Practical Strategies
Early learning leaders who provide effective resources use these practices:
Provide responsive resources using varied, concrete presentation methods.
- Offer responsive professional development that uses a variety of presentation methods and active engagement and builds on prior learning.
- Set goals related to specific teaching and home visiting practices.
- Simplify complex theories and use interactive learning methods.
- Translate theory to practice in doable chunks.
- Break big tasks into small steps. Show how each step helps reach program goals and supports child, family, and staff.
- Give staff time to learn each step so they can understand it, take ownership of it, and build on it.
Provide peer learning opportunities.
- Offer cross-training for the entire staff to build common language and understanding.
- Provide chances for learning in different settings.
- Offer formal training and allow time to practice with children.
- Include chances for peer learning in all professional training sessions and within coaching groups and other learning groups.
Go the extra mile to be present and available as a resource to staff and other leaders.
- Show the importance of relationships by regularly taking part in program activities with staff and families.
- Support service area managers, site leaders, and coaches by being a regular presence on-site.
- Join staff in training sessions to learn and identify resources needed to put ideas into practice.
- Show a mindset of co-learning by asking questions and solving problems together.
Provide support for continued growth opportunities.
- Always include time for reflection and feedback during observations.
- Offer different ways to grow staff professionally, so they feel they have choices and control over their learning.
- Encourage leadership skills in others by promoting independence and creative group problem-solving.
Seek external and internal support to meet needs identified in the learning environment.
- Meet with and observe other programs to gain different perspectives and learn new strategies that could benefit your program.
- Bring in outside experts to address specific issues in classrooms, during home visits, and in various program settings.
- Respond thoughtfully to education staff’s requests for support.
Value Statements for Providing Resources to Support Program Quality
Great early learning leaders create a space where staff can work together — whether in classrooms, during home visits, or in socialization groups. Teamwork helps staff learn from each other. Leaders also set up clear processes and policies that show they are committed to helping their team grow and succeed.
Use the Value Statements for Providing Resources Worksheet to reflect, rate your use of these practices, and write down ideas to strengthen your practice. These statements help early learning leaders stay focused on giving staff the right resources — like time, materials, equipment, training, and professional development. When staff have the tools they need, they can provide high-quality education and care for children and families.
