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Looking for Qualified Leaders
June 7, 2017
An understanding heart is everything in a teacher.
-Carl G. Jung
-Carl G. Jung
"Child care directors are consistently held to lower standards than elementary school principals, though both groups influence the quality of most three- and four-year-olds' learning experiences, new research from New America finds.
"A 50-state scan from New America's Early & Elementary Education Policy team found that although child care center directors and elementary principals have similar roles and responsibilities, the qualification requirements for these positions are drastically different across state lines, and even within their own borders. For example, 40 states require elementary school principals to have at least a master’s degree, yet 41 states do not require center directors to have an associate's degree,” according to Abbie Lieberman in the latest New America newsletter.
"Research shows that after teachers, school leaders are the greatest in-school factor impacting student achievement. It has been demonstrated how setting low expectations for pre-K leaders in any setting can jeopardize the quality of learning experiences children receive."
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Comments (11)
Displaying 5 of 11 Comments [ View all ]Pennsylvania, United States
I completely agree with Cynthia's comment. Early childhood is about care and relationships. Learning is a natural part of every child's day---learning is innate. However, the teacher/child care provider needs to care about and relate to the child, and that does not necessarily come from an advanced degree. Early childhood is not a junior version of grade school---we are helping to develop the whole child--this is a huge responsibility.
LifeWays North America
Norman, Oklahoma, United States
Dear Friends, When I look at Jung's quote at the top of this page: "An understanding heart is everything in a teacher," I feel it is never more true than in early childhood. It is not something that comes to life according to having a Bachelor's or Master's degree. Until our higher education programs for early childhood recognize the importance of teaching relationship-based care, the importance of touch, the importance of heart connections with children and parents and so much more than is not within the confines of "measureable" regulations, we will miss the mark of what is most important for the care and development of young children.
LifeWays North America
Norman, Oklahoma, United States
Dear Friends, When I look at Jung's quote at the top of this page: "An understanding heart is everything in a teacher," I feel it is never more true than in early childhood. It is not something that comes to life according to having a Bachelor's or Master's degree. Until our higher education programs for early childhood recognize the importance of teaching relationship-based care, the importance of touch, the importance of heart connections with children and parents and so much more than is not within the confines of "measureable" regulations, we will miss the mark of what is most important for the care and development of young children.
CT, United States
Agree with the rest of you! Qualifications are not the only difference, did you look at the pay scales? EC Directors cannot be expected to earn a MA degrees when they are paid barely above minimum wage. Also, I believe, for most centers a person with early childhood teaching experience and an Early Childhood Associates or Bachelors degree along some administration credits and experience is appropriate. I would also like to add that there are highly skilled, experienced individuals without degrees who consistently meet high expectations. I hope we do not bump these individuals out of the picture completely.
E.L. Cord CCC - Truckee Meadows Com
Reno, Nevada, United States
A Tale of Two Pre-K Leaders reflects a significant element in the comparison between Pre-K Directors and Principals, yet not the entire story. Every State has child care licensing regulations that includes employment and continued employment requires. A simple and straight forward example is the requirement, via law, for Directors in most states to have CPR, First Aid, Child Abuse & Neglect, TB test etc training; not so entering a public school teaching position. Director's, akin to Principals have yearly training requirements that must be completed. A deeper-dive could prove to be insightful. Thank you
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