadershipPersonalities that FitPolicies and ProceduresTrainingStaff Communication and RecognitionEmployee EmpowermentEvaluation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.List 2 or 3 examples of policies your center enforces in each of the following areas:

General policiesPersonnel policiesFamily policies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.Write a paragraph about your program. Answer the following questions in your paragraph:

What is your center’s overall program philosophy?What are your center’s goals for children and families?How does your center’s curriculum support your philosophy and goals?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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6.Write a paragraph about staff training and qualifications. Answer the following questions in your paragraph:

What are the minimum credentials or other requirements for staff in your center and why do you have theseminimums?Are teachers in your center required to complete a certain amount of professional development or in-service trainingeach year? If so, how much and how do they get that training?What can you do as a director to help staff fulfill their training requirements?  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References:

Hearron, Patricia. (2007) Management of Child Development Centers. Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ.

Decker, Celia. (2009) Planning and Administering Early Childhood Programs. Merrill Publishing. Columbus, OH.

Click, Phyllis. (2008) Administration of Programs for Young People. Thomson-Delmar Learning. Clifton Park, NY.

Gonzalez-Mena, Janet. (2009) Child, Family, and Community. Merrill Publishing. Columbus, OH.

Carter, M & Curtis, D. (2007) The Visionary Director – A Handbook for Dreaming, Organizing and Improvising in yourCenter.  Redleaf Press. St. Paul, MN.

Klinkner, Joan M. (2005) “Organizational Climate as a Tool for Child Care Staff Retention .Young Children, v60 n6 p90-95 

Landry, S. & Anthony, J. et al. (2009). “ Effectiveness of Comprehensive Professional Development for Teachers of At-RiskPreschoolers .” Journal of Educational Psychology. Vol. 101, No. 2, 448–465.

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