Question 1

Describe at least one specific way that early childhood professionals can facilitate collegiality in early childhood settings (Length requirement: 2–3 sentences)

Question 2

Explain at least one way that early childhood professionals can make decisions that promote a positive work environment. Describe the strategy and include a specific example.(Length requirement: 2–3 sentences)

Question 3

Explain at least one strategy that early childhood professionals can use to ensure that staff clearly understand and adhere to policies, procedures, and job responsibilities.(Length requirement: 2–3 sentences)

Question 4

Explain at least one strategy that supervisors can use to foster an atmosphere of support and encouragement in early childhood settings.
(Length requirement: 2–3 sentences)

Question 5

Explain at least one strategy that early childhood professionals can use to support positive professional growth and development.
(Length requirement: 2–3sentences.)

Question 6

Explain at least one way that early childhood professionals can assess organizational culture. In addition, explain why assessing organizational culture is important in early childhood settings.  (Length requirement: 1–2 paragraphs)

Question 7

Scenario:Your assistant director has a tendency to send out e-mails with important information at the end of the day—when many teachers are in a hurry to get home and are unlikely to check their e-mail until the next morning.

Several teachers have complained that this leads them to miss e-mails that contain relevant information. What would you suggest to your assistant director as a better way to convey information, including alternate modes of communication? (Length requirement: 2–3 paragraphs.)

Question 8

Scenario:Your center is located in a mid-sized town where median incomes are fairly low. You have several competitors in the area. Given these factors, you try to keep your tuition rates as low as possible. Of course, the salaries of your teachers are also fairly low, though you have given small raises in each of the last 3years to ensure that your salaries are slightly above the going rate in your community.

Your teachers are extremely dedicated, and you know that they are the heart and soul of your program. You would like to provide them with greater rewards, but your budget for the coming year does not have room for pay increases.

Explain your plan for providing staff recognition and rewards in the coming year and how you will communicate this plan to your staff.Explain how your plan might impact staff morale and organizational culture. (Length requirement: 2–3 paragraphs.)

Question 9

Scenario:Teachers in your center often come to you with ideas about how the center can apply research-based strategies to improve the curriculum. How do you remain open to innovations in your center and create an atmosphere where new ideas can be introduced and experimented with?

Describe your plan for encouraging innovation in this center, and explain how this plan can contribute to staff morale and a positive organizational culture.(Length requirement: 2–3 paragraphs.)

Question 10

Scenario: Your center has hired five new teachers in the last 2years, and the number of children you care for has increased as well. Several teachers have come to you to discuss the lack of personal space in the center—there is a small lounge for teachers next to your office, and 10 teachers must share a small closet for their personal possessions.

Teachers have also expressed a need for additional work space where they can prepare materials for their classrooms. Tensions have risen over the issue, as teachers vie for the limited available space. One veteran teacher has been loudly voicing her displeasure and the negativity seems to be spreading.

Explain how this situation illustrates the impact of organizational culture on staff morale. Why is it important for you to address the situation promptly and effectively? Describe at least onestrategy might you use to improve the situation, keeping in mind that expanding the facility is not an option.(Length requirement: 2–3 paragraphs.)

Question 11

Scenario:Your small center has been operating for almost 10 years. Most of your teachers have been together since the beginning, and they get along well and are supportive of each other. The teachers follow a well-established curriculum and classroom routine. Your policies and procedures haven’t changed in years. Things are going well.

Although things are stable, you notice that there is a definite lack of enthusiasm among the staff. Classrooms are looking a bit run down and, too often, it appears that teachers are just “going through the motions,” doing the same lessons and activities year after year.

As you approach your 10-year anniversary, your thoughts turn to the future. What concerns do you have about the organizational climate at your center? What impacts might the current climate have on the children and families that you serve?

Describe at least onestrategy you would use to improve the climate and why these are necessary to meet your responsibilities to children and families. (Length requirement: 2–3 paragraphs.)