Explore this resource to learn more about the 5Rs — how they fit together and ways to use them. Use the worksheets and toolkit provided with each competency to guide team discussion, group activities, and personal and group reflection.
The 5Rs are important skills, actions, and ways of thinking that early learning leaders need to do their jobs well. When leaders use these skills, they help create a positive environment, improve how adults and children interact, and support better outcomes for children and families. The 5Rs for early learning leaders are:
- Responsive Relationships — Build strong, trusting relationships to support a workplace culture of trust, learning, and connectedness.
- Reason — Inspire education staff to meet program goals and objectives by providing reasons for policies and practices.
- Resources — Use resources to help educators improve their practice and support children’s learning.
- Reflective Dialogue — Talk with educators about data and how it can be used to improve practice and try new ideas.
- Recognition — Celebrate big and small successes. Show staff that their work is noticed and appreciated.
The best leaders are also the best learners — that’s why we use the term “learning leaders.” They inspire their staff to embrace learning, which in turn helps them inspire children to love learning. Effective early learning leaders do the following:
- Build a positive, collaborative, and effective workplace
- Encourage staff to help every child grow and reach their full potential
- Make sure families feel included and involved in the program
- Support educators so they feel proud and motivated in their work
No matter what their job title is, early learning leaders help make programs better and support staff so that children can learn and grow.
