Shining a light on leadership: New program launches to support early childhood leaders 

Early childhood leaders from across Queensland have begun C&K's Leadership and Management Program (LAMP), a sector-leading initiative which aims to strengthen the leadership skills of childcare and Kindergarten directors. 

Funded by the Queensland Government and developed in collaboration with leading early childhood consultant, Catharine Hydon, LAMP responds to a long-recognised gap in leadership and management development within the early childhood sector.

C&K CEO, Dr Sandra Cheeseman, says the program is an important investment in the future of our sector. 

“Our early childhood leaders are doing extraordinary work in increasingly complex environments,” Dr Cheeseman said.

“LAMP recognises the vital role of our centre leaders and will equip them with the skills and confidence they need to manage complex services and navigate ongoing reform and regulation.”

“By investing in our leaders, we are investing in an early childhood sector that is stronger, more valued and more sustainable.”

Queensland Department of Education’s Deputy Director-General for Early Childhood, Regulation and Communication, Tania Porter, attended the launch of C&K’s LAMP and welcomed C&K’s commitment to building leadership capability across the sector. 

 “Strong leadership underpins the strength of our workforce, which delivers positive outcomes for children and families,” Ms Porter said. 

“Through the Queensland Government’s investment in leadership and capability, C&K is one of the funded providers playing a key role in strengthening and sustaining our early childhood workforce.”

“LAMP reflects a shared commitment to supporting early childhood leaders and continuing to build a sustainable, high-quality early childhood system.” 

LAMP will be delivered over 18 months across three cohorts, with participants taking part in a six-month program focused on five dimensions of leadership, which are aligned to the National Quality Standard and the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.

A central feature of LAMP is a practitioner-led cycle of inquiry, with participants able to research and reflect on real challenges, with direct links to Quality Improvement Plan priorities.

C&K’s Head of Operational Excellence, Dr Mia Christensen, said the program was informed through extensive engagement with early childhood leaders and designed to support lasting change.

“LAMP has been developed following extensive consultation with our early childhood leaders,” Dr Christensen said.

“This ensures it meets their needs in this evolving environment and supports them to build practical, evidence-informed leadership approaches that can be embedded into daily practice and sustained over time."