“Patience, Dedication, Creativity, Collaborative, Inclusive, Adaptable.”
Each of Kimberly’s six words to describe ECE leadership comes with its own story.
Kimberly King, a.k.a. The Tough Topics Mom, is a parenting expert with a Master’s Degree in Education and the author of several best-selling books for young children. Kimberly spends her time training both adults and children on prevention strategies and sharing her expertise as a consultant.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but for Kimberly, the right leadership can say it all.
Let’s talk about it. 📚
6 leadership tips from childcare expert Kimberly King that say it all.
1) Patience: As early childhood educators and leaders in the field, we all know that young children require a certain level of patience.
Also, patience as a teacher or Center Director is needed when dealing with parents. Many parents have fears about sending their children to daycare, preschool, or school. Taking a path that focuses on support and patience makes these transitions smoother.
2) Dedication: Teaching young children is one of the hardest jobs in the world. Many teachers are overwhelmed with high student numbers and a lack of modern resources. These teachers show up daily and spend countless personal hours and money on their class of little learners.
3) Creativity: This is key to jumping on a kid-generated art project. Or twist a lesson plan to be more hands-on. Reading a book in a different way to keep attention…Teachers think on their feet. In fact, the best early childhood teachers are the most creative. They make the classroom setting feel like a magical, fun, safe place.
4) Collaborative: When we collaborate and cooperate, the best teachers are born. Learning from others and working together creates the best outcomes for all. And saves valuable time. Why reinvent the wheel when your next-door teacher has already created the best lesson on “The Hungry Caterpillar”?
5) Inclusive: Including every student and family as part of the classroom community is key to supporting learning for all. This can be accomplished by the books you read, the cultures you study, and the songs or art you make. Learning about every single member of your class and their family is the best way to develop a thriving community of learners. Remember – you’re a childcare expert and it’s a privilege to pass on your knowledge!
6) Adaptable: Being an adaptable early education leader or teacher means embracing change, especially when dealing with challenging behaviors. It involves recognizing that every child is an individual, with varying learning styles, interests, and strengths. By adapting our teaching methods, we create an environment where children can thrive and reach their full potential.
It’s essential to get to know your students and assess their learning styles. Discover the traits that make them unique, so you can build a positive classroom environment.
Leading the Way: Unlocking the secrets to success in early childhood education.
The most effective leaders are those who understand that their role extends beyond just managing a center. It involves supporting the entire community of students, families, and team members through strong values and actions.
So, let Kimberly’s story inspire you to be the kind of leader that your center and community deserve, and watch as your impact ripples out to create a brighter future for all.
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