EDUC 340.NO2: Special Topics in Education

(Aim4Excellence Modules 4, 5, and 6)

After completing Module Four: Managing Program Operations, you will be able to:

• Examine the complexity of operational management and leadership, including the application of systems theory to support necessary operating systems
• Identify stakeholders and manage a strategic planning process
• Investigate quality benchmarks related to program operations within the subscales of the Program Administration Scale (PAS)
• Use specific tools for managing systems, including standard operating procedures, workflow analysis, calendars, and Gantt charts
• Explore additional health and safety policies and procedures to protect the early childhood program, the children, families, and program staff
• Identify core elements of a disaster preparedness and emergency evacuation plan
• Review preventative best practices in risk management to avoid potential allegations of child abuse and neglect

After completing Module Five: Building a Sound Business Strategy, you will be able to:

• Identify core values related to business orientation
• Examine legal forms of business ownership common to early childhood programs
• Investigate the quality benchmarks associated with budget planning as identified in the Program Administration Scale (PAS)
• Calculate a budget and cash flow projection to plan program finances
• Review best practice use of program management software utilized to support office operations and enhance digital communication
• Identify approaches to grant writing, including responding to funding opportunities to blend or braid funds to support quality programming
• Apply best practices when implementing public relations and marketing strategies to enhance external customer relationships and program reputation

After completing Module Six: Designing Indoor and Outdoor Environments, you will be able to:

• Explain the impact of the physical setting on behavior and learning
• Plan for specific developmental, caregiving, and learning needs in infant, toddler, preschool, and after-school program settings
• Describe the design elements of settings and materials with implications for planning, supervision, access, and accountability
• Provide feedback to strengthen teacher competencies in preparing child-centered play, learning, and activity spaces
• Locate resources and materials to ensure alignment of your setting with quality rating improvement systems, licensing, and regulatory requirements