Center directors and administrators can support the model of student-led learning by trusting their teachers and staff members to design and implement developmentally appropriate student-led learning. Staff members should be respected and trusted to use their knowledge and training to design and implement the best instructional strategies for their students.
Another support method for administrators to consider is to work collaboratively with staff members when brainstorming ideas, lessons and potential changes to the classroom or program. When a director makes sudden changes and decisions it can create a source of conflict even though that is rarely the intention. This extends past the idea of ordinary staff meetings and evaluations. Consider cooperative meetings, team building exercises and group training. When the director and teachers work closely together, it builds a community where all members can work together to achieve a common goal and feel safe in sharing concerns and ideas. This will benefit the children in the program as positive improvements and support will continue.
For the administrator that is not familiar with student-led learning, the following resources may be helpful: