Leading for Change in Early Childhood Education: Leadership Development

by Carolyn Elverenli, Joann Dalton, Ginger Maloney, Lynn Andrews

Friday April 15, 2011 9:00a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Leadership development in the field of early childhood education is an idea whose time has come. As the field enters a new era of brain research, broad based interest on the part of funders, and recent initiatives for professional development systems, the need for effective leadership is paramount. The Buell Early Childhood Leadership Program (BECLP) has developed a set of standards for leadership learning and application that is resonating with early childhood education professionals from across the state and in many types of programs and systems. Leading from every chair is a key concept in the BECLP. Through reflecting about strengths, beliefs, and experiences in early childhood education, participants will develop a vision of leadership for themselves in individual programs and settings. The process of action research will be presented as a tool for promoting positive change in local settings. Previous action research conducted by BECLP alumni will be used as real life examples of the possibilities for promoting positive change that result from employing this methodology. The participants will leave the session with concrete “calls to action” for themselves as leaders.

Buell Early Childhood Leadership Program

Marsico Institute for Early Learning and Literacy

An Explorations of Children’s Rights to Participation: Children as Citizens of the Present

by Ellen Hall and Andrea Sisbarro

Saturday April 16, 2011 10:15a.m. - 11:45a.m.

This presentation considers children’s rights in practice, as opposed to a primarily theoretical treatment; it focuses on young children’s rights, and it emphasizes children’s rights from the perspectives of children themselves. This presentation illustrates the value of viewing children as competent and capable citizens, highlights children’s understanding of their rights and the rights of others, and focuses attention on the tensions between children’s right to protection and their right to participation.

Responding to the Pressures from Above: Getting to Early Childhood Outcomes in the Accountability Age

by Amanda Moreno, PhD and Kim Hartnett-Edwards, PhD

Saturday April 16, 2011 1:45p.m. - 4:30p.m.

First, we will discuss the results of a literature review examining methods of tying “teacher effectiveness” to student scores on standardized tests, and why the lack of consideration of developmentally appropriate practice is a concern in these initiatives. Second, we will use literacy as an example of how to marry “developmentally appropriate” and “outcome- oriented”. Participants will view video examples and engage in small groups and share-out sessions to discuss their experiences with accountability, and innovative ideas for real-world solutions.

Colorado’s New P-3 Professional Development Plan

by Ginger Maloney, PhD

Saturday April 16, 2011 3:30p.m. - 4:30p.m.

This presentation will introduce participants to Colorado’s newly approved P-3 Professional Development Plan and outline steps the state will be taking to implement the Plan. Since this plan has the potential to introduce significant change into the professional development system for early learning professionals, learning about the Plan’s goals, objectives, and process for implementation is important for practitioners and leaders throughout Colorado.