ECED 4327-Early Childhood Program Development & Management II-Managing Center Operations and Finance

(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

For technical assistance as you move through the modules, contact the McCormick Center HelpDesk via email McCormickCenterHelpdesk@nl.edu or call at 844-378-2464. All questions regarding course content, college credit, transcripts, and scholarships must be directed to the course instructor and/or your academic advisor at the University of Houston at Clear Lake.