Early Childhood Education Administration

This introductory course is designed to help early childhood leaders develop the foundation necessary to lead with confidence, clarity, and compassion. Participants will explore their personal leadership identity, deepen their emotional intelligence, and practice ethical decision-making in real-world early learning contexts. With a focus on reflective leadership, professionalism, and strategic thinking, this course equips leaders to align their everyday actions with their long-term vision. Participants will also examine how organizational culture, climate, and change influence their ability...

This course examines the methods and principles of supervising, mentoring, and coaching student teachers, entry-level teachers, volunteers, and other adults in early care and education settings, with an emphasis on individualized, relationship- and strengths-based approaches. Students learn to build equitable teams through inclusive hiring, supportive onboarding, and effective staff development, and to foster environments — through reflective practice and constructive communication — where educators feel valued and inspired to grow as mentors, coaches, and teachers. The course also covers...

Play-based learning, also known as "playful learning," is not a new concept in early childhood education — it is a forgotten treasure being rediscovered and returned to the forefront of the field. This course is designed for ECE leaders and administrators building or overseeing a program where learning happens through play. Students gain an in-depth understanding of what play-based learning is and why it matters, then apply that understanding to lead programs and environments where play is structured, safe, and aligned with state rules and regulations — and where each domain of a child's...

This course prepares leaders to administer early childhood programs from the ground up — covering the general responsibilities of a program director, program types, and the skills needed to organize, open, and operate an early care and education program. Students learn practical systems for budgeting, facilities management, time and task organization, strategic planning, and marketing, alongside the laws, regulations, and policies and procedures that govern the field. Emphasis is placed on ethical financial decision-making, data-informed leadership, and aligning operational systems with...