Sunday 12 October, 2008

 

 

POLICY DEVELOPMENT IN EARLY CHILDHOOD SETTINGS
From Idea to Evaluation

By: Leanne Gibbs
Pademelon Press.
Paperback, 184 pages
Publication date to be advised
Recommended retail price:$69.95
ISBN: 978 1 876138 28 8

The idea of developing policy for an early childhood setting can be overwhelming, but it is only the idea that is intimidating. The actual practice of developing a useful set of policies for use by the community of a long day care centre, a family day care unit, an occasional care centre, an out of school hours service, or a pre-school is a practical process based on knowledge and decision making.

The aim of this book is to make the job of developing and writing a policy for all types of early childhood and out of school hours care services less complicated. It will unpack the process of policy development by giving guidance in the three key elements of accurate knowledge, the right tools, and common sense. It also provides background information, resources and real material. The book is grounded in the realities of service operation and is based on the fact that time is precious and limited.

Policy Development in Early Childhood Settings acknowledges the uniqueness of each service. Along with the explanation of process and requirements there is a range of examples and policy excerpts, plus anecdotal accounts designed to promote clarity and assist services to formulate and implement their own unique policies. It stresses the importance of all policy in upholding the rights, dignity and potential of the community of the service, and the strength it has in enhancing the educator’s role in the care and education of young children.

Along with the explanation of process and requirements there is a range of examples and policy excerpts, plus anecdotal accounts designed to promote clarity and assist services to formulate and implement their own unique policies.

About the Author

Since graduating from the Sydney College of Advanced Education Leanne Gibbs has studied at various institutions
with a focus upon gifted education, management, leadership and advocacy. She has recently completed her Master
in Politics and Public Policy at Macquarie University. Leanne has worked as a teacher and director within long day care and preschools, in advisory positions with local, state and federal government bodies, and as an adult educator and writer. She currently works with KU Children’s Services within the area of professional development.

Contents

Part one: Foundations for Policy
Chapter 1 Policy—Not a New Phenomenon
Chapter 2 Same and Different—The Policy Planning Process

Part two: the Policy Process—From Idea to evaluation
Chapter 3 Vision, Mission and Philosophy
Chapter 4 Goals and Influences
Chapter 5 Research and Resources
Chapter 6 The Policy Think Tank—A Partnership with Families and the Community
Chapter 7 Drafting, Writing and Adapting Policy
Chapter 8 Implementation and Evaluation

Part three: Policy in Action
Chapter 9 Real Policy—How It Works

Appendix Questions & Reflections
References
Acknowledgments
Index

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