Leadership in a Preschool Educational Institution: the Role of the School Principal in Creating a Positive Climate

The article presents the opinions of preschool educational institution principals on the role of leadership in fostering a positive school climate. During the qualitative research, which involved semi-structured interviews with eight principals, it was found that mutual cooperation with the community, active participation in joint activities, and shared responsibility and decision-making, promote teamwork and create emotional security and a positive school climate. The research also found that preschool educational institution principals must constantly develop and improve their leadership skills, creating mutual relationships, trust, open communication and common agreements in the institution. The research revealed that a clear institutional structure and a safe and inclusive environment directly impact the school community’s ability to foster a positive climate. Leadership qualities such as respect, openness and shared responsibility encourage the school community to engage in activities that foster a positive school climate. The principals recognise unanimously that leadership is not a spontaneous process; it is cultivated by the entire school community, through collaborative initiatives and teacher involvement in decision-making processes, as well as by fostering a positive climate in the preschool educational institution.