Handbook for Early Childhood Administrators: Directing with a Mission, 1st edition

All Chapters include: "Summary," "Resources," "Weblinks"

 

Chapter 1 - Organizational Vision AND MISSION

Developing an organizational vision

The mission statement

Using your mission statement to inform practice

 

Chapter 2 -- Organizational Structure

Organizational structure and hierarchy

Organization Culture

Ensuring Safety

Recognizing Competence

Demonstrating Value

Meaningful Communication/Staff Meetings

 

Chapter 3-- Program Policies and Procedures

Personnel Policies

Procedures

 

Chapter 4 -- Job Descriptions

Writing a Job Description

Job Description as legal document

Modification of a current job description

 Writing/Reviewing current job descriptions

 

Chapter 5 -- Staffing

Recruitment

Screening

Interview

Practical demonstration of skills

Employment requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

 

Chapter 6 -- Orientation, Evaluation, Staff Development

Staff Orientation

Probationary/orientation period

Evaluation

Professional development --Education and training

Progressive Staff Discipline

 

Chapter 7-- Developing management systems

Developing Systems

Recurring activities that can be systematized

Calendar

 

Chapter 8 --Ethical Behavior/ Code of Ethics

Ethics

Ethics in Early Childhood Education

Ethical Dilemmas

 

Chapter 9 -- Working with Boards

Governing versus Advisory Boards

Advisory Boards

Board essentials

Job descriptions

Selection of Advisory Board Members

Orientation

Meetings

Communication

Assignment

 

Chapter 10 -- Law and child care

Employment Law

FLSA

Disciplinary Policy/Due Process

Unemployment Compensation

Worker’s Compensation Insurance

ADA (employment and providing services)

Legal responsibilities to Families - ADA and Admissions

Other Legal responsibilities to Families

 

Chapter 11 -- Financial Operations

Budgets

Monitoring Income and Expenses

Competitive wages

Benefits

 

Chapter 12:       Marketing and Publicity

In-house Marketing

Publicity/Visibility

Marketing Tools

 

Chapter 13 -- Supporting Families: Parent Handbook

Developing a comprehensive Parent Handbook

Essential elements of a Parent Handbook

Cover with contact information

Admission requirements/procedures

Hours of operation, holiday schedule, program closings

Policies related to fees, payments, and refunds

Policies related to termination of enrollment

Policies related to sick child (contagious illness and infestations)

Health and Safety policies

Medication

Pick up

Reporting Child Abuse

Program plans to meet nutritional needs of children

Discipline policy

Transportation policy

Field trip/off-site activities policy

Statement of Receipt

 

Chapter 14:  Program Practices to Support Families

Welcoming Families: Communication

Orientation

Child’s First Day and First Week

Newsletters

Daily notes

Bulletin Boards

Parent Education

Family Conferences

Surveys

When Families Leave

Welcoming Families

Opportunities for Family Participation

Inclusion

Diversity

Building Staff-Family relationships

Staff Training

Parents in the classroom

 

CHAPTER 15:  PROGRAM EVALUATION

Curriculum

Scope

Sequence

Choosing a Curriculum

Outcomes Assessment

Child Assessment

Program Assessment

Accreditation

Choosing an accreditation system

Application

Self-Study

Submission of Self-Study

Verification of Standard