The role of the principal in a religious kindergarten

Upravljanje u kontekstu odgojno-obrazovnih institucija je složen proces. To uključuje osnovne funkcije upravljanja i rukovođenja koje se očite planiranjem, organiziranjem, vođenjem i vrednovanjem. Kvaliteta ustanove znatno ovisi o ravnatelju, njegovoj sposobnosti za organizaciju rada vrtića, stručnom i pedagoškom vođenju te njegovim osobnim karakteristikama. Ravnatelj je odgovoran za oblikovanje vrtićkog okruženja i razvoj međuljudskih odnosa. Da bi bio uspješan u rukovođenju ustanove, mora posjedovati kompetencije potrebne za ostvarenje svoje funkcije. Aspekti poput vođenja, atmosfere u vrtiću, organizacijske efikasnosti i zadovoljstva djelatnika predstavljaju ključne elemente u ustanovama za rani i predškolski odgoj i obrazovanje. Rad je usmjeren na potrebu cjelovitog odgoja i obrazovanja djeteta, što obuhvaća i vjerski odgoj djece rane i predškolske dobi. Crkva pruža skrb za sve svoje članove, pa tako i za najmlađe te daje konkretnu religiozno-pedagošku praksu.Management in the context of educational institutions is a complex process. This includes the fundamental functions of management and leadership, which are evident through planning, organizing, leading, and evaluating. The quality of the institution significantly depends on the principal, their ability to organize the work of the preschool, their expertise in educational leadership, and their personal characteristics. The principal is responsible for shaping the preschool environment and developing interpersonal relationships. To be successful in leading the institution, principal must have the competencies required to fulfill their role. Aspects such as leadership, the atmosphere in the preschool, organizational efficiency, and employee satisfaction are crucial elements in early childhood education institutions. The paper is focused on the need for comprehensive early childhood education, which includes religious education for children in their early years. The Church provides care for all its members, including the youngest, and offers concrete religious pedagogical practices