This is a practical resource for early childhood professionals who want to understand the role of leadership in early childhood. With community insistence on quality early childhood care and education in a time of diminishing resources, professionalism has become a major issue. The author presents a framework for understanding the demands of leadership and for developing skills that are relevant to the early childhood context, including: communication and interpersonal skills; building and leading an early childhood team; decision-making; conflict management; implementing change; the role of research; working with parents; promoting early childhood professionals' unique contribution to the welfare of children and families in the community.