ECAL Course Schedule and Dates

Learn about leadership skills that can be applied to the early childhood education setting. Specifically, you will have the opportunity to assess your own leadership style and how to use your strengths to serve others. Discuss common challenges within leading in an early childhood program and strategies to problem solve.  (3 units)

Student Learning Outcomes - Student will be able to:

1. Develop leadership skills through knowledge of conceptual history of leadership theory
2. Analyze different conceptualizations of leadership and social justice within Early Childhood Education
3. Identify their own leadership identity /Develop a commitment of continuing professional development

This course examines the key questions encountered by individuals considering the path of business ownership. The course will explore the key concepts of entrepreneurship and small business management as it relates to owning and operating a childcare business. Learn what is entrepreneurship and how it connects to early childhood care and education. Begin to identify your own entrepreneurial mindset. Examine typical challenges of business ownership. Learn vital small business skills such as legal considerations, how to make data-driven decisions, and strategies to be fiscally sustainable early childhood programs. (3 units)

Student Learning Outcomes - Student will be able to:

1. Examine the concept of entrepreneurship and develop an understanding of what constitutes entrepreneurship, the entrepreneurial process and the entrepreneurial mindset
2. Understand the key elements of owning and operating a childcare business including funding, licensing, legal, marketing, and resources

Learning Goals:

1. Specific knowledge and skills - Each student should obtain required specialized knowledge and skills for evaluating business opportunities.
2. Communication - Each student can effectively communicate, either written or oral

Identify methods of employee performance appraisals. Examine considerations for hiring and job descriptions. Consider key components of creating mission statements and program philosophies.  Examine the importance of high quality work environments and compensation for employees. Learn strategies and benefits to community engagement. (3 units)

Student Learning Outcomes - Student will be able to:

1. Have a general understanding of how programs are organized and how organization structures relate to personnel.
2. Understand the role of leadership as it relates to Community Engagement
3. Critique and examine dimensions of inequalities within Early Education

Learn various methods of mentoring and supervising student teachers, volunteers, staff and other adults in early care and educational settings.  Use your leadership style, identified in the Leadership in Early Childhood Education course, to mentor and supervise adults.  Identify and discuss common challenges of adult supervision. Learn effective communication strategies for mentoring and providing feedback to mentees.  Discuss awareness of individual differences, implicit bias, and ethical practices while supervising and mentoring adults. Learn strategies to support adults to set and achieve goals. (3 units)

Student Learning Outcomes - Students will be able to:

1. Individualize mentoring and supervision strategies in early care and education & child development settings based on the roles, adult stages, and individual styles of adult learners
2. Demonstrate competency in communication and reflective practices when working with diverse adult populations in early care and education & child development settings
3. Use assessment tools to inform leadership decisions in Early Childhood Education / Child Development settings