Is Your Program Innovative?

"Early childhood centers, like all organizations, must adapt to change in order to survive," observe Paula Jorde Bloom, Ann Hentschel, and Jill Bella in their book, A Great Place to Work. They further note...

"A spirit of innovation and vibrancy in programs doesn't just happen. It has to be cultivated. Early childhood administrators can initiate or inhibit change. They can build or erode innovativeness in their staff, and they can encourage or stifle experimentation...

"Research at the early childhood level... reveals the degree of innovativeness of a program is directly linked to the leadership style of its director. Directors are typically the ones who sense the need for change, set the pace for the change process, and then monitor progress as new ideas are translated into action. Innovative directors are responsive to the concerns of teachers, parents, and the community. They empower people to analyze problems and plan corrective action. They then provide staff with the time, space, and money so ideas can be put into practice."

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