Principals as Early Learning Leaders: Effectively Supporting Our Youngest Learners

Because of the expansion of preschool programs in public school districts, the majority of principals are now required to supervise early childhood teachers and classrooms. Unfortunately, information on child development and early childhood education is not a mandatory component of administrative training programs in most states nor is it a top priority for professional development for administrators working in public school districts. As a result, nationwide, principals are expressing their interest in learning more about early childhood education so they can become effective early learning leaders. This webinar is designed to address this gap.

Drawing from their newly published book, Principals as Early Learning Leaders: Effectively Supporting Our Youngest Learners (2022), the authors discuss the pivotal role principals and school leaders can play in early learning programs. They highlight the foundations of child development and early childhood pedagogy that will support school leaders to be effective and equitable instructional leaders for our youngest learners.

The authors will guide you through-

• The expanding role of early education in public and private K-12 schools and districts
• The integrated nature of young children’s development and learning processes
• Essential elements of high-quality in early learning environments
• Issues of equity that require intentional leadership and focus
• Examples of powerful learning in action–authentic examples of developmentally, linguistically and culturally responsive curriculum and instruction in preschool classrooms
• Practical strategies that principals and school leaders can put into practice immediately to be effective instructional leaders for early learning programs

Objectives for this session- You will learn:

• The play-based learning continuum and the differences between child self-determined play, adult-child collaborative play and adult planned and directed play
• At least two strategies for reducing bias and preventing the use of exclusionary discipline with young children
• How to observe for examples of the integrated nature of young children’s learning and development (e.g., how to ‘see’ cognitive, social-emotional and physical development in block play, dramatic play or outdoor play)

For more information or to RSVP, visit Early Childhood Investigations