DISCUSSION 1

Your post should be at least 200–250 words in length and should extend the discussion of the group supported by your course materials and/or other appropriate resources.  

Reflecting on Roles, Traits, Responsibilities, and Program Types

Reflection is important to the work of early childhood professionals. Before you can lead successful programs for children, you must first consider how your own personality traits, attitudes, and skills impact the ability to manage programs for young children and their families. After reading Chapters 1 and 2 and Appendix C from the course textbook, please respond to all three parts of the discussion described below:

Part 1 : Part 1 of the discussion focuses on the traits of the effective early childhood administrator. Review the administrator’s responsibilities described in this week’s readings, and discuss the personal qualities you possess that might impact your ability to successfully lead and manage an early childhood program. From your textbook reading, describe the personal qualities which might prove useful as a director and those which might present challenges to being an effective manager or leader.

Part 2: For Part 2 of the discussion, you will focus on the director’s roles and responsibilities. Please discuss the kind of director you would like to be. Which leadership style best suits you? Which roles will you spend more or less time on? Which roles would you find most challenging? How would you accommodate for these challenges?

Part 3: For Part 3 of the discussion, you will focus on the different types of programs available in early childhood care and education. Describe three different types of early child care and education programs and discuss their potential benefits and challenges. Which type of program are you most interested in directing?

TEXTBOOK

 Sciarra, D. J., Lynch, E. M., Adams, S. M., & Dorsey, A. G. (2016). Developing and administering a child care and education program. (9th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning. 

DISCUSSION 2

 Your post should be at least 200–250 words in length and should extend the discussion of the group supported by your course materials and/or other appropriate resources.  

Planning Programs for Young Children and Families

When planning new early childhood programs, administrators must make important decisions regarding organizational structure, licensing requirements, and legal management. Suppose you have been asked to create and direct an inner city program for young children and their families. Please respond to the following prompts in your discussion board response:

1. What business structure will you select for the new center: sole proprietorship, partnership, franchise, or corporation? Will it be a profit or nonprofit? Why is the structure you selected best suited for the new program and your leadership style?
2. Based on the type of program you selected, will the program have a board of directors? If so, what responsibilities will board members have in creating policy and program requirements?
3. Assume your program requires licensing or accreditation. Describe what type of licensing or accreditation regulations apply? Discuss the steps you will need to take to seek licensure or accreditation? What are some benefits and challenges posed by licensing and accreditation regulations?