Eureka! Institutional Repository

The relationship between a pre-school educator and preschool children is considered to be particularly important for the development of the children, both at a cognitive, emotional and psychosocial level, influencing the development of socialization and adaptation skills. At the same time, a series of research studies refer to the importance of leadership skills of teachers, such as communication, creativity, integrity, initiative - responsibility, patience and ingenuity, as skills that essentially contribute to the fulfillment of administrative roles and roles of leadership within the educational system. The present study attempted to examine a possible link between these leadership skills and the pedagogical process itself and the relationship between teacher and child developed within this process, a relationship based on communication and social interaction, examining the interpersonal relationships that are created among preschool teachers and children, as well as the role of leadership skills of teachers in this relationship. 100 preschool teachers participated in the study, using a questionnaire specially designed for the purposes of the study, focusing on exploring the relationships between preschool teachers and children, the views of participants on the characteristics and goals that a preschool teacher must possess and the views of participants about the importance of leadership skills in relation to their educational work. The results of the survey showed that participants generally perceive their relationship with the children as being particularly positive, characterized by emotional bonding and affection. Leadership skills were rated by the participants as very or absolutely important, and these skills were associated with a number of positive educational and psychosocial outcomes, which indicate that they contribute to a more positive and closer relationship between preschool teachers and children