About This Book
- Page ID
- 60959
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Administration of Early Childhood Programs provides an introduction to the foundational concepts of leading and managing early childhood education programs. Topics include leadership, licensing and accreditation, budgeting and financial management, staffing, family and community partnerships, program evaluation, and creating play-based, developmentally appropriate learning environments. Throughout the text, emphasis is placed on supporting children, families, and educators through ethical, relationship-based practices that promote high-quality early learning experiences.
This foundational Open Educational Resource (OER) text is designed for use in community college and adult education courses, while also serving as a resource for program directors, site supervisors, family child care providers, educators, and others working with young children and families. Because early childhood programs vary greatly in structure, philosophy, and community needs, some topics may require additional expansion or adaptation. Our hope is that this text encourages reflection, discussion, and a deeper understanding of the important role administrators play in shaping positive experiences for children, families, educators, and the broader community.
The Role of Artifical Intelligence
This OER was developed with assistance from ChatGPT, a generative artificial intelligence tool created by OpenAI. ChatGPT was used to help draft chapter sections, suggest organizational structures, and generate examples. The authors reviewed all AI-assisted text before publication and are responsible for the final content.
About the Authors
Dr. Jennifer Marta
Dr. Jennifer Marta was born and raised in an Early Childhood Educational setting in her home which inspired her passion for this field. Jennifer has worked with children, families and within the community in a variety of Child Development/Early Childhood Educational programs and settings. She has cared for and worked with newborns through college level. She received her Associate's Degree in Child Development from Fresno City College, a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Brandman University, and a Master's Degree in Education with an emphasis in Leadership in Early Childhood Education from Brandman University. Jennifer also earned a Doctorate Degree in Organizational Leadership through UMass Global in the first and only California Community College Cohort. Jennifer utilizes her passion and experience in play-based programs by sharing her knowledge and experience through professional development. She continues her lifelong pursuit of knowledge/research and spreading this information through various networks. Jennifer currently serves as a Professor of Child Development at Coalinga College.
Dr. Hannah Knott, Ph.D, CCLS, CTRP-C
Dr. Hannah Knott has worked in a variety of early childhood and K-12 settings beginning in 2008 and has served children and families as a Certified Child Life Specialist since 2014. Hannah earned her Bachelor’s Degree from California State University, Fresno, her Master’s Degree from the University of La Verne, and her Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education from Azusa Pacific University. She began teaching and mentoring college students in 2017 and has held a full-time faculty role teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels since 2018, both in the classroom and as a preceptor at field sites. Hannah currently serves as a Professor of Education and Child Development at Coalinga College. Dr. Knott's educational research has focused on student success and online learning, while her clinical research has explored the efficacy of child life specialist services. Hannah is a Certified Trauma and Resilience Practitioner with a passion for educating parents, teachers, and adults in a variety of settings about developmentally appropriate practices that prevent trauma and foster resilience. Through her teaching, Hannah is committed to helping students connect theory, research, and professional practice in ways that support children, families, and early childhood programs.