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ECA Management Fundamentals Program

The ECA Management Fundamentals Program was developed with an understanding that early childhood managers, leaders and individuals aspiring to grow their business and management abilities face complex and often demanding workloads.
Purchase the ECA Management Fundamentals Program or download the information booklet to start your management journey.

At a Glance

Who should enrol?

  • Educational leaders
  • team or room leaders
  • experienced childhood educators and teachers
  • experienced and new service directors and managers
  • early childhood consultants.

Flexible learning

  • Over 25 hours of content
  • self-paced
  • enrol at any time.

What's included?

  • 14 online professional learning courses
  • program folder
  • online tools and resources
  • printed checklists and audit tools
  • certificate of completion.

Program Overview

Early Childhood Australia is committed to ensuring that education and care professionals everywhere have access to affordable, evidence-based skills and knowledge development that will strengthen the management capability of service managers.

The ECA Management Fundamentals Program builds on the strengths that education and care professionals bring to their management role and ensures they are prepared to take on other roles across the scope of the education and care sector.

The ECA Management Fundamentals Program complements the ECA Leadership Program in developing a complete range of capabilities across the management and leadership sector.

More information about the ECA Management Fundamentals Program can be found within the information booklet.

Pricing

Early Childhood Australia provides multiple options for learners. ECA Members and ECA Learning Hub Subscribers are eligible for a discounts. If you are an ECA Learning Hub Subscriber please contact customer service to access your discount.

Non-Member

$1,249

ECA Member

$1,112.10

ECA Learning Hub Subscriber

$1,112.10

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did ECA develop this program?

In the early childhood sector, particularly in standalone services, people often find themselves stepping into management roles with little or no management training. It can be daunting and stressful, particularly for those who do not have a highly skilled and supportive governing body. 

Recent research into new managers’ perceptions of their own preparedness to manage/lead found that a large percentage of them did not feel well prepared in terms of managing/leading the centre as an organisation, but felt well prepared to manage and lead elements related to pedagogy. Common challenges experienced by new managers were identified in the organisational leadership domain. Managing staff was ranked as the number-one challenge by managers three times more than any other aspect. In addition, 44% of managers surveyed indicated they would pursue a management/leadership qualification and 41% said perhaps they would.

 

Despite the apparent interest in upskilling, there is a lack of good quality, sector-specific management training for first-time managers. The ECA Management Fundamentals Program has been designed to prepare managers in foundational aspects of governance and leadership, specifically in the education and care context.

I am already in a management role, why would I undertake the ECA Management Fundamentals Program?

If you are already in a management role, the completion of this program will formally equip you with contemporary theory and approaches to management to build your confidence and skillset.

The courses in the ECA Management Fundamentals Program will build on the strengths that education and care professionals bring to their management role and ensure they are prepared to take on other roles across the scope of the education and care sector.

 

How do I access the online learning content?

The program is available through the ECA Learning Hub portal. 

If you are using a computer, laptop or tablet, we recommend accessing program contents (including modules and webinars) using Chrome (for Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh users) as your Internet browser.

Can I share the ECA Management Fundamentals Program with my colleagues?

The ECA Management Fundamentals Program is for one person to undertake, but bulk purchasing is available and there are many benefits to undertaking the program at the same time as others.

Can I use the ECA Management Fundamentals Program towards my professional development hours?

Yes, in many States and Territories you are able to use the ECA Management Fundamentals Program towards self-identified professional development; check with the teacher registration board/body in your State or Territory. The ECA Management Fundamentals Program has been mapped to the National Quality Framework and the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.

When can I expect my ECA Management Fundamentals Program folder to arrive ?

You will receive your program folder in early 2024. It will be shipped to the postal address provided at the time of purchase.

The folder contains materials essential to the program and should be used alongside the online components.

When will I receive my certificate of completion?

You must complete the 12 core online components to receive your certificate. A digital certificate will be available 30 minutes after the completion of the final module.

In addition, Early Childhood Australia prints certificates quarterly and will supply you with a hard copy ECA Management Fundamentals Program certificate in that timeframe.

Who do I contact if I have further questions about the program, pricing and/or access?

Please contact customerservice@earlychildhood.org.au specifying your question/problem and best contact details. 

About the Author

Ian Alchin is a recognised leader in the early childhood sector. He is acknowledged for his insightful and inspirational approach to contemporary leadership and management. Ian crafts bespoke and customised business and professional development programs, drawing on his many years of success leading organisations in the sector.

Ian’s work focuses on developing capable people and sustainable organisations in diverse settings in Australia and internationally. This includes organisational leadership that connects strongly to professional practice and has a positive impact on children and communities. He regards organisations as social enterprises that need to deliver positive results to be sustainable.

Black and white headshot of Ian Alchin