Policy design - linking to key reading and Assessment 2

What is the primary role of a policy designer in an early childhood setting?

• To manage financial aspects of policies

• To enforce existing policies

• To creatively design and collaborate on policies

• To write and author policies

Answer explanation

In an ECE service setting, policy design requires more than one person's effort. Who do you think a policy design team should mainly consist of?

According to the text, what is a policy NOT?

• A formal written statement

• A value-free document

• A professional guideline

• A collection of local road maps

Answer explanation

A good policy reflects the core values a team or an organisation upholds. Linking to the Assessment 2 scenario: think about how you may articulate certain values relating to behaviour guidance in your policy statement and rationale.

What does the term 'macro policy' refer to in the text?

• A personal belief system

• A local road map

• An official document with guidelines

• A temporary guideline

Answer explanation

Linking to the Assessment 2 scenario: what do you think are some of the "macro policies" that will guide your design of the centre policy on positive behaviour guidance?

What is the significance of 'authentic relationships' in policy work?

• They are optional in policy design

• They are only important in business settings

• They ensure policies are value-free

• They contribute to relevant and effective policy development

Answer explanation

Linking to Assessment 2: Think about how you may involve various stakeholders in ways that foster authentic relationships, in the processes of policy strategic planning, development, and implementation. Who are the key stakeholders? What may you do to involve them ethically and effectively?

A good policy at a service level is well informed by existing external policies, regulations and legislations that are relevant to the topic/issue concerned. According to McCrea (2015), such a process of critiquing "beyond-the-fence" policies requires the team to consider

• social inclusion including children's rights and social justice beliefs

• the area manager's expectations

• guidelines and legal requirements about interactions with children

• the governance of an educational service

• the families' needs

Answer explanation

Week 6 essential reading:

McCrea, N. L. (2015). A professional role – a policy designer. In Leading and Managing Early Childhood Settings: Inspiring People, Places and Practices (pp. 102–119). chapter, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

According to McCrea (2015), what are the tasks and roles that an ECE service team will take on, if they are effectively engaging in a policy design process?

• leading, planning, organising, and monitoring

• a responsive admisnistrator

• an active manager

• a senstive leader

• all of the above

Answer explanation

Table content (zoom in to read) quoted from:
McCrea, N. L. (2015). A professional role – a policy designer. In Leading and Managing Early Childhood Settings: Inspiring People, Places and Practices (pp. 102–119). chapter, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Linking to Assessment 2: Think about where these roles and responsibilities are seen in the entire policy development process.