Catherine Ahn

Leadership and Management Skills

• Team Motivation & Support: Ability to inspire and motivate a team of educators, fostering a positive, supportive work environment where everyone feels valued.
• Delegation: Knowing how to delegate tasks appropriately, ensuring team members' strengths are leveraged effectively.
• Conflict Resolution: Ability to address and resolve conflicts within the team, using a fair and constructive approach.
• Time Management: Balancing administrative tasks, teaching responsibilities, and leadership duties efficiently.

Cultural Competency

• Understanding Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi): A deep understanding of the Treaty and its application in the ECE setting is vital. This involves ensuring that Māori perspectives are respected and integrated into teaching practices.
• Cultural Awareness and Inclusion: Recognizing and valuing the diverse cultural backgrounds of children, whānau (families), and staff, and fostering an inclusive environment for all.

Pedagogical Expertise

• Curriculum Knowledge: A strong understanding of Te Whāriki (the New Zealand early childhood curriculum) and the ability to lead the team in implementing it effectively.
• Assessment Skills: Ability to guide teachers in observing, assessing, and documenting children’s learning in ways that inform practice and meet learning outcomes.
• Child Development Knowledge: Expertise in child development to provide support and guidance on best practices for individual needs and learning pathways.

Communication Skills

• Clear Communication: The ability to communicate effectively with staff, parents, and the wider community. This includes clear expectations, constructive feedback, and regular updates.
• Active Listening: Listening attentively to the needs of staff, children, and parents, ensuring everyone feels heard and valued.
• Relationship Building: Building positive, respectful relationships with staff, families, and children is key to creating a cohesive, supportive environment.

Reflective Practice

• Self-Reflection and Growth: Being able to reflect on your own teaching and leadership practices, seeking opportunities for personal and professional growth.
• Mentoring and Professional Development: Supporting the ongoing professional development of your team, encouraging them to attend courses, workshops, and reflect on their practices.

Collaboration and Teamwork

• Team Building: Fostering a collaborative, collegial atmosphere where team members work together, share ideas, and support each other.
• Shared Leadership: Encouraging input and shared decision-making, allowing all team members to contribute to the direction of the centre.
• Partnerships with Whānau: Working closely with families to understand their aspirations for their children, and how they want to be involved in the learning process.

Organisational Skills

• Planning & Goal Setting: Setting clear goals for the team and the centre, ensuring alignment with the centre’s mission and values.
• Resource Management: Ensuring that resources (time, materials, staffing) are used efficiently and effectively.
• Compliance and Regulations: Knowledge of New Zealand's licensing requirements and regulations, and ensuring the centre operates in compliance with those standards.

Emotional Intelligence

• Empathy: Understanding the emotional needs of your team members and children, offering support when necessary.
• Resilience: Staying calm under pressure and being able to manage stress effectively, modeling resilience for your team.

Innovation and Creativity

• Creative Problem Solving: The ability to think outside the box and develop creative solutions to challenges that arise.
• Continuous Improvement: Always looking for ways to improve the quality of education and care in the centre.

Advocacy and Leadership in the Sector

• Championing Best Practices: Advocating for high-quality ECE services within the wider community and the sector.
• Building Community Relationships: Developing strong relationships with external agencies, local organisations, and other early childhood providers.

Health, Safety, and Wellbeing

• Health and Safety Management: Ensuring the centre adheres to health and safety regulations, and creating a safe environment for children and staff.
• Wellbeing Focus: Promoting wellbeing within the team, fostering a supportive culture where staff feel encouraged to look after their own mental health.

Understanding of Assessment Tools

• E-portfolios & Learning Stories: Familiarity with digital portfolios, learning stories, and assessment documentation tools used in New Zealand ECE settings.
• Documentation & Reporting: Ability to guide the team in accurate, effective documentation that reflects children’s learning and aligns with curriculum goals.