Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/stages-of-director-development/5012381/
Most child care directors have some college education, often a degree in child development or early childhood education, and sometimes a master's degree. Their education and training prepares them for working effectively with young children in a classroom setting. Often the most successful teachers begin looking for a career ladder and seek out the opportunity to direct a child care center. While this is an appropriate career advancement, their preparation has not provided them with the management skills and knowledge they need to be successful administrators. Success as a teacher does not guarantee administrative success.New child care directors must acquire several new competencies at the same time that they are establishing their authority and leadership. They must learn how to achieve results through the work of others, and how to address a wide array of employee personal issues. They must learn to be supportive while separating employee personal needs from the center's operating needs. New directors must establish credibility by being highly visible to staff and parents. Arguably the most important skill a director develops is that of communication - effective listening skills, open channels of communication, regular feedback to staff, letting people know where she stands on issues, and being ...