Professionalization, Leadership and Management in the Early Years

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

With the rapid change experienced by the Early Years Workforce over recent times, this book considers what constitutes professionalization in the sector, and what this means in practice. Bringing a critical perspective to the developing knowledge and understanding of early years practitioners at various stages of their professional development, it draws attention to key themes and issues.

Chapters are written by leading authorities, and provide case studies, question and discussion points to facilitate critical thinking.

Topics covered include:

- constructions of professional identities

- men in the early years

- multi-disciplinary working in the early years

- professionalization in the nursery

- early childhood leadership and policy

Written in an accessible style and relevant to all levels of early years courses, the book is highly relevant to those studying at Masters level, and has staggered levels of Further Reading, that encourage reflection and progression.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• About the editors and contributors (p. ix)
• Acknowledgements (p. xiii)
• 1 The changing face of professionalism in the early years (p. 1)
• Part 1 Leading, Managing and New Professional Identities (p. 11)
• 2 Leading and managing in the early years (p. 13)
• 3 Challenging identities: a case for leadership (p. 29)
• 4 Early years professionalism: issues, challenges and opportunities (p. 47)
• 5 Childcare practitioners and the process of professionalization (p. 62)
• 6 Working in multidisciplinary teams (p. 77)
• Part 2 Towards a New Professionalism in the Early Years (p. 91)
• 7 Constructions of professional identity (p. 93)
• 8 Contested constructions of professionalism within the nursery (p. 107)
• 9 Where are the men? A critical discussion of male absence in the early years (p. 119)
• 10 Towards professionalism/s (p. 133)
• 11 A new Professionalism (p. 147)
• Index (p. 163)