Introduction
Welcome to your new position!
Starting a new job where one has early childhood program administrative responsibilities may feel overwhelming. Many of us have not received any formal training in school administration. Literally, we might have been a teacher one day and an administrator the next. Even those with administrative licenses share this feeling, as administrative licensure programs do not adequately address early childhood, and some do not have real-world experience in early childhood programs.
There are other factors that make early childhood administration challenging. For instance, the field of early childhood is changing rapidly. With research extolling the benefits of early childhood education came increased visibility, political attention, and funding. As a result, increases in responsibilities and expectations have followed.
Of course, responsibilities of early childhood coordinators vary from district to district. In some districts, one may be responsible for ECFE, Early Childhood Screening and School Readiness, while others districts may have separate coordinators for each program. One's responsibilities may also vary immensely.
The goal of this page is to help get you started by highlighting some of the more important things to know (and do). Below are some essential first steps. The tabs on this page contain important information for new administrators.
Adding and Updating Contact Information on MDE Website
Click Here for Instructions
This document teaches you how to update your contact information on the MDE directory. Among other things, this helps MDE staff contact you with updates, information, reminders. etc.
Contact your district's Site Verification Coordinator. ECFE and School Readiness coordinator information is included in MDE-ORG. http://w20.education.state.mn.us/MdeOrgView/ The Minnesota Department of Education-Organization Reference Glossary (MDE-ORG) is a searchable database. It includes a variety of Minnesota school, district and education-related organization directories.
Getting Early Childhood Program Sites Set Up in MDE-ORG
Click Here
Find and Join Your Regional Networking Group
Click Here or on the Regional Networks link on the left toolbar.
One of the most important things for early childhood coordinators is support. The regional networking groups provide collegial support. They are a great way to get connected with other coordinators in your area. Also, a great way to share information and learn from each other.
Roles and Responsibilities of Early Childhood Administrators
Defining Your Role and Responsibilities
The first thing you will want to do is define your role and responsibilities. Before starting, you may want to create a folder (digital and paper) that will contain documents related to your growth and development as an early childhood administrator.
A good place to start is your job description (your district is legally required to have a job description). Since it is likely that your job description will not contain adequate detail, and that is may not encompass all that you actually will do, it is important that you add information. You can also use job descriptions from other districts for comparison (these can be found on district websites or there are some examples on the Human Resources page.
It can also be helpful to literally define your role. Early childhood administrators have many titles (e.g., coordinators, directors, managers, supervisors). What exactly is your role? Does it fit with your title?
At this point, you will likely have questions. You should always be able to clarify with your supervisor or HR department. Of course, the best resource may be your Regional Networking Group, as other administrators will have real-world experience. As a reminder, connecting with your networking group is a recommended first step. Go to Regional Networks page.
Understanding Your Role and Responsibilities
Now that you have a better understanding of what you will be responsible for, go to the Leadership & Administration page to find the Early Childhood Administration Knowledge and Competency Framework. This resource contains more information than you need at this point, but it will give you a good idea of the potential scope of your responsibilities. Taking into consideration what you learned from your supervisor and job description, use the framework to explore competencies.
Program Requirements
Learn Program Requirements in Minnesota Statutes/Law
Click Here or on the Minnesota Laws link on the left toolbar.
It is essential that you familiarize yourself with the laws that govern your program. As an administrator, you must ensure that your programs meet the requirements set forth in statutes.
While programs for which you have responsibility may be listed in your job description, other things may not, like services or funding streams. The Minnesota Laws page contains numerous Minnesota statutes related to early childhood. Certainly, you will want to prioritize, learning about programs like ECFE and School Readiness. If you receive Early Learning Scholarships, you will want to learn about those requirements.
District Policies and Procedures
MDE Reporting
Data Submissions to the Minnesota Department of Education
Click Here or on the Data Submissions to MDE link on the left toolbar.
One of the most common questions from new coordinators is what reports/data they have to submit. This page helps you learn the reports and data that must be submitted.
