On behalf of Simon Fraser University and the SFU Childcare Society, we would like to congratulate Pat Frouws, SFU Childcare Society’s Executive Director, for being recognized as an Exceptional Master Leader by the international magazine, Childcare Exchange. We are extremely proud of this accomplishment.

The Exchange Leadership Initiative was launched in November 2014 with the intention to explore strategies for making leadership more visible in the field of Early Care and Education; to enhance understanding of the qualities, training, and skills sets that underlie leadership; and to address responsibilities for supporting and developing leaders.

Childcare Exchange announced its selection of Exceptional Master Leaders in the November/December 2015 issue of Childcare Exchange magazine. Applicants for the Master Leader designation were evaluated by a Review Team based on the following criteria:

LEADERSHIP      
Experienced professionals (over age 45) who have proven themselves as able leaders in their organization, and who are taking leadership in building the profession and advocating for children and families at the local, state, and/or national levels.

ROLES  
Master Leaders include organization managers, advocates, trainers, writers, researchers, counselors, public officials, and policy makers – an individual who has had an impactful career trajectory serving young children, families, and early childhood professionals.

KNOWLEDGE BASE         
Professionals who show a deep understanding of early childhood research, principles, and practices, including addressing diversity and equity.

SPIRIT  
Professionals demonstrating the ability to work collaboratively, to build networks around key issues, and to demonstrate perseverance in pursuing difficult objectives.

Childcare Exchange has stated that it intends to search and support leadership in ECE with these identified Master Leaders who will be invaluable resources for the development of ideas and initiatives into the future. More information on the Master Leader in ECE may be found here: http://www.childcareexchange.com/leadership/

Recognition of Pat as an Exceptional Master Leader speaks to her leadership, knowledge and experience but also serves to highlight the accomplishments of the educators and staff of the SFU Childcare Society for “Leading excellence in Early Care and Learning in a sustainable way.”