Pedagogical Leadership in Early Childhood Education (5cr)

Objectives (course unit)

After completing the course, the student identifies the pedagogical entity of early childhood education, can plan, and develop the management of the operating culture. The student recognizes the duties, responsibilities, and requirements of the pedagogical leader. The student can explain what the principles of pedagogical leadership in early childhood education are. The student can evaluate how pedagogical leadership is developed and personnel management is implemented.

Content (course unit)

Basics of the Early Childhood Education Plan and the Early Childhood Education Act to guide the work of the pedagogical leader. Duties and responsibilities of the pedagogical director. Key principles of pedagogical management. Key principles and implementation of the development of the management of day-care center staff. Management, evaluation and development of the day-care center´s operating culture.

Prerequisites (course unit)

No pre-information requirements

Location and time

FULLY INDEPENDENT ONLINE STUDY The studies allow for completion according to your own schedule.

Assessment methods and criteria

Evaluation 1-5

Teaching methods

FULLY INDEPENDENT ONLINE STUDY: The study is conducted online in the Moodle learning environment. The study is carried out independently at your own pace during the implementation period. The study does not include joint meetings or pair or group work. The student familiarizes themselves with the theoretical material, completes online assignments to the given instructions. The study requires independent work and scheduling.

Learning materials

Literature (e.g.) Holappa, A-S., Hyyryläinen, A., Kola-Torvinen, P., Korva, S., Smeds-Nylund, A-S. & Aho, H-R. (2021). Kasvatus- ja koulutusalan johtaminen. PS-kustannus. OKM (2021). Varhaiskasvatuksen koulutusten kehittämisohjelma 2021–2030. Opetus- ja kulttuuriministeriön julkaisuja 2021:3. OPH (2023). Opetushallitus. Varhaiskasvatussuunnitelman perusteet. Määräykset ja ohjeet 2022:2a. Parrila, S & Fonsén, E. (2017). Varhaiskasvatuksen pedagoginen johtajuus. Käsikirja käytännön työhön. PS-kustannus. Syvänen, S., Tikkamäki, K., Loppela, K., Tappura, S. ja Toikko T., (2015). Dialoginen johtaminen - avain tuloksellisuuteen, työelämän laatuun ja innovatiivisuuteen. Tampereen yliopistopaino Oy.

Student workload

Independent study 135h

Completion alternatives

This implementation can be completed in the following alternative ways. The completion methods are described in more detail in the Moodle learning environment. Essays/Learning task