Introduction to Managing Programs

Introduction to Managing Programs

Observing and Assessing Children's Learning

Responsive Lesson Planning

Record Keeping

Adhering to Program Policies

Adhering to Child Care Licensing & Mandatory Reporting Guidelines

Building Effective Professional Relationships

As educators working in a classroom, we have a responsibility to keep the children in our care safe. This means that we are aware of and adhere to child care licensing rules and regulations. It also means that we understand and follow mandatory reporter guidelines. See the video above for more information about mandated reporting.

As a part of managing a child care program, early childhood educators are responsible for observing young children and using that information to plan a program responsive to participants' needs. Watch the video above for more details.

Record Keeping

Another important aspect of managing a child care program is ensuring accurate and up-to-date records. This includes records kept in the classroom (like observational data, communication logs, and lesson plans) but it also includes supporting with accurate record-keeping throughout your program (supporting keeping emergency contact cards updated, properly storing incident/accident reports, etc.).

Responsive Lesson Planning

As a part of program management, early childhood educators use their observation records to support with planning for the children in their care. Using observational data as part of the planning process ensures that activities and experiences are developmentally appropriate and meet the needs of the children in your care. Click on the hyper link to the left to learn more about lesson planning in early childhood classrooms.

Adhering to Program Policies

When hired in an early childhood program, you are agreeing to follow the program's policies and procedures as outlined in their employee handbook. This includes things like participating in performance evaluations, implementing the program's outlined curriculum, and participating in professional development.

Effective Professional Relationships

Part of working in ECE settings is collaborating with coworkers, colleagues, volunteers, and supervisors to support the children in your care. This can look like providing support and assistance to coworkers/colleagues as needed and maintaining a professional relationship with supervisors. Click the link below to explore how you can build professional relationships with colleagues in ECE programs.

How to Build Professional Relationships with Colleagues in ECE Programs