Leading Change in the Early Years

Leading Change in the Early Years focuses on the type of leadership skill needed for leading the reform and change agendas that challenge the early years sector. Early years professionals are expected to implement a range of government initiatives, as well as professionally endorsed changes, aimed at raising the quality of early years provision. The ease and success with which such initiatives are implemented relies on the competent leadership of change, that is, knowledge, understanding and expertise in encouraging, supporting and working with everyone involved with implementing and sustaining change.This resource helps to unpick the principles, processes and practice of effecting change and offers early years professionals a practical guide to the important elements relevant for meeting the political agenda for quality improvement and the professional challenge of effecting responsible change. Key content includes: the link between competent leadership and successful change dimensions, models and processes of change leadership skills for effecting change strategies for reducing reluctance and resistance This book is ideal for early years leaders who understand the general principles and practice of leadership, but who are interested in exploring and expanding their understanding and expertise in leading reform and change. Jillian Rodd is an educational and developmental psychologist and has published widely in the early childhood field throughout the world. "This is a powerful text that utilises the voices of early years leaders to clearly articulate the challenges of leading change and demonstrate how the sector is rising to that challenge. It is, therefore, an excellent and vital resource for all working in the early years sector and comes at absolutely the right time as the pace of change in the sector continues to be fast flowing." Dr Caroline Leeson, Associate Professor of Early Childhood Studies, Plymouth University "This text draws on research evidence and case studies from practice to support those dealing with change on a daily basis. By encouraging early years professionals to draw on their skills of leadership and interpersonal relationships, Jillian provides clear strategies to enact change. This is a 'must have' book for all those working in the Early Years." Nikki Fairchild, Early Years Initial Teacher Training Programme Coordinator, University of Chichester "At a time when early years practitioners everywhere are feeling pressure to respond to the children's policy agenda, this accessible guide offers support in implementing and sustaining change. " Rory McDowall Clark, Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood, Worcester University "Jillian Rodd gives a contemporary view of leadership and change incorporating the latest research from the early years sector. The book provides insight to the complexities of leadership and change, essential understanding for both early years students and practitioners." Natalie Canning, Lecturer in Education - Early Years, The Open University "This latest book from Jillian Rodd is very accessible and will be invaluable for existing early childhood leaders, aspiring leaders and tertiary students. I have no doubt this book will be valued as a companion to the acclaimed Leadership in Early Childhood now in the 4th edition." Kaye Colmer, CEO Gowrie SA "Rodd's approach to leading change makes it possible to embrace challenges as opportunities. This book is a 'must read' for intentional leaders seeking practical strategies for the everyday realities of early childhood settings." Manjula Waniganayake (PhD), Associate Professor at the Institute of Early Childhood , Macquarie University

Table of Contents:
1. Change in early years provision Understanding change Theoretical perspectives of change Dimensions of change Process and models of change The process of change as a cycle of learning Factors that hinder and help the implementation of change 2. Authentic leadership and change Quality improvement through competent leadership The power of leadership presence Leadership skills for making change happen Leadership roles for addressing change initiatives 3. Leadership: The fuel driving quality improvement Differentiating leadership from management The contribution of leadership to effecting change The impact of complexity on leading change for improvement A model for leading complex change 4. Interpersonal relationships: the foundations for effecting change The role of trust in developing professional relationships Professional interpersonal relationships in early years settings Key interpersonal skills for leading change Issues affecting interpersonal relationships in early years settings Key skills for interpersonal competence in early years settings 5. Interpersonal communication: the key to effecting change Communicating and listening: essential skills for effecting change Emotional intelligence and leading change Roadblocks to effective communication in early years settings Communicating the vision for change 6. From reactive opposition to proactive receptivity to change Moving from shock to adjustment Reducing stress in times of change Common reactions to conflict about change Strategies for channeling opposition into commitment Encouraging proactive receptivity to change 7. Effecting change through collective endeavor Benefits of collective commitment through change champions The power of collaborative teams in the change process 8. Sustaining change through a culture of learning The role of learning in change Early years settings as learning organizations Building a culture of learning and thinking Learning, leadership and change Learning and the development of capacity for change leadership 9. Postscript: Aide memoire for leading change in the early years References Author index Subject Index

About the Author :
Jillian Rodd is an educational and developmental psychologist and has published widely in the early childhood field throughout the world.