A Competency-Based Approach to Improving Managerial Activities of Preschool Education Organization Leaders

Effective leadership is essential for sustaining quality and organizational development in preschool education. Contemporary leaders are required to coordinate human resources, plan strategically, make informed decisions, communicate effectively, use digital tools, and support continuous quality improvement. However, leadership development is often organized through separate training activities without a systematic link between competency assessment, professional learning, managerial practice, and organizational outcomes. This study proposes a competency- based approach to improving managerial pra ctices of preschool education leaders through a conceptual synthesis of international research. Six interconnected domains are identified: strategic management, human resource management, decision -making, communication and leadership, digital and innovative management, and monitoring and evaluation. The principal scientific contribution is a closed- loop development model that connects competency assessment, development planning, professional development, practical application, monitoring and feedback, and c ontinuous improvement. The proposed framework shifts leadership development from a training- centred approach toward a continuous, needs -based and practice- oriented process. It provides a conceptual basis for strengthening managerial capacity and aligning professional development with organizational priorities in preschool education.