Early Childhood Leadership: Motivation, Inspiration, Empowerment is a must-have book for anyone (e.g., administrator, director, coordinator, team leader, manager, lead teacher) who currently occupies a leadership position or anticipates doing so in the future. It addresses one of the most challenging workplace issues facing employers today - the ability to encourage employees' creativity, productivity, and long-term commitment to an organization. Studies consistently show that low employee morale and high turnover rates are common in early childhood programs and, in turn, affect the quality of services provided for children and families. Unfortunately, strategies used by many supervisors to guide and manage employee behavior often contribute to employee dissatisfaction and attrition. A sound understanding of motivational theory and skills (e.g., communication, leadership, team-building, decision-making) enables effective leaders to create positive work environments, boost employee morale, and encourage positive performance. When employees believe their efforts are being acknowledged and valued, they are less likely to leave their jobs - an additional and important benefit, especially in the field of early childhood education.
Lynn Marotz received a PhD in educational policy and leadership from the University of Kansas, an MEd from the University of Illinois, and a BS in nursing from the University of Wisconsin. She was a faculty member in the Department of Applied Behavioral Science, University of Kansas, and taught undergraduate and graduate courses in administration and leadership, issues in parenting, health/safety/nutrition and young children, and foundations of early childhood education. In addition, she served as associate director of the Edna A. Hill Child Development Center (University of Kansas) for 35 years. Marotz has authored several early childhood textbooks, including Developmental Profiles: Pre-Birth through Adolescence, Parenting Today's Children: A Developmental Perspective, Health, Safety, and Nutrition for the Young Child, and By the Ages. She has published invited chapters on children's health and development, nutrition, and environmental safety in national and international publications and law books. In addition, she has presented extensively at international, national, and state conferences and held appointments on national, state, regional and local committees and initiatives that advocate on behalf of children and early childhood teachers.
Section I EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION Chapter 1 The Field of Early Childhood EducatioChapter 2 The Early Childhood Education Workforce Chapter 3 The Role of Motivation in Organizations Chapter 4 Motivational and Inspirational Leadership Chapter 5 The Art of Effective Communication SECTION II MAKING IT ALL WORK Chapter 6 Building a Successful Team Chapter 7 Acknowledging Efforts, Contributions, and Accomplishments Chapter 8 Emerging Trends and Leadership Challenges: Looking Ahead Appendices Glossary
