472-122 Managing Early Childhood Services

This subject introduces management and organisation theory with special emphasis on organisation structure and management style. The key characteristics of the formal and informal organisation will be identified and the irrelevance to the management process will be considered. Topics may include a study of some key management processes: staff relations, job satisfaction and motivation and the reasons for staff turnover; organising time and space in the centre; a consideration of the role of the management committee and the relationship of the coordinator to the committee; the composition of committees and the implications of having parents as employers; promoting the centre in a turbulent environment and an examination of some key strategies in marketing; and an analysis of case studies derived from the experience of personnel in the field which reflect problems and tensions which impact on the coordinator.

Essays and assignments totalling 4000 words or equivalent.

Resources provided to distance students: students will be provided with a course handbook, subject guide, study guide and a book of readings.