Creating a comprehensive staff development program can be a daunting task. Explore ways to streamline these tasks into achievable steps. Examine processes for improving your staff development program. Develop methods and strategies for identifying staff training needs, as well as effective adult learning strategies.

Leading an early childhood education program has many components, and the leader sets the tone for everything that happens in a program. Strong leaders look deeply into how their role effects the program. Discover how to maintain an effective organization by implementing program assessment tools for quality improvement.

Becoming an effective leader is an ongoing, life-long process of learning, trial and error, and reflection. Reflect on the five essential learning and life skills you currently possess and develop them to a higher level as you lead others in effective, high quality care of young children and their families.

It has often been stated, "A Director's job is never done!" Gain the basic tools of addressing foundational issues of program leadership. Take a closer look into issues such as hiring, recruiting, and training quality staff. Examine professionalism and leadership styles as important components of a well-run program.

Beyond regulatory standards, this course delivers information needed to create/implement a risk management plan including preparing for emergency situations; maintaining the safety of people, facilities, equipment, and materials; preventing legal issues; creating communication plans; and, handling the aftermath of a crisis.

Leaders of early childhood programs have many important responsibilities regarding the day-to-day operations. Gain specific recommendations on how to conduct effective and productive staff meetings where each member has the opportunity to share their knowledge and expertise contributing to the goal of program improvement.

As a program leader, recognize the significance of personal interactions and communication with staff, parents, and children as a critical piece for the success of an early childhood program. Examine the need for communication and collaboration with staff and families to build policies and procedures within the workplace.