ExchangeEveryDay Past Issues

Every so often I get a call from a niece or nephew, looking for guidance in choosing the right preschool program for their child. I gather the necessary checklists and brochures and send them off. In my heart I have such an empty feeling, because I know that all the written material I can give them will only touch upon the surface of what makes a school a good one.

I know that what makes a school great is not a concrete thing. Of course the facility should be clean and the staff must have the appropriate qualifications, but is that what makes a school great?

Is the school with the old building and fading paint of inferior quality then the new building with all the bells and whistles?

The catch phrase these days is “Best Practices”. We use this term when discussing schools, businesses, factories and government. Everyone wants to have their particular “best practices” defined. Knowing policies and procedures which have produced the desired results is important.

So what are the “best practices” in Early Childhood Education? Of course there are lists and lists and lists. The accreditation process for preschools holds them responsible for meeting the defined “best practices”. It is a year long evaluative process. Therefore, through deductive reasoning… accredited preschools are the best! Right?

Well, yes and no. Just because a school is accredited does not make it a great school. Just because a school is not accredited does not make it an inferior school.

Some schools do not always continue to fulfill the requirements, after receiving their accreditation. Ratios go up, staff are transferred and equipment is put back in storage (for the next time).The accrediting process is very costly, and many smaller schools cannot afford to undergo the process. Should you eliminate them from your search? The answer is no.

Is their a succinct way to tell if a school is great? I think there is. Does the leadership of the school understand their client (the child) and their ultimate goal (success in school, positive relationships, and the confidence to keep on trying, to name a few)?

Understanding the policies and procedures for success is fundamental, but having the vision to inspire those around you to reach for the stars is vital!

A good school will never be perfect in every way. In the same way that a parent cannot be everything to their child, a teacher can not be all things to your child. A good school requires a good leader. They do not have to know how to do every aspect of a job. However, they must have good background knowledge and the ability to find those people who, with the proper training, will be able to add to the collective knowledge. A good school, like a good business or good government, must have a cohesive vision in which to inspire people to do, or be, more.

You can tell if it’s a great school if there are smiles on everyone’s faces and they are producing competent students.

Peace & Light,

Grace

A crucial 'step' for a visionary director is first knowing/understanding him/herself. What are the strengths s/he brings to the workplace and the position. The second is recognizing and respecting the strengths that each individual brings to the workplace and developing the skills to allow others to 'take the lead' when their strengths would be most effective. It is a DANCE of leadership and followership. Neither makes a person strong or weak...just makes the vision/mission of the program and the related tasks work best for all concerned. It has a lot to do with trust. Read about this on our blog...http://daretoaffirm.blogspot.com
and dare to catch people doing something right!!