Courage, Commitment and Collaboration: Notions of leadership in the NZ ECE Centres of Innovation

Abstract

This paper is based on a research study that explored notions of leadership in the New Zealand early childhood education (ECE) Centres of Innovation (COI) programme. The paper will begin by outlining the context in which this study was carried out with particular reference to the lack of recognition of the importance of leadership in the ECE sector and the significance of the Early Childhood Strategic Plan for future leadership development. The research study and findings will be described before a model and definition of leadership based around the concepts of courage, commitment and collaboration are suggested, and implications for future leadership development discussed.