Although all standards are important, in essence, high quality, effective leadership and management refer to the oversight, organization, and execution of the content of all the other NAEYC Program Standards. Without strong leadership and management, it is virtually impossible to provide comprehensive quality service and to support staff efforts to meet the needs of children and families. This resource focuses on NAEYC's "Leadership and Management" Program Standard. The field of early childhood is in great need of leadership—people who can continue to advocate for young children and their families, people who have a voice and conscience about what is good for all children, and people who can strongly affect the future of early childhood care. Examine and enhance the leadership that you and your program provide, and find out what you can do to make the most significant impact.

Updated in 2008, this is one of nine booklets addressing the Standards and Criteria specific to NAEYC Accreditation of early childhood education programs. 

This comprehensive and far-reaching analysis of the principles and practices of early care and education in the United States and Europe informs policymakers and center directors about the vital role high-quality teachers play in a child's later educational achievements and future success. The author describes the very high costs of child care in the United States, most of which is paid for by parents, and shows how greater government support in other countries makes teachers' pay higher, the child care centers better, and the burden on the parents lighter. From Zero to Three.

Did you miss this issue of NAEYC's award winning journal Young Children? July 2007 features a cluster of articles on professional development, including important topics for teachers and program administrators. While supplies last.

In this frank discussion of the purpose, identity, and responsibility of early childhood care and education, the authors examine the major issues and leadership challenges that must be addressed if children are to be given more and better opportunities. They show how adaptive leadership work can unify the field, create openness to new strategies for change, generate a shared vision, and build a viable strategy for its achievement. This is a critical resource for anyone hoping to enact change in the early childhood field. From Teachers College Press.