SERIES 1: 4 ECP Credits
Leadership Foundations
July 8, 15, 22, 29
1-2 p.m.
This series focuses on the “inner mechanics” of leadership — culture, accountability, communication, and team systems.
Session 1 — The Shift From Provider to Leader
July 8
Big Idea:
Being excellent with children is different from leading adults.
Topics:
- Why many child care leaders feel stuck
- Common leadership traps in child care
- Reactive leadership vs intentional leadership
- Leadership identity and decision-making
- Moving from “doing everything” to building systems
Breakout Activity:
Leadership Reality Check
Small groups discuss:
- “What leadership issue consumes most of your energy?”
- “What problem do you keep solving repeatedly?”
Groups identify patterns and report back.
Practical Tool:
Leadership Audit Worksheet
Session 2 — Building Accountability Without Creating Fear
July 15
Big Idea:
Strong accountability creates psychological safety—not punishment.
Topics:
- Why accountability fails in child care settings
- Expectations vs assumptions
- Creating clear standards
- Following through consistently
- Coaching vs correcting
- Documentation and difficult performance conversations
Breakout Activity:
Case Study Rotations
Groups analyze realistic scenarios:
- chronic lateness,
- ratio issues,
- gossip,
- incomplete cleaning,
- passive-aggressive staff behavior.
Each group determines:
- What leadership mistake is happening?
- What should the leader say?
- What system needs improvement?
Practical Tool:
Accountability Conversation Framework
Session 3 — Communication Under Pressure
July 22
Big Idea:
Leadership communication matters most during stress.
Topics:
- Emotional regulation for leaders
- Communicating during conflict
- Tone vs clarity
- Leading difficult staff meetings
- De-escalation techniques
- Handling emotionally charged conversations
Breakout Activity:
Live Leadership Practice
Participants role-play:
- upset employee,
- defensive staff member,
- overwhelmed assistant,
- frustrated parent situation.
Practical Tool:
Difficult Conversation Script Template
Session 4 — Creating Culture Instead of Managing Chaos
July 29
Big Idea:
Culture exists whether you intentionally create it or not.
Topics:
- The hidden drivers of workplace culture
- How leaders accidentally reinforce dysfunction
- Burnout culture vs sustainable culture
- Team norms and behavioral expectations
- Recognition systems that actually work
- Protecting morale during staffing shortages [RS2]
Breakout Activity:
Culture Mapping Exercise
Groups identify:
- behaviors rewarded in their workplace,
- behaviors tolerated,
- behaviors ignored,
- and what culture those behaviors create.