Leadership: Contexts and Complexities in Early Childhood Education

About Fay HadleyManjula WaniganayakeMarianne FenechSandra CheesemanWendy Shepherd

Professor Manjula Waniganayake (PhD BEd(EC - Hons)) At the time of graduating as an Early childhood teacher in 1982 there were no early childhood professors in Australia. Two decades later there are now over 20 reflective of the flourishing research base in early childhood in this country. From Manjula's perspective being appointed a professor was simply amazing and it was made possible with strong support from some of Manjula's doctoral research candidates - a clear example of mentoring being a reciprocal process as indicated in her publications. Dr Sandra Cheeseman (PhD PGCinRM(EC) BEd(EC) DipT(EC)) CEO of the third largest not-for-profit early childhood provider in Australia. Sandra has seen leadership from multiple perspectives. As a novice teacher working with amazing mentors and role models then later stepping into a range of leadership roles she acknowledges that continuous learning and courage are the essential ingredients to a leadership career. She has been a centre director professional development consultant senior executive and senior academic. She has served on a number of boards and ministerial advisory groups. Associate Professor Marianne Fenech (PhD MMgt BSocWkHons) Marianne trained as a social worker and worked in community development positions predominantly in low socio-economic areas with families and young children. This experience included leading and managing a community neighbourhood centre which influenced Marianne to want to effect change for children at the policy level. She has since worked in academic positions including Director of the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) program at the University of Sydney. Marianne is passionate about quality early childhood education for young children particularly those from marginalised backgrounds and a well-remunerated and respected early childhood workforce. She has led submissions on early childhood policy is a member of the Australian Government's Early Childhood Workforce Strategy Stakeholder Reference Group and serves as Chair of the Australian Council of Deans of Education's Early Childhood Teacher Education Network. Associate Professor Fay Hadley (PhD MEChBECE) Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education and Director of Education at the School of Education Macquarie University School of Education influencing the next generation of ECTs'. Fay's leadership journey started accidently - she was in a Director's role three years after graduating encouraged by the outgoing Director to apply. Fay's research examines leadership in early childhood education and child and family diversity. Wendy Shepherd (MECh BEd(EC)) After working as a K-2 teacher directing a preschool and serving as an adviser Wendy accepted a secondment as the Director of the IEC's Waverley campus in Henrietta Street Child and Family Study Centre and lecturing in the academic program. The IEC later merged with Macquarie University leading Wendy to participate in the planning and directing of the Mia Mia Child and Family Study Centre on the North Ryde campus. After 42 years of experience in early childhood education Wendy transitioned to consulting. As a consultant Wendy has learned from observations and reflection the importance of intentional leadership in research and practice inquiry.