Looking for Qualified Leaders

"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."

For more information about Exchange's magazine, books, and other products pertaining to ECE, go to www.ccie.com.

© 2005 Child Care Information Exchange - All Rights Reserved | Contact Us | Return to Site