This book explores the realities of leadership in the early years, examining the challenges and opportunities of the profession.

Today we often look to our leaders in business, government, or the social sector, to make effective decisions in a complex world. Whether they are asked what steps to take to improve competitiveness in a global economy or to make tough ethical choices, well-trained leaders are critical to organizational effectiveness. Although we know much about leadership development for individuals after they take their first job, we know relatively little about their earlier experiences that contributed to their interest in leadership or subsequent effectiveness as leaders. This volume brings together researchers who explore leadership at different points before individuals enter the workforce and asks important questions surrounding definitions of leadership behavior, necessary leader skills and age-related leader tasks, factors contributing to development of leader identity, and ways to improve the process of leader development. With contributions from well-known leadership researchers such as Robert Sternberg, Howard Gardner, Bruce Avolio, and Susan Komives, the volume shows research evidence for factors such as early childhood and youth experiences on leadership development, which have implications for the way we understand and train leadership in today’s organizations.

Leadership in the Classroom is the sister of Early Life Leadership in Children: 101 Strategies to Grow Great Leaders, and was developed after numerous emails to provide teachers with examples and ideas for the classroom. This resource includes skills, activities, and a lesson plan template. Q. Who is this book for? A. Adults, teachers, homeschool families, or anyone who desires to plant leadership seeds in the children in their lives. Early Life Leadership Family of Books and Resources: Early Life Leadership Kids Journal Early Life Leadership in Children: 101 Strategies to Grow Great Leaders Early Life Leadership 101 Conversation Starters and Writing Prompts Early Life Leadership Workbook: 101 Strategies to Grow Great Leaders Early Life Leadership Workbook for Girls: 101 Strategies to Grow Great Leaders Early Life Leadership in the Classroom: Resources, Strategies & Tidbits to Grow Great Leaders

Leadership in the Classroom is the sister of Early Life Leadership in Children: 101 Strategies to Grow Great Leaders, and was developed after numerous emails to provide teachers and parents with examples and ideas for the classroom. This is a great starting point and this resource includes skills, activities, and a lesson plan template. Q. Who is this book for? A. Adults, teachers, homeschool families, or anyone who desires to plant leadership seeds in the children in their lives. Early Life Leadership Family of Books and Resources: Early Life Leadership Kids Journal Early Life Leadership in Children: 101 Strategies to Grow Great Leaders Early Life Leadership 101 Conversation Starters and Writing Prompts Early Life Leadership Workbook: 101 Strategies to Grow Great Leaders Early Life Leadership Workbook for Girls: 101 Strategies to Grow Great Leaders Early Life Leadership in the Classroom: Resources, Strategies & Tidbits to Grow Great Leaders

This book focuses on the leadership of practice and, in particular, how to bring about changes which improve practice. It draws on research into a group of early years leaders which followed them for almost three years as they attempted to improve provision in their settings as 'change agents' and 'leaders of practice'. Through exploring their successes and failures, the book builds a picture of what it takes to lead improvements in practice. This book develops four principles of practice that many leaders adopt as they innovate. These principles provide basic guidance about how to bring about improvements in practice and are derived from the real-life attempts of both inexperienced and established leaders to improve the quality of provision. With its strong research methodology and skilled analysis, this book provides an excellent insight into the challenges of leadership for quality provision in early years settings. If you are working as a leader in the early years sector, or aspire to a leadership role in the early years, this book is inspiring and essential reading. Mark Hadfield is Professor in the School of Social Sciences, University of Cardiff, UK. Michael Jopling is Professor in Education at Northumbria University, UK. Martin Needham is Principal Lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University, UK. This book provides unique insights into Early Years 'practice leadership' and uses research to inform quality improvement. The authors set the scene with a review of policy and its effects on practice leadership, before combining key aspects emerging from their own research and wider theory with practical guidance on how to assess and improve practice leadership and quality Early Years provision. There is a strong focus on the relationships which support and develop inclusion and shared responsibility for creating a culture of change and improvement and include the perspectives of children and parents as equal partners. This book will be of value to all involved in Early Years practice and leadership as well as students at all levels and researchers. Michael Gasper, Early Years Consultant The introduction of a graduate leader has been one of the most significant developments in early years in recent times. This book therefore provides essential reading for all 'leaders' in the early years especially those with Early Years Professional Status or currently undertaking Early Years Teacher Status (0-5). Drawing upon the longitudinal national evaluation of Early Years Professional Status, it provides clear evidence to support those in leadership roles to reflect upon and develop their practice. Most importantly it recognises that there is not one type of leader and that innovation occurs when the graduate leader is able to apply their professional training and experience to a specific setting. Dr Eunice Lumsden, Head of Early Years, The University of Northampton

This book introduces an intriguing juxtaposition of "caring" alongside "effective", and it is a thought-provoking book. Including examples of early years leaders on their own reflective learning journeys, it provides a rich source of ideas for relational leadership that are firmly based in research and professional experience.′ - Professor Margaret Carr, University of Waikato, New Zealand Effective and caring leadership is an essential part of raising standards and increasing the quality of learning in early childhood settings. This book explains leadership practices that can make a positive difference to the provision offered and improve outcomes for both children and families. With theoretical, practical and research-informed perspectives, this book: Uses case studies to provide examples of effective leadership Integrates education and care with key practices in effective leadership Explores directional, collaborative, empowering and pedagogical leadership Offers readers opportunity to reflect upon their own leadership practices This is a key text for anyone studying Early Childhood, existing and aspiring leaders, graduate Early Years Leaders and those training to work in settings, schools and children’s services. Professor Iram Siraj is Professor of Early Childhood Education at the Institute of Education, University of London. Dr. Elaine Hallet is a Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at the Institute of Education, University of London.

Leading Change in the Early Years focuses on the type of leadership skill needed for leading the reform and change agendas that challenge the early years sector.