Chev025 Leading Management in the Early Years Essay, Ireland

Blossom’s Lane Early Childhood Centre is a well-established preschool serving children aged 2 to 5 years. The management team consists of the centre manager only, Emma. The centre in the past was known for its nurturing environment, experienced staff, and commitment to quality early childhood education and care.

Blossom’s Lane has recently expanded its capacity due to increased demand. Emma currently faces several challenges related to managing a larger team and maintaining a high-quality centre. Blossom’s Lane is experiencing high staff turnover, struggling to employ and retain experienced educators; negatively impacting quality within the centre. Recent regulatory and education-focused inspection reports highlighted issues around governance and the centre’s curriculum. The centre is also facing financial difficulties based on last year’s financial records.

Emma is determined to address the challenges and improve the service and believes management models and theories may provide a valuable starting point.

Assessment Requirements:

Using the case study address the following areas:

• Introduction (250 words or 1.5 – 2 minute presentation)
• Management Models and Theories (LO1) Explore various international and national management models and theories relevant to contemporary early years managers and assess how these models and theories can support effective management at Blossom’s Lane, exploring their strengths and limitations. (700 words or 4 – 5.5 minutes)
• Quality Assurance and Compliance (LO2) Evaluate the role of management in the provision of a high-quality and compliant early years service at Blossom’s Lane, with reference to regulations, policies, and standards. (600 words or 4 – 5 minute presentation)
• Roles, Responsibilities, and Staff Support (LO3 LO4) Considering the challenges faced by Blossom’s Lane, evaluate the specific roles and responsibilities the early years managers should focus on, providing a clear rationale, to ensure the sustainability of the service, address staff recruitment, retention, and provide professional support? (700 words or 4 – 5.5 minutes)
• Attributes (LO5) Critically reflect on the attributes necessary for Emma, as the early years manager, to lead a high-quality and compliant service. (500 words or 3 – 4 minute presentation)
• Conclusion (250 words or 1.5 – 2 minute presentation)

Word Count: 3000 words or (+/- 10%) or 18-24 minute PowerPoint Presentation

Weighting: 100%

Module learning outcomes achieved:

• LO1. Assess models of management from a national and international lens.
• LO2. Evaluate the importance of management in ensuring quality and compliant early years provision.
• LO3. Analyse the roles and responsibilities of management in the early years sector.
• LO4. Analyse the role of management in relation to staff recruitment, retention and support.
• LO5. Critically reflect on the attributes of the early years manager.

The Assessment should:

• Include an introduction and conclusion.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding and application of module concepts and themes.
• Demonstrate in depth independent academic research and strong academic writing skills.
• Meet the specified learning outcomes.
• Be submitted individually by the specified due date.

Written piece OR PowerPoint Presentation

• Essay or Recorded Presentation
• Times New Roman or Calibri.
• Size 12, Size 14 for headings (essay style)
• Intext citation and images (where relevant)

Layout:

• Self-Reflection Form
• Self-Assessed Rubric
• Cover Page (Optional)
• Table of Contents
• Assignment
• Reference Section

Presentation

• A PowerPoint should be presented during the presentation, and you should be visible throughout.
• Font size and layout should be suitable for a PowerPoint presentation (as per guidelines provided).

Layout:

• Self-Report Form and Self-Assessed Rubric can be uploaded in one document.
• The recorded presentation can be uploaded separately.

Assessment methods which enable students to demonstrate the learning outcomes for the module:

• Weighting: 100%
• Learning Outcomes demonstrated: 1-5

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module the student should be able to:

• LO1. Assess models of management from a national and international lens.
• LO2. Evaluate the importance of management in ensuring quality and compliant early years provision.
• LO3. Analyse the roles and responsibilities of management in the early years sector.
• LO4. Analyse the role of management in relation to staff recruitment, retention and support.
• LO5. Critically reflect on the attributes of the early years manager.