Social Leadership in Early Childhood Education and Care: An Introduction

This book explores social leadership in early childhood education (ECE) as a new model to address organizational challenges such as staff recruitment, retention, and wellbeing. It highlights the significance of warm and inclusive modes of leadership to drive positive change and provides an introduction to the six-element model of social leadership.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 19 May 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Organisations in early childhood education (ECE) across the globe face significant organisational challenges, including staff recruitment, retention, and well-being, in the context of sectoral fragmentation and under-investment. These issues negatively impact the experiences of children, staff, parents, and the wider community. Social leadership is a novel model of leadership that aims to address these challenges by refocusing leadership through a much stronger social justice lens and a community. It emphasises the significance of warm and inclusive modes of leadership as a means of driving positive change.

Based on in-depth interviews with renowned global leaders in ECE, this book provides an introduction to the six-element model of social leadership and showcases how it can be developed and implemented by organisations, training bodies, and educational institutions. Written in accessible language and illustrated with original international case studies, the book initiates a much-needed dialogue about how we can work within ECE to overcome the workforce and sectoral hurdles we face.

The book explores the concept of social leadership and its importance in addressing the challenges faced by ECE organisations. It emphasises the need for leaders to be responsive to the needs of their communities and to work towards creating a more just and equitable society. The six-element model of social leadership presented in the book provides a framework for developing and implementing social leadership in ECE organisations.

The first element of the model is social awareness, which involves leaders being aware of the social and cultural contexts in which they operate. This includes understanding the needs and perspectives of children, staff, parents, and the wider community. The second element is social justice, which involves leaders working towards promoting social justice and equity in their organisations. This includes addressing issues such as poverty, discrimination, and inequality and working towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

The third element of the model is collaboration, which involves leaders working towards building partnerships and networks with other organisations and individuals to promote positive change. This includes collaborating with government agencies, non-profit organisations, and community groups to address social and educational issues. The fourth element of the model is advocacy, which involves leaders speaking out and advocating for policies and practices that promote social justice and equity. This includes advocating for increased funding for ECE, improving working conditions and salaries for staff, and promoting policies that support children's rights and well-being.

The fifth element of the model is empowerment, which involves leaders providing opportunities for staff and children to develop their skills and abilities and to take on leadership roles. This includes providing training and development opportunities, promoting employee voice and participation, and creating a culture of empowerment and collaboration. The sixth element of the model is sustainability, which involves leaders working towards a long-term vision for their organisations and promoting sustainable practices. This includes reducing environmental impact, promoting healthy and safe practices, and working towards creating a more sustainable and resilient society.

The book provides practical examples and case studies from around the world to illustrate the application of the six-element model of social leadership in ECE organisations. These examples showcase the positive impact that social leadership can have on the experiences of children, staff, parents, and the wider community. The book also highlights the challenges and barriers that organisations face in implementing social leadership and provides strategies and recommendations for overcoming these challenges.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable resource for leaders in ECE organisations, training bodies, and educational institutions. It provides an introduction to the six-element model of social leadership and showcases how it can be developed and implemented to promote positive change in ECE organisations. The book emphasises the significance of warm and inclusive modes of leadership as a means of driving positive change and highlights the importance of collaboration, advocacy, empowerment, and sustainability in promoting social justice and equity in ECE. By refocusing leadership through a social justice lens and a community, social leadership can help to create a more just and equitable society for all.

Weight: 280g
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350212145