CFC 4520C - Leadership and Human Resource Development

Credits: 4

The course is designed to prepare and improve the early childhood professional for leadership roles in their practice. Through research and practical application, students will develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies in leadership and human resource development to create and guide teams in continuous quality improvement. Focus is on (a) the roles and responsibilities of leadership to enhance critical thinking for evaluating initiatives, programs, and personnel and (b) to guide human resource and development practices, policies and systems built on the norms of ethical conduct, equity in interactions, and values of cultural diversity. Topics include current theories and models of leadership and leadership development; communication and interpersonal skills and conflict resolution; supervisor development; legal issues related to human resources; empowerment; motivational leadership; mentoring and coaching; initiating and implementing change; recruiting, interviewing and selecting staff; guiding principles, strategies, and tools for evaluation and assessment; reflection methods; and models of professional development for staff.