Leading with Heart: Why Empathy is the Key to Stronger Early Childhood Leadership

Let’s talk about something that doesn’t always get the spotlight in leadership discussions—empathy. Often overlooked and categorized as a “soft skill,” empathy is rarely listed as a top leadership quality, yet it plays a crucial role in success. If you are a center director, coach, or leader in early childhood education, your role goes beyond keeping schedules on track and ensuring compliance with licensing and various funding streams –it’s about people. Your teachers, children, and their families rely on you. Empathy is the glue that holds it all together.

Looking at key leadership frameworks and research, we see that empathy isn’t just a complementary trait; it’s a fundamental strength that can transform your leadership effectiveness. Effective early childhood leadership requires the integration of administrative leadership, pedagogical leadership, and leadership essentials. Examples of how empathy strengthens each of these domains are listed below:

Administrative Leadership:

Creating schedules that consider staff’s personal obligations
Developing policies that balance program needs with staff wellbeing
Managing resources in ways that show you understand classroom challenges

Pedagogical Leadership:

Supporting teachers’ professional growth with sensitivity to their learning styles
Providing feedback that acknowledges both strengths and areas for growth
Understanding and accounting for different teaching philosophies

Leadership Essentials:

Building trust through consistent empathetic responses
Making decisions that demonstrate care for all stakeholders
Fostering a culture where emotional intelligence is valued

WHAT MAKES EMPATHY A LEADERSHIP STRENGTH?

We hear a lot about qualities like confidence, organization, and decision-making in leadership. But what about the ability to truly understand and connect with those around you? That’s where empathy shines. According to Strength-Based Leadership, the best leaders don’t try to be good at everything—they lean into their natural strengths. If empathy is one of yours, you have an incredible tool to build relationships, boost morale, and create a culture where people thrive. Research shows empathetic leaders:

Recognize and meet their team’s needs. When teachers feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or unsupported, you notice—and you step in with understanding and solutions.
Create a culture of trust. When people feel heard, they feel valued, and that leads to a team that’s more engaged and invested.
Foster collaboration. Empathy helps you navigate conflicts and create an environment where teamwork flourishes.
Make better decisions. Considering different perspectives leads to solutions that truly work for your staff, children, and families.
Reduce burnout. When educators feel seen and supported, they’re more likely to stay in the field and continue making a difference.

FIVE WAYS TO CULTIVATE EMPATHY IN LEADERSHIP

If empathy isn’t one of your strongest traits but you’d like to strengthen this skill, here are some steps to help you develop it.

Listen—really listen. Put down the to-do list and be present in conversations.
Try perspective-taking. Before making a decision, ask yourself how it impacts your teachers and families.
Be open about your own challenges. Vulnerability builds trust and connection.
Support staff well-being. Encourage breaks, check in on emotional health, and offer resources.
Model empathy daily. Your team follows your lead—set the tone with compassion and understanding.

EXAMPLES OF APPLICATION IN EARLY CHILDHOOD SETTINGS

Empathetic qualities can be applied in early childhood programs in the following ways:

Daily Leadership Practices

Start meetings with genuine check-ins
Practice active listening without immediately problem-solving
Take regular walks through classrooms to sense the emotional climate
Keep a reflection journal about team dynamics

Program Development

Create mentorship programs that emphasize emotional intelligence
Develop professional learning communities that support emotional growth
Establish feedback systems that honor all perspectives

Staff Support

Implement regular one-on-one check-ins
Create safe spaces for sharing concerns
Develop emotional intelligence training opportunities
Recognize and celebrate emotional competence

Empathy is not just a leadership trait; it is a transformative strength that enriches early childhood centers. When leaders cultivate empathy, they create an environment where educators, children, and families thrive. By embedding empathy into leadership practices, early childhood directors and coaches can build resilient teams, foster emotional intelligence, and ultimately enhance the quality of early childhood education.

As you reflect on your own leadership journey, consider: How can you use empathy to strengthen your impact today?

REFERENCES

Rath, T., & Conchie, B. (2013). Strengths based leadership: Great leaders, teams, and why people follow. Gallup Press.

Masterson, M., Abel, M., Talan, T., Bella, (2019). Building on whole leadership: Energizing and strengthening your early childhood program. Gryphon House Publishing.

Sipe, J. W., Frick, D. M. (2009). Seven pillars of servant leadership: Practicing the wisdom of leading by serving. Paulist Press.

Paula Steffen, M.A., is the Manager of Quality Supports and Evaluation for the Center for Early Childhood Leadership in the McCormick Institute for Early Childhood at National Louis University. In this role, she serves as a National Anchor for the Program Administration Scale (PAS) and Business Administration Scale for Family Child Care (BAS). Previously she served as a State Assessor conducting assessments using the PAS, BAS, Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS), and Environment Rating Scale (ERS) tools for ExceleRate – Illinois’ Early Childhood Quality Rating and Improvement System. In addition, she was the Illinois State Assessor Anchor for the PAS, BAS, and Infant Toddler Rating Scale (ITERS). Prior to joining McCormick in 2007, Paula was the Professional Development Manager for Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, co-owned a child care center, and worked as a director and professional development advisor in both Head Start and community college-based programs. Paula holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in family and consumer sciences from Iowa State University and a Masters of Education in early childhood administration from National Louis University.

Paula Jorde Bloom Scholarship Recipient Monique Watts-Dennis Reflects on her Leadership Connections 2026 Experience

By Monique Watts-Dennis • June 10, 2026

Attending the McCormick Institute for Early Childhood's Leadership Connections conference as a recipient of the Paula Jorde Bloom Scholarship was both an honor and a transformative experience. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to participate in a conference that brought together passionate leaders from across the field of early childhood education, all dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children, families, and educators. Throughout the conference, I gained valuable insights from inspiring presenters and informative sessions that challenged me to reflect on my own leadership journey. The experience encouraged me to think beyond my daily responsibilities and consider how I can continue to grow as a leader while making a meaningful impact within my program, my community, and the early childhood profession as a whole. One moment, in particular, changed my outlook entirely. During the Leadership Colloquium, I had the opportunity to listen to Dr. Teri Talan share her professional journey from the beginning of her career to where she is today. She shared a story about Paula Jorde Bloom , the founder of the McCormick Institute, asking her where she saw herself in the future. Teri responded that she saw herself working alongside Paula. Paula’s response was something along the lines of, “I have funding for one year, but after that, you’ll need to find grants to support your position.” That story resonated deeply with me. It was a reminder that opportunities often begin with a vision, but they grow through determination, persistence, and a willingness to advocate for what you believe is needed. That evening, I returned to my hotel room feeling inspired and energized; maybe a little too inspired. I immediately sent my Executive Director a proposal for a Family Support Specialist position and shared why I believe this role would benefit our center, our families, and our children along with why I should lead the creation of this role within our center. In that moment, I realized that leadership is not just about having ideas, it’s about taking action. Teri’s story and McCormick Institute Executive Director Dr. Lisa Downey’s words on prioritizing the needs of your child care center encouraged me to stop waiting for the “right time” and instead advocate for the changes I believe can make a meaningful difference. While the sessions provided valuable knowledge and inspiration, some of the most meaningful learning happened outside the conference rooms. Conversations during lunch, networking opportunities, and informal discussions with fellow providers and leaders about the knowledge we gained within sessions allowed me to hear different perspectives, share experiences, celebrate successes, and learn from the challenges others have faced, many are the same I am facing now. These connections reminded me that leadership is not something we do alone. The relationships formed throughout the conference created a sense of community and support that I carry with me. This experience also strengthened my confidence that I am exactly where I am meant to be. Supporting children, families, and educators has always been a passion of mine, but this conference helped me recognize the deeper purpose behind that work. It reminded me that every relationship built, every family supported, and every child encouraged has the potential to create lasting positive change. The work we do in early childhood education is foundational, and I am proud to be part of a profession that helps children thrive during some of the most important years of their lives. The knowledge, conversations, and relationships gained through Leadership Connections have reinforced my commitment to helping children thrive and empowering families to succeed. I have been inspired by the dedication, resilience, and passion of fellow leaders and encouraged to continue growing both personally and professionally so that I can better serve those who depend on me. I leave this experience feeling energized, motivated, and grateful. More importantly, I leave with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of my role as a leader in early childhood education. The lessons learned, relationships formed, and inspiration gained through this experience will continue to influence my work and leadership for years to come. As I end, I reflect on this year's conference theme, "ONWARD," I am reminded that growth is not a destination but a journey. To me, ONWARD represents resilience, purpose, and the commitment to keep moving forward even when challenges arise. This experience has provided me with new tools, fresh perspectives, meaningful connections, and renewed confidence in my work. For that, I am deeply thankful to the McCormick Institute and honored to have been selected as a Paula Jorde Bloom Scholarship recipient. ONWARD! Learn more about the annual Leadership Connections national conference. The Paula Jorde Bloom Scholarship Fund supports emerging and aspiring early childhood leaders who are dedicated to providing the highest quality care and education for children and families. Scholarship recipients receive complimentary full-conference registration to Leadership Connections, meals provided to conference registrants, and up to three nights lodging at the conference hotel.