💡 This Week’s Thought

What Problems Are You Preventing Others From Solving?

There’s a fine line between supporting your team and consistently handling problems that shouldn’t be yours to solve, whether you are carrying others’ emotions, tasks, or responsibilities. Over time, compensating for your team can slowly become the norm, and then the expectation. People begin to realize that while they could do the work, there’s less urgency if you’ll step in and do it for them.

Most of the time, this isn’t intentional on anyone’s part. It just happens, little by little. So this week, I would like you to take a moment to notice where you’re stepping in out of habit instead of necessity. What should others be doing that you have started doing for them? Where can your team, or co-workers, attempt to solve their own problems first? There are lessons for everyone in uncomfortable moments, and when we rush to fix things for our team, we often take those lessons away.

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✨ Something to Use

For those who may have missed it, the January 2026 Monthly Resource Toolkit dropped last week! This is a resource I created specifically to help childcare leaders reduce their mental load each month. Inside, you’ll find pre-written content to jump-start your staff and family newsletters, a staff learning spotlight, and several ideas for connecting with families in the month ahead, complete with timelines and printables to make implementation as easy as possible.

And yes, it’s all free. Be sure to check it out below!

January 2026 Toolkit

📅 What’s Coming Up

Each week I break down your to-do list into bite-sized tasks so you can stay on top of running your program without feeling overwhelmed.

I. Send your monthly newsletter

With the first full week in January upon us, it is time to send your monthly newsletter to families! And if you haven’t yet started a monthly newsletter to your staff, this is the perfect time to give it a shot. This can be fun and lighthearted or include important reminders, depending on what you most need to communicate to your team each month.

II. Refresh your space after the holidays

Now that the holidays are wrapped up, ensure any holiday themed decorations or child artwork you may have put out are taken down and sent home, or packed away for next December. This includes holiday themed art, decorations, or themed signs/planters. If you want to replace this with something new, lean into the blues/whites, or channel some new year “clean slate” energy with neutrals and a “less is more” mindset.

III. Start thinking about your 2026 annual training plan

Yes… I know you probably just finished up 2025 annual training documentation and tracking. But as you look ahead to your 2026 professional development days, now is a great time to sketch out what mandatory trainings you want to cover at each one. Once those are mapped out, you’ll have a clearer sense of how much time is left for optional or enrichment training. Then you can start reaching out to trainers early, especially if your first PD day is coming up soon!

And that’s it for this week! Easy as A, B, C, 1, 2, 3.

As always, I am so grateful to all of my readers who share my work with other Directors in the field. Together we will do wonderful things!

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🌟 Director Spotlight

Don’t forget to hit reply and tell me what you (or a fellow Director) are doing that you’re proud of, big or small. I want you to brag! Let me hear it!

💡 This Week’s Thought

The pace you set shapes the pace everyone feels

December tends to push all of us into GO MODE. More questions are coming your way, it feels like there are more decisions to make, and there is always the year end wrap up that needs to happen. And when you start moving faster, your whole building usually speeds up with you. However, that means the opposite is also true! When you slow yourself down (even a little) walking instead of rushing, speaking a little more calmly, not reacting the second something pops up, everyone else settles a bit too.

This week, try noticing the pace you’re bringing into the day. The work will still get done, but the tone of the whole building can shift in a really good way when you move just a little more steadily.

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✨ Something to Use

If you were here around Thanksgiving, you may remember the Holiday Attendance Trackers. Now is the perfect time to pull them back out and hang them on classroom doors! These simple sheets are an easy way for families to let you know when they are planning to attend on the days you’re open over the holidays. Directors who use them swear by how much smoother their staffing plans become. When you know exactly who will be out you can build a realistic schedule, and approve more PTO, which makes everyone happy.

If you need the templates again (or missed them the first time), I’ve linked them below along with a quick overview of how to use them.

Holiday Attendance Trackers

📅 What’s Coming Up

Each week I break down your to-do list into bite-sized tasks so you can stay on top of running your program without feeling overwhelmed.

I. Plan and order staff holiday gifts

Whether you have a large budget, or none at all, the holidays are the perfect time to show your team how much you appreciate them. A simple, handwritten card is a wonderful way to do this if your budget is tight this year. Another easy and inexpensive option (also one of my favorites) is making these stovetop potpourri mason jars for my team!

If you have ideas that your staff have loved, please share in the comments below as inspiration for your fellow Directors!

II. Begin building your holiday staffing schedule

Once you have started collecting family attendance plans for the holiday weeks, you can use that data to approve more PTO, adjust schedules, and begin piecing together your winter staffing plan. The earlier you start this dreaded task, the easier it is to communicate expectations and avoid last-minute surprises.

If you have days where coverage is tight or staff are less excited to work, consider adding small morale boosters. This can be a coffee bar, a pizza lunch, a scavenger hunt with prizes, or a simple thank-you gift. Your dependable team members often carry the extra load during holiday weeks, and a little appreciation goes a long way.

III. Set up your lost & found table

If you are following along with our December events, tomorrow is Lost & Found Day! It is the perfect excuse to send a reminder to families about lost and found items, create a central location to put everything that has been collected this fall, and get a few things cleared out before the new year. Remember to use the Lost & Found printable I included in December’s Resource Toolkit to make this even easier!

🌟 Director Spotlight

Don’t forget to hit reply and tell me what you (or a fellow Director) are doing that you’re proud of, big or small. I want you to brag! Let me hear it!

And that’s it for this week! Easy as A, B, C, 1, 2, 3.

As always, I am so grateful to all of my readers who share my work with other Directors in the field. Together we will do wonderful things!

And yes… you are getting two emails from me today. I try not to overwhelm your inbox, but Thanksgiving week did a number on my free time with all three kids home and demanding full attention. It was fun! Just not exactly productive… Which means here we are, catching up together 🤪 So let’s get to this week’s planner!

💡 This Week’s Thought

“You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him find it within himself.” —Galileo

There’s quite a bit of research showing that feedback alone rarely changes behavior. What does make a difference is helping people discover the next step for themselves. When someone feels ownership over an idea, they’re far more likely to act on it. In early childhood leadership, this plays out every single day. Teachers learn more from watching how you handle a hard conversation, redirect a child, or stay calm during chaos than from any amount of emailed reminders or written notes.

It’s a good reminder this month that how we show up often teaches more than anything we say. Leading with steadiness, curiosity, and consistency helps your team do the same. And as we move into the wildness of December, your tone, pacing, and presence might just be the thing that keeps the whole building grounded.

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✨ Something to Use

It’s a new month, which means it’s time for December’s Monthly Resource Toolkit! For our newest members, this monthly toolkit is created specifically for childcare directors as a way to support your work with staff and families. It’s not a set of activities for teachers to use in their classrooms. Instead, it’s meant to make connection, communication, and team building easier on top of everything else you’re already managing.

Inside, you’ll find a Staff Learning Spotlight you can use in your monthly meeting or hang in the lounge, pre-written newsletter content for both families and staff, and simple celebrations you can lean on to build community without adding hours of prep to your plate. Click below to download!

Monthly Resource Toolkit

📅 What’s Coming Up

Each week I break down your to-do list into bite-sized tasks so you can stay on top of running your program without feeling overwhelmed.

I. Send your monthly newsletter

It’s the start of December, which means it’s time to connect with families and staff about the month ahead. Share important dates (especially with closures coming up!), reminders, and a little warmth as we head into the busiest stretch of the year. If you use my monthly toolkit, feel free to copy and paste my newsletter example, making any edits needed for your center!

II. Ensure annual staff trainings are complete

This is the perfect week to double-check that all annual training requirements for your staff are finished or scheduled. I typically throw all of my staff names into a google sheet with the mandatory trainings listed in columns at the top. I enter the dates throughout the year as the trainings are completed, which makes it easy to see who is missing what! December gets chaotic fast, and nothing is worse than the end-of-year scramble to track down one missing certificate.

III. Double-check your winter supplies

Even if you’ve already seen snow this year, now is the time to make sure you’re fully restocked for round two, three, and four. Check that you have:

• Ice melt or salt

• Shovels

• Snow brushes (it is nice to keep a bin of these near the front for parents to borrow!)

• Entryway rugs or mats

• Extra gloves, socks, and hats for kids

• Working boot trays

• Wet clothing bags

And while you’re at it, give your entryway a quick seasonal spruce-up. Families notice when the front door feels warm and inviting, especially if you are located somewhere where pick-up and drop-off is now done in the dark!

🌟 Director Spotlight

Don’t forget to hit reply and tell me what you (or a fellow Director) are doing that you’re proud of, big or small. I want you to brag! Let me hear it!

And that’s it for this week! Easy as A, B, C, 1, 2, 3.

As always, I am so grateful to all of my readers who share my work with other Directors in the field. Together we will do wonderful things!

💡 This Week’s Thought

“You’re allowed to be both proud of how far you’ve come and tired of how long it’s taking.” —Unknown

We’ve hit that point in the year where you are likely feeling two things at once. Proud of how far you’ve gotten in your program, and completely exhausted by how long it’s taking to get everything running the way you want. This is your reminder that it is normal to feel both of these things, even if you are an experienced Director! November has a way of magnifying the good and challenging. So if you’re feeling stretched, don’t assume it means you’re doing something wrong. It usually means you’re in the middle of the messy work. Keep going, you’re building something amazing and the best things don’t happen overnight.

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✨ Something to Use

This week’s resource is a Circle of Control made specifically for early childhood leaders. If you haven’t used one before, it’s a simple way to separate what’s actually in your control from everything that isn’t. Which is something directors don’t get reminded of nearly enough… Our jobs are a constant mix of emotions, unexpected changes, and problems we didn’t create (but still have to deal with.) This visual helps you pause and sort through the chaos so you can put your time and energy toward what’s yours to manage (your communication, your boundaries, your follow-through) instead of carrying things that truly aren’t.

Download it below, print it, hang it somewhere visible, and use it as a quick reset. I’ll share a teacher version and a reflection worksheet later this week if you want to use it with your team! (And as always, feel free to comment if I missed a big one you think should be on here!)

Circle Of Control Ece Leadership

4.44MB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

📅 What’s Coming Up

Each week I break down your to-do list into bite-sized tasks so you can stay on top of running your program without feeling overwhelmed.

I. Hang Thanksgiving “Attendance Trackers” on your classroom doors

Holiday weeks are their own kind of FuN to plan and staff for. You may have more PTO requests then you can approve and are juggling the art of guessing “who is going to show up today?!” To get ahead of that, I recommend printing and hanging the Thanksgiving Attendance Trackers outside each classroom so families can mark which days their child will be in attendance next week. This gives you a clear picture of staffing needs, helps support PTO requests, and prevents you from over- or under-scheduling during a short week.

Thanksgiving Attendance Trackers

II. Create (or update!) your Favorite Things binder for staff

For my newer Directors, now is the perfect time to create a “Favorite Things” binder for your team! It’s a simple way to keep track of who’s in each classroom and the little things they love, like coffee orders, favorite snacks, gift ideas, etc. If you’ve been here a while, you may already have this started, but this is your reminder to give it a quick refresh and make sure any new staff are included.

This becomes the resource heading into the holiday season. Parents are constantly asking, “What should we get for our teachers?” and this takes the pressure off everyone in a really easy, fun, and helpful way. I’ve linked a more detailed guide and template if you want to start or update yours.

My Favorite Things Printable

🌟 Director Spotlight

Don’t forget to hit reply and tell me what you (or a fellow Director) are doing that you’re proud of, big or small. I want you to brag! Let me hear it!

And that’s it for this week! Easy as A, B, C, 1, 2, 3.

As always, I am so grateful to all of my readers who share my work with other Directors in the field. Together we will do wonderful things!

And don’t forget to subscribe to be sure this lands directly in your inbox each week.

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💡 This Week’s Thought

“What other people think and say about you is none of your business. The most destructive thing you would ever do is to believe someone else’s opinion of you.” -Roy T. Bennett

If there were a “Recovering People Pleasers Club,” most of us in early childhood would probably be on the board. It’s in our nature to care. We want to want to make everyone happy, smooth things over, and keep the peace. But that same instinct can make it really hard when someone snaps at us, questions a decision, or lets their own stress spill into our day.

So the next time that happens, remember that 99% of the time, it’s about what they’re carrying, not what you’ve done. Take a breath. Respond with calm, not guilt. And don’t let someone else’s bad moment turn into your bad day.

Absorb the feedback that helps you grow into a better version of yourself, and leave the rest where it belongs. You can care deeply and still have boundaries. Because that is the only way to last in this work without losing yourself in it.

✨ Something to Use

You guys… I stumbled across this fantastic resource created specifically for Early Childhood Leaders! Maybe you have heard about it and I am living under a rock, but if not, it is called the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership, and it is a site that includes research, professional development, and staff resources all geared toward ECE Leadership. I haven’t had a ton of time to dig in, but be sure to check it out if you are interested!

McCormick Center for EC Leadership

And don’t forget to drop a comment below if you find something on this site you think would be particularly helpful for others!

📅 What’s Coming Up

Each week I break down your to-do list into bite-sized tasks so you can stay on top of running your program without feeling overwhelmed.

I. Send Out Your Monthly Newsletter

It’s November, which means it’s time to connect with your families and staff for the month ahead! As a reminder, if you haven’t checked it out yet, be sure to download November’s free Monthly Resource Toolkit. It includes pre-written newsletter content for both staff and family communications. Take what you want, edit what you need, and keep those connections flowing.

II. Prep for Thankful Celebrations

For those who celebrate Thanksgiving or host a gratitude-themed event, now’s the time to start planning. I’ve seen centers do everything from family “feasts” where parents join for lunch, to food drives that support local shelters, to simple morning “Muffins and Gratitude” gatherings.

Whatever you choose, get the plan on paper now, then work backward to make sure your food, signage, and communication are all set to go when you need them.

III. Review Staff Time-Off Requests and Holiday Schedules

The holiday season sneaks up fast, and so do vacation requests. Take a few minutes this week to review who’s asked for time off, check ratios for the short weeks ahead, and confirm your center’s closure dates are clearly communicated to families and staff.

🌟 Director Spotlight

Don’t forget to hit reply and tell me what you (or a fellow Director) are doing that you’re proud of, big or small. I want you to brag! Let me hear it!

And that’s it for this week! Easy as A, B, C, 1, 2, 3.

As always, I am so grateful to all of my readers who share my work with other Directors in the field. Together we will do wonderful things!

💡 This Week’s Thought

“The suspense is terrible. I hope it’ll last.” — Willy Wonka

Not sure I have ever thought of my day from this perspective. Typically, I dread the suspense and instead call it my good friend, anxiety. Who is going to call out today? Which parent is waiting outside my office? And why TF is there glitter in my eyeball again?!

Regardless of how it makes us feel, suspense is part of the job. And it is never going away. So if you are in the right headspace today, take a moment to reframe your mindset from “how can I make the suspense stop?” to “How can I find the joy in knowing my role is so unique, I never quite know what’s coming next?”

Maybe even start your own suspense log to look back at the end of each month at all of unexpected moments you handled in a day! (Check out a version I made just for you below!)

✨ Something to Use

This is a fun one… Your very own Suspense Log! This one-page printable gives you a place to rate your daily “suspense level,” track unexpected WTF moments, and laugh at the unexpected chaos (instead of cry about it.) If the only predictable part about our job is the unpredictability, may as well have a little fun with it!

I am also working on an easy to use conference sheet for those who responded that it would be helpful. Keep your eyes peeled!

If you find any of my resources to be beneficial, the best way you can show your appreciation is by sharing The Director’s Collective with other leaders in the ECE field. Thank you so much!

Share

📅 What’s Coming Up

Each week I break down your to-do list into bite-sized tasks so you can stay on top of running your program without feeling overwhelmed.

I. Send a Reminder about Halloween Expectations

If you haven’t done so yet, this is the perfect time to send a little note to families outlining your expectations for Halloween. Some centers encourage costumes, others encourage families to send their children in black and orange. You may be the type that hosts a trunk-or-treat, or the type that doesn’t celebrate at all. However your center decides to approach the holiday is just fine! But it is important to ensure your families are on the same page and know what to expect or the day could go off the rails real quick…

II. Conduct your monthly fire/tornado drill

Let’s get ahead of it this month! For those in tornado states (ha, that is a funny way to describe them) this is the last month you need to run a tornado drill as well. As always, linking my drill tracker HERE if you prefer to use this over a state provided log 🙂

III. Get Your Pumpkins in Order!

If you are following along with any of my October family/staff connection ideas, this is the week to do the following, depending on which Halloween event you are hosting!

• For those creating a mini pumpkin patch at your center, be sure to buy your pumpkins this week! Sometimes local pumpkin patches or grocery stores will donate materials for your center.

• For those hosting a pumpkin carving contest, send an email to your community (staff, families, or both) this week! Remember that I have a pre-written email you can edit in my October Resource Toolkit!

🌟 Director Spotlight

Don’t forget to hit reply and tell me what you (or a fellow Director) are doing that you’re proud of, big or small. I want you to brag! Let me hear it!

And that’s it for this week! Easy as A, B, C, 1, 2, 3.

As always, I am so grateful to all of my readers who share my work with other Directors in the field. Together we will do wonderful things!

“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” —Annie Dillard

Fall always has a way of sneaking up on us. I have definitely been feeling more overwhelmed than normal over the past month. Between partnering with frustrated parents and working through challenging classroom behaviors, it has been exhausting. And it is so easy to get stuck in the cycle of just managing what’s in front of you instead of actually enjoying the parts of the job that make it worth doing.

So this morning on my drive into work (while listening to the new TSwift album for the one-millionth time) I challenged myself to re-discover what lights me up in this role, and to actually make time for it each day. I’m still deciding what that will be… but I’d love for you to join me.

So think for a minute… what first drew you to this role? And how can you bring a little bit of that back into your day? Sit and color with the preschoolers. Decorate your doorway for Halloween. Bring your camera and capture the classrooms in action. Host a “dance party” with the toddlers. Whatever it is, make space for the parts that remind you this work can be fun. Because yes, it’s a job, but it’s also a big part of your life and your story. And happier people lead happier people.

And if there’s something that’s been bringing you joy lately, I’d love for you to share it in the comments to inspire others!

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✨ Something to Use

The October Resource Toolkit dropped last week! 🎃 It’s a free, downloadable PDF packed with ideas, ready-to-use templates, and easy timelines to help you find the joy and time to connect with families and staff throughout the month.

If you haven’t grabbed it yet, you can download it here:👉 Get it here

If you find any of my resources to be beneficial, the best way you can show your appreciation is by sharing The Director’s Collective with other leaders in the ECE field. Thank you so much!

Share

📅 What’s Coming Up

Each week I break down your to-do list into bite-sized tasks so you can stay on top of running your program without feeling overwhelmed.

I. Spruce Up Your Entryway

We are now one week into October, and if you haven’t done so yet, it is the perfect time to give your entryway a touch of the fall season! Grab some pumpkins or jewel-toned mums to put out front, hang a garland of fall leaves near the door, or add some spooky spiderwebs for a touch of fun. These seasonal changes make your center feel like home!

II. Prep for Fall Parent/Teacher Conferences

Many early childhood programs are required to host two conferences each year to connect with families. If that’s the case for you, your fall conferences are likely approaching soon. Which means now is the perfect time to make sure everyone has the correct evaluation or progress report form, understands the timeline for completion, and knows when to turn them in for review! You may also want to set a few quick check-ins over the next couple of weeks to help teachers stay on track.

III. Send out Blank Recipe Cards to Families!

If you are following along with any of my October family/staff connection ideas, now is a great time to print and send home your blank recipe cards for families to fill out and return next week in celebration of World Food Day (October 16th.) You can find these in my October Resource Toolkit!

🌟 Director Spotlight

Don’t forget to hit reply and tell me what you (or a fellow Director) are doing that you’re proud of, big or small. I want you to brag! Let me hear it!

And that’s it for this week! Easy as A, B, C, 1, 2, 3.

As always, I am so grateful to all of my readers who share my work with other Directors in the field. Together we will do wonderful things!

“We can’t expect May behavior in September”

I’ve been leaning hard on this reminder over the whirlwind that is “back to school” season. By May, kids know the routines, expectations, and flow of the day. But September is different. Even in year-round programs, new faces and shifting rhythms mean things feel less settled. It’s easy to think, “But they should know this by now!”

However, they don’t. Not yet. This is the season to extend grace to the kids, the staff, the parents, and yourself, as everyone finds their footing. Progress will come! But until then, keep reframing with this gentle reminder.

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✨ Something to Use

Here are three of my favorite resources to help re-set routines for staff, kids, and families right now:

• Childcare Opener & Closer Checklists
  Quick, ready-to-use checklists for whoever opens and closes your center. One version is pre-filled for a “ready-to-print” checklist while the other is blank so you can customize it for your individual needs.
  👉 Get it here
  

• Behavior Report Pre-Evaluation
  This resource was created after a group of directors requested a better way to help teachers reflect before rushing to fill out a behavior report for every incident in the classroom. It gives teachers a chance to pause, reflect, and consider context so they can decide if it truly needs to come to your desk, or if it can be handled in the classroom first. And it is especially helpful in the month of September…
  👉 Get it here
  

• Parent Share: 5 Tips for Re-Establishing Routines
  A printable handout for families with simple tips to get back into the swing of things this fall. Send it home or include it in your newsletter!
  👉 Get it here

As a reminder, if you find any of my resources to be beneficial, the best way you can show your appreciation is by sharing The Director’s Collective with other leaders in the ECE field. Thank you so much!

Share

📅 What’s Coming Up

Each week I break down your to-do list into bite-sized tasks so you can stay on top of running your program without feeling overwhelmed.

I. Conduct your monthly fire/tornado drill

Reminder that your state may have an emergency drill tracker you can use to ensure you are conducting all drills each month. Alternatively, you can use my much cuter tracker HERE if preferred 🙂

II. Prep for Cold/Flu Season

Host an optional, on-site flu shot clinic for families and staff and ensure you are fully stocked on tissues, hand soap, sanitizer, and cleaning supplies. You can also include a friendly reminder about your illness policies in your upcoming newsletter before the first wave of colds hit!

III. Touch Base with New Families

The first few weeks of September are a whirlwind. So as things calm down, it is the perfect time to reach out to new families (or families that transitioned rooms) to check-in and see how they are doing. You might wonder if this is worth your time. And it is.

Research in both education and healthcare shows that proactive communication builds trust and reduces complaints. Families are far less likely to escalate concerns when they already feel seen, heard, and connected. So a little time now goes a long way later!

Use the below script and send it to each family individually for a simple and easy way to check-in.

Hi [Parent Names],

Now that [Child’s Name] has been with us for a couple weeks, I just wanted to check in and let you know how much we’re enjoying having them in the classroom. I’ve especially noticed [insert personal, positive, or favorite thing about their child].

We’re so glad your family is part of our community. How are things feeling for you so far? Is there anything you’d like us to know or support at home or school?

🌟 Director Spotlight

Don’t forget to hit reply and tell me what you (or a fellow Director) are doing that you're proud of, big or small. I want you to brag! Let me hear it!

And that’s it for this week! Easy as A, B, C, 1, 2, 3.

As always, I am so grateful to all of my readers who share my work with other Directors in the field. Together we will do wonderful things!

“Done is better than perfect.” -Sheryl Sandberg

Yup… It’s crunch time and there is a lot of $h!t we need to get done! Be sure to check out the “What’s Coming Up” section below to stay on top of everything before the end of summer.

And this is my reminder that, while many of us tend to be closet perfectionists, things will never get done at all if we wait for them to be perfect. So pick three things to cross off your list today and just get ‘em done!

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✨ Something to Use

These email templates are here to give you a head start on your back-to-school communication with staff and families. This post just went live, but I included a link to access just in case you missed it!

• Back-to-School STAFF Email Template

• Back-to-School PARENT Email Template

🔧 Quick Note on Last Week’s Forms

If you tried to use last week’s links but ran into a Google Form access issue—you're not alone! I forgot that forms are more challenging to share. If you want to use them, just click “Request Access,” and I’ll approve it. Then click on the three dots in the upper right hand corner — > Make a Copy to edit and use for your center. If you skip that step, you’ll be editing the original.

This applies to the All About My Family and Emergency Contact Info forms. I do have backup copies, so don’t panic if something goes awry, but please try to make your own version once approved!

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📅 What’s Coming Up

We are in week five of our Back-to-School Prep series! Each week, I’ll break it down into bite-sized tasks so you can stay on top of fall without feeling overwhelmed.

This Week’s Focuses:

FOR STAFF

Send TWO Staff Emails:

• Back-to-School Email – This is your big-picture update (template above!) Share your schedule overview, updated school calendar, handbook, reminders about clocking in/arrival times, links to the “My Favorite Things” and “About Me” forms, emergency contact updates, and how to request time off or find a sub. It sets the tone and expectations going into the school year.

• Training/Workshop Email – If you have any training days coming up, this is your one-stop-shop email with all the details: start and end times, agenda, what meals are provided, what to wear, etc. If you’ve got a carpet, window, or classroom deep clean scheduled, include the dates and what staff need to prep (like moving shelves off carpets). This should cut down on questions next week and keep everyone aligned.

FOR PARENTS

• Send Back-to-School Email to New & Returning Families – Make this a go-to resource parents can reference all year (template above!) Include links to forms, the calendar, the handbook, and anything else they'll need on hand.

• Follow Up on Missing Paperwork – You should have already sent reminders to any parents that are missing paperwork. Now send a follow-up for anything still outstanding (doctor forms, immunizations, etc.). Include a clear deadline for return.

FOR TEACHERS

• Prep Classroom Binders – Print and update with:

  • Current rosters (even if they’ll change again)

  • Emergency plans

  • Updated emergency contact forms

  • Staff assignments

  • Sub plans (if needed)

• Print & Laminate New Cubby/Locker Name Tags – It’s a small thing that makes a big difference in helping new children feel welcome, and taking work off teachers’ plates!

FOR COMMUNITY BUILDING

• Update the Communication Hub – Most centers have a public space where flyers, calendars, and reminders are pinned up. This week, post the latest calendar, hours, and any other updates families should see at a glance.

• Send Off Children Leaving the Program – Give them a little goodbye gift or keepsake to wrap up their time at your center on a sweet note.

• Welcome New Students Starting Next Month – Have teachers handwrite postcards or little notes to incoming children and mail them to the child (not just the parent). A photo of the teaching team makes it even more special—even for infants, parents will appreciate the gesture.

• Prep “Back to School” Photo Boards – Set up your bulletin boards or entry displays for first-day photo ops!
  —> Looking for a simple way to do this? Keep your eyes peeled for my September Resource Toolkit, coming later this week!

🌟 Director Spotlight

Don’t forget to hit reply and tell me what you (or a fellow Director) are doing that you're proud of, big or small. I want you to brag! Let me hear it!

And that’s it for this week! Easy as A, B, C, 1, 2, 3.

As always, I am so grateful to all of my readers who share my work with other Directors in the field. Together we will do wonderful things!

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This Week’s Thought

“Either you run the day or the day runs you.” — Jim Rohn

If you’ve ever looked up and realized it’s already 4:00 PM and you still haven’t eaten lunch, you know exactly what this means. In early childhood leadership, it’s easy to spend the entire day reacting to a flurry of “emergencies” that pop up every 15 minutes. From adjusting schedules to cover last-minute callouts to running your third impromptu “therapy” session with a frustrated employee, it’s hard not to fall into the habit of just putting out fires.

But leadership is also about deciding where your energy should go, before someone else decides for you.

What’s one thing you can intentionally prioritize today? Even ten minutes of proactive focus can shift the tone of your entire day and remind you that you're in charge. And I don’t mean that in an “I AM THE BOSS” kind of way, but more in an “I kind of know what to expect for the next hour” kind of way.

The more you focus on intentionality with your daily plans, the more natural it becomes to lead from that place, rather than chase the day from behind.

Need a kickstart? Find a stack of post it notes right now, and write the top 3 things you need to get done today. Then make sure they are complete before you head home. Rinse and repeat.

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✨ Something to Use

Make a copy of my digital, fillable forms below. These are useful to get updated information from families before the new school year. Once you make a copy, remember to edit the questions or fields as needed for your center!

All About My Family
A sweet way to learn each child’s likes, routines, and how to partner with their grownups. Includes fun extras like parent birthdays—perfect for surprise cards or connection emails.

Emergency Contact Info
Make licensing easier with this digital form, pre-filled with the fields required for Minnesota programs (but easily editable for your state’s requirements). Using an online system means no more lost paper forms or waiting weeks for returns! Just send the link and go.

🔗 Want to organize responses in a spreadsheet?
Once you’ve made a copy of the form:

1. Click the Responses tab

2. Click the green Link to Sheets icon

3. Choose “Create a new spreadsheet”
   That’s it—now you can sort by classroom, birthday, contact type, and more.

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📅 What’s Coming Up

We are in week three of our Back-to-School Prep series! Each week, I’ll break it down into bite-sized tasks so you can stay on top of fall without feeling overwhelmed.

This Week’s Focuses:

• Email request to parents for paperwork update-
  Helpful digital forms already created for you to copy and edit above!

  • Updated emergency contact form

  • Health forms, if needed

  • “About Me” page for each child

  • Set and share a deadline (2 weeks should be enough!) and make it easy to complete, virtual forms are always better if possible.

• Create your fall in-service/training/workshop days agenda

• Review all current allergy info and medication expiration dates

  • Contact families whose meds/epipens expire within 3 months

• Draft your Back-to-School Letter to Families (We will send in 2 weeks!)
  Some things to include:

  • A reminder that extra clothing/nap blanket will be sent home over labor day weekend. Parents should refresh clothing sizes and types before sending back!

  • What to bring the first day- I always ask parents to bring an updated family photo (no glass in frame!) and a non-toxic plant to help their child connect with the classroom.

  • Tips for smoother transitions

  • Reminders: arrival/departure check-ins, calendar, door code policy, etc.

  • Include the updated parent handbook

  • Think about last year’s pain points—and get ahead of them

🌟 Director Spotlight

Don’t forget to hit reply and tell me what you (or a fellow Director) are doing that you're proud of, big or small. I want you to brag! Let me hear it!

There’s a whole lot going on in the world right now. Between the social media scroll that whiplashes from war zone footage to influencers pitching their favorite face cream, it’s no wonder our nervous systems feel fried. Then layer in the daily work of managing a center full of staff, children, and families (many of whom are also carrying the emotional weight of the world) and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

While I wish I had the power to fix everything (I don’t… yet.) It doesn’t mean I can’t positively make an impact in other spaces closer to home. And so can you. Instead of freezing, we can act, and help others do the same.

Because as the leader of a childcare center, you have a lot more influence than you probably realize.

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So this week, consider one simple way to help your center community make a difference. Maybe it’s starting a food drive for August. Maybe it’s collecting gently used books and donating it a family shelter or low income school. Or maybe it’s hosting a blood drive for staff and families.

You might not change the world overnight (yet), but you can change your corner of it.

✨ Something to Use

In case you missed it, last week I shared three of my favorite operational resources that help me stay organized and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes!

Okay… technically, my schedule template officially drops later this week, but I’m giving my amazing subscribers early access with a sneak peek at my secret draft link below :)

Just click on the link, click make a copy and edit away to fit the needs of your center!

1. Daily Employee Absence Tracker

2. Staff Log

3. Weekly Schedule Template

📅 What’s Coming Up

We are in week two of our Back-to-School Prep series! Each week, I’ll break it down into bite-sized tasks so you can stay on top of fall without feeling overwhelmed.

This Week’s Focuses:

✅ Communicate Open House dates

If you're planning an open house, use this week to get the word out to the families you want to attend. Promote it publicly through social media or local partnerships if you're targeting prospective families. If it's more of a “welcome back” event for current or new families, make sure it’s on your center calendar and send out a reminder email. The sooner you get on people’s busy schedules, the better!

✅Post and interview for open positions

Ideally, you’re already deep into interviews and filling open spots. If not—time to step on the gas! Here are a few of my favorite resources to help:

• 5 Common Mistakes in Childcare Job Postings

• My Top 10 Favorite Interview Questions

• 5 Interview Tips to Attract and Hire Great Childcare Staff

• Interview Review Scorecard

• Beyond the Interview Questions

✅Post for substitute teacher positions

If you haven’t done this already, now’s the time to start building your sub list. This will be a lifesaver when inevitable absences pop up and you’re juggling a million things. A few easy ways to find subs:

• Post in local social media groups to find parents who are available during the school day

• Reach out to local high schools or colleges for students looking to earn extra hours

• Use a sub agency (for local centers, Just in Time Teachers is a great one for early childhood centers)

✅Plan or confirm your fall in-service/training/workshop days

Learn from my mistake and reach out to confirm your training location, dates and times via email. Be sure to get it in writing, along with information for a “day-of” contact. I once had an entire center full of families locked out of a church for our holiday recital because I couldn’t reach anyone with a key... It all worked out, but that was a very stressful 15 minutes of my life.

Also, jot down basic expectations for the day. This doesn’t have to be formal, but think through questions that may be asked such as- What is expected of teachers? Can staff wear comfy clothes? Is food provided? What trainings will you be covering? What time is break?

We will send expectations out to the team as we get closer, but this is a good starting point.

🌟 Director Spotlight

As Directors, we’re often the ones noticing everyone else. Lifting up teachers, solving problems, and keeping things running behind the scenes. But while you are busy doing that, who’s noticing you?

There are thousands of you out there doing incredible things every day. Building strong teams, launching new ideas, and creating environments that truly support children and families. And all of that hard work deserves to be recognized.

So it’s time to BRAG! Hit reply and tell me what you are doing that you're proud of, big or small.

OR brag about one of your fellow directors!

Whether it’s a creative onboarding idea, a killer family event, or just something that’s making the boring stuff easier, I want to hear it. And don’t forget to include a photo of yourself, or your project, if you have one!

Let’s lift each other up and share the brilliance that’s already happening in our Collective. You might just be our next Director Spotlight!

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Sometimes the thing you’re avoiding isn’t even hard… it’s just annoying.

I am a master of procrastination. I see something I don’t want to do, and I avoid it. Then it grows into a monster in my brain. And before I know it, I have 2 hours to finish an entire project and I’m kicking myself for putting it off… again.

I can recognize the signs, so why does this keep happening? Well, our brains are wired to chase quick wins and ignore anything that feels far off or emotionally uncomfortable. And with Parkinson’s Law at play stating that “work expands to fill the time available,” we end up avoiding things until the last possible second, when the pressure finally forces us to move.

So what helps? Mini deadlines. As long as you actually stick to them. That doesn’t mean “I’ll try to get to it,” but “I’ll do it by Friday at 10 AM.” That’s why we’re breaking up the Back-to-School checklist (below!) into weekly chunks. Setting a real deadline helps your brain register it as worth doing.

Ready to slay one annoying little monster? Grab a post-it, give it a deadline, and get to work.

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✨ Something to Use

This week, I'm dropping all three of my go-to operational templates, tools I rely on daily to track the the most important topics related to my employees.

You should have just received the Daily Employee Absence Tracker, and the Performance Tracker + Weekly Schedule Template are heading your way over the next few days.

Yes… I recognize that this week your inbox is going to be a little busier than usual… but it’s all practical, time-saving stuff. (And better a full inbox than a full clipboard, right?) 😉

📅 What’s Coming Up

We’re kicking off our Back-to-School Prep series! Each week, I’ll break it down into bite-sized tasks so you can stay on top of fall without feeling overwhelmed.

This Week’s Focuses:

✅ Update Your Key Trackers
I’m sharing my top three operational templates—starting with my Employee Absence Tracker, plus my Employee Performance Tracker and Weekly Classroom Schedule later this week. All you have to do is make a copy and then customize it to fit your needs. So be sure to keep an eye on your inbox!

✅ Start Planning Your Fall Open House
If you have an open house next month, now is that time to pick your dates and start sketching out the details.

💡Need ideas? Section 4 of the Enrollment Playbook is all about mastering tours and first impressions.

🌟 Director Spotlight

Welcome to my first ever Director Spotlight! Two weeks ago, I shared a reminder about the power of leaning into your team’s strengths. This week, I want to spotlight someone who’s not just thinking about it, she’s doing it. Meet Margaret, a Director from Minnesota and a rockstar member of our Collective!

At Margaret’s center, every new hire receives a StrengthsFinder book during orientation and time to take the online assessment. Their top five strengths are handwritten and posted outside the teacher workroom, and the full team’s strengths live in a shared document so they’re easy to reference throughout the year.

This matters because it can be so easy to collect the information, then forget about it. But Margaret actively weaves her team’s strengths into every aspect of her leadership.

✔️ During annual reflections, teachers revisit their strengths to identify how they’ve shown up in their work and where they want to grow next.
✔️ When team dynamics get challenging, she consults the strengths profiles to guide solution-focused conversations.
✔️ She invites a certified StrengthsFinder coach to lead staff sessions on individual and team growth throughout the year.
✔️ And one year she even made personalized soup bowls with each staff member’s strengths printed on them! (Now I’m craving soup….)

Margaret is proof that honoring your team’s individuality is an amazing leadership strategy. Amazing job Margaret, and thank you for sharing! I will absolutely be using these ideas this fall.

Now it’s time for YOU to brag!

I know that as Directors, we’re often the ones noticing everyone else. Lifting up teachers, solving problems, and keeping things running behind the scenes. But while you are busy doing that, who’s noticing you?

There are thousands of you out there doing incredible things every day. Building strong teams, launching new ideas, and creating environments that truly support children and families. And all of that hard work deserves to be recognized.

So it’s time to BRAG!

Hit reply and tell me what you are doing that you're proud of, big or small. Whether it’s a creative onboarding idea, a killer family event, or just something that’s making the boring stuff easier, I want to hear it. And don’t forget to include a photo of yourself, or your project, if you have one!

Let’s lift each other up and share the brilliance that’s already happening in our Collective. You might just be our next Director Spotlight!

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I will be shifting my weekly summer planner a bit to accomplish these goals and be a bit more flexible. But, as always, I encourage you to reach out directly with any thoughts, ideas, or other ways this space can be beneficial in supporting you.

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This Week’s Thought

You don’t build a strong team by fixing weaknesses. You build it by capitalizing on your team members’ strengths.

Whether it’s the quiet assistant who’s amazing at calming dysregulated kids or the float who can organize chaos like magic—your team’s superpowers are already there.

Take a moment this week to reflect on each team member’s strengths. Then, consider your center’s biggest challenges right now. Where’s the overlap? There may be something they’re uniquely equipped to take on and take off your plate (if you create the space for it.)

Something to Use

This spring, I poured a lot of energy into creating an 80-page Childcare Enrollment Playbook for my Insiders—but I’m thrilled to share that it’s now available to everyone!

As you start to look ahead to fall, enrollment should absolutely be front and center. Now’s the time to get those tours going and applications rolling so you can head into September with less stress and more confidence.

That’s exactly why I built this Playbook: to take the guesswork out of enrollment and give you real tools that work. Inside, you’ll find:

• Proven Strategies: Learn how to attract, nurture, and convert prospective families into loyal members of your community.

• Mastering Tours: Create unforgettable first impressions that leave families saying, “This is the place for us.”

• Retention Techniques: Turn current families into your best ambassadors with referral programs and creative retention strategies.

• Printable Tools and Worksheets: Practical, ready-to-use resources to help you take action immediately.

If you find this helpful, my only ask is that you share this resource with fellow Directors on social media or in Director groups so I can continue to reach others in the field. The more we grow, the more power we have to change the industry from the inside-out.

What’s Coming Up

I. Schedule your end-of-summer carpet cleaning

Many programs build in a day or two at the end of August for teachers to reset their classrooms before fall. Now’s the perfect time to get your carpet cleaning scheduled so you can lock in your preferred date, give teachers a heads up, and ensure there's time to shift shelves and materials onto hard flooring.

💡 Pro Tip: Can’t schedule it right before a prep day? Aim for a Thursday evening. That way, classrooms are only in “chaos mode” for one day—Friday—instead of teachers walking into a mess on Monday morning.

II. Begin planning fall professional development

Fall will be here before we know it, and with it comes staff meetings, in-service days, and required training hours. Now’s a great time to start mapping out your PD plan for the remainder of the year—whether it's bringing in a guest speaker, building in time for reflective practice, or aligning your sessions with licensing requirements and classroom needs.

💡 Pro Tip: Ask your team what topics they’re most interested in! Giving them a voice increases engagement and helps you plan meaningful sessions that actually stick. Need help with this? Keep your eyes peeled for a post later this week on the best way to determine what type of training your team really needs this year!

III. Grab fresh flowers for the entrance!

Freshen up your curb appeal with a few new flower baskets or planters—especially while summer blooms are likely on sale! A welcoming entrance makes a big first impression on touring families and gives your team and kids a little mood boost each morning.

💡 Pro Tip: Choose low-maintenance flowers like petunias or marigolds that can handle the heat and still look great through the end of August.

And that’s it for this week! Easy as A, B, C, 1, 2, 3.

As always, I am so grateful to all of my readers who share my work with other Directors in the field. Together we will do wonderful things!

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If you’re new here, I’m Amanda. I started this little corner of the internet on scraps of paper back when I was leading a childcare center, dreaming of a space just for directors—where we could share things that actually made our jobs easier and feel a little less alone in this wild world of early childhood leadership.

Now I still have a full time gig leading ECE teachers and I work on the Collective during that magical window between bedtime stories and passing out with my laptop on my chest. This summer, as my school’s newish summer program kicked off, I had to shift gears for a few weeks. But now that the dust has (mostly) settled, I’m excited to reconnect and continue developing the resources and support to make your jobs easier.

That said, I know the summer can also be a time when things slow down just enough for you to breathe, reorganize, or finally clear that desktop folder labeled “Important” from February. I’ve been thinking a lot about how this space can show up for you during that window—and I’d love your help shaping it.

👇 So tell me:

Last, is there something you wish existed that I haven’t created yet? Or something else that would be helpful to focus on during the summer months?

If so, please drop your ideas and thoughts in the comments below!

Your feedback inspires everything I create here. Huge thanks to those who’ve reached out, shared my work, or taken a moment to tell me what’s been most helpful. I appreciate it more than you know!

💡 Pro Tip: In case you missed it last week, the June Resource Toolkit dropped! This toolkit is jam packed with pre-written newsletter content for you to use and edit, a staff learning spotlight, and a ton of great ideas (and supporting resources) to help you find memorable ways to connect with your staff and families each month.

1 Monthly Focus

Files, Files, Files

This month, we’re using the (hopefully) slower summer pace to get our files in order. Step one? Figure out what’s complete—and what’s missing.

This week (and likely next), create a simple checklist to track your staff and child files. You can use a spreadsheet or even jot it down by hand. On the left-hand side, list every staff member or enrolled child (in separate documents.) Across the top, write out all the required forms you need to have in their file—things like immunization records, emergency contact forms, background studies, or CPR certification.

Then, go file by file and check off what’s there, note what’s missing, and write down dates where needed (like when CPR was last completed). Once everything is mapped out, you’ll know exactly what to follow up on—and nothing will catch you by surprise at your next licensing visit.

2 Thoughts to Consider

I. “There’s nine times more to gain by elevating positive customers than by eliminating negative ones.” -The Power of Moments

It’s easy to spend your energy managing the loudest complaints or toughest parent conversations. But what if you poured that same energy into celebrating your raving fans? The families who love your program and believe in what you do. Highlighting the positives boost morale and multiplies your momentum.

*This week find a way to connect with your top five most supportive families. Whether it’s a quick email thanking them for the way they contribute to your center’s community, or a surprise cup of coffee handed to them at drop-off, small, unexpected gestures go a long way. These moments not only deepen loyalty—they remind your biggest champions that their presence is seen, valued, and appreciated.

II. “Recognition should be personal, not programmatic, and closer to weekly than monthly.” -The Power of Moments

Skip the generic praise and make it specific, heartfelt, and timely. A sticky note on a teacher’s clipboard or a quick hallway shoutout can do more for morale than a “employee of the month” ever could. It doesn’t have to be big—small, frequent moments of recognition create a ripple effect of positivity that builds a stronger team over time. How can you spread the appreciation today?

3 Action Items

I. Write your June Newsletter

💡 Pro Tip: Be sure to download my FREE June Resource Toolkit with pre-written content for your family (and staff) newsletters. Copy, paste, and edit to make it your own while saving time in planning an exciting and engaging month!

II. Review Temperature and Air Quality Guidelines with Staff

Chances are, you already have weather guidelines posted in your classrooms—but do all staff actually know how to use them? With heat and air quality alerts becoming more common, now’s the perfect time to revisit expectations and ensure everyone is on the same page.

💡 Pro Tip: Need an updated visual? Grab my Childcare Weather Tracker from the May Resource Toolkit (or download it directly below).

As a reminder, this chart is for reference only and doesn’t replace scientific guidelines, licensing regulations, or your professional judgment. Always defer to your state’s weather-related policies.

Childcare Weather Guidelines

3.02MB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

III. Order Father’s Day Supplies

Make sure your team is ready to celebrate Father’s Day with a fun and thoughtful craft. Check in with teachers this week to confirm their plans—and double-check that you have all the supplies they’ll need to bring those projects to life.

If you’re planning a celebration like Donuts with Dad (or something equally sweet), now’s the time to finalize the details and get materials prepped or food ordered. Need help? This is my last plug to check out the June Resource Toolkit, which has printable signs for Father’s Day and Donuts with Dad (or the more inclusive Donuts with my Grownup) along with a fun fill-in-the-blank worksheet for kids titled “All About My Dad” that is sure to get some laughs!

And that’s it for this week! Easy as A, B, C, 1, 2, 3.

As always, I am so grateful to all of my readers who share my work with other Directors in the field. Together we will do wonderful things!

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If you missed it, be sure to check out my newest post in The Notebook, No Tea, Just Team. It’s all about navigating gossip culture at your center and includes practical ways to shift your team’s dynamic toward trust and transparency. If you are feeling the tension, it’s definitely worth the read.

P.S. June’s free Resource Toolkit is dropping later this week! It’s packed with fresh ideas to help you connect with staff and families next month, so be sure these emails are hitting your inbox (not your spam folder.) You won’t want to miss it!

Now onto this week’s planner!

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1 Monthly Focus

Prepare for Summer!

Last week, we tackled summer staffing—reviewing time-off requests and making sure you're stocked with summer essentials like sunscreen and bubbles. This week, it's time to shift gears and lock in the fun!

Whether you're heading off-site or bringing the magic to your center, now’s the time to finalize your summer field trip calendar.

✅ Confirm dates for all summer field trips or in-house experiences
✅ Book transportation if needed (buses fill up fast!)
✅ Reach out to vendors for on-site field trips (petting zoos, STEM activities, puppet shows, etc.)
✅ Draft and send permission slips to families
✅ Assign staff leads and confirm ratios for each event

💡 Pro Tip: Keep one printed master calendar in your office and another in each classroom so everyone is on the same page.

2 Thoughts to Consider

I. “Boundaries are important here. We have to know where we end and others begin if we really want to show up with empathy.” -Dare to Lead

I want to include the full quote here because this was really powerful to read this weekend:

“If struggle is being down in a hole, empathy is not jumping into the hole with someone who is struggling and taking on their emotions, or owning their struggle as yours to fix. If their issues become yours, now you have two people stuck in a hole. Not helpful. Boundaries are important here. We have to know where we end and others begin if we really want to show up with empathy.”

This hit home for me, especially as a leader in a profession where our entire job often feels like a practice in empathy. It is easy to get pulled into a personal struggle our staff is dealing with or frustrations from a parent, but this is a reminder that jumping down into the hole with them is not the solution.

Today, I want you to think for a moment. In the last couple of weeks, when have you allowed someone else’s issue to become your issue as well? I can name five instances off the top of my head without even thinking. Now, take a post-it note and write the above quote on it. The next time an issue pops up, I want you to think about how you can show up with empathy, while not taking on others’ emotions or owning their struggle as yours to fix.

II. “We cannot practice empathy if we need to be knowers. Perspective taking requires becoming the learner, not the knower.”-Brene Brown

This pairs powerfully with the idea of boundaries. As leaders, we’re often looked to for answers—but sometimes the most empathetic thing we can do is listen without fixing. When a parent vents or a teacher struggles, pause your inner problem-solver. Ask questions. Get curious. Practicing empathy means trading certainty for openness, and showing up with compassion, not a solution.

3 Action Items

I. Hang up Memorial Day closure reminder signs

Hang signs in your entry way and on classroom doors to notify families of next week’s Memorial Day closures! It’s always helpful to communicate closures through multiple channels—such as email, signs, or your childcare management system.

💡 Pro Tip: Grab my free Memorial Day Closure printables HERE. Just print and hang!

II. Complete your May fire & tornado drills

May is flying by, so let’s get our drills done and out of the way now! Reminder that if you don’t have an easy tracker from your licensing department you can grab my Fire + Tornado Drill Tracker to keep your preparedness plans organized and up-to-date!

III. Review and refill first aid kits

Do a quick check on classroom and playground first aid kits. Replace expired items, stock up on bandages and ice packs, and confirm teachers know where extras are stored.

💡 Pro Tip: Stay ahead of licensing checks by grabbing my free First Aid Kit Checklist + Director Log. The checklist helps classroom staff make sure each kit is stocked with essentials, while the log lets you easily track when each room was last reviewed. Most state licensing departments provide specific first aid kit requirements—this tool gets you started with the basics, but includes room to add anything else you need.

And that’s it for this week! Easy as A, B, C, 1, 2, 3.

As always, I am so grateful to all of my readers who share my work with other Directors in the field. Together we will do wonderful things!

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And if you missed it, don’t forget to check out Part 2 of my mini-series on neurodivergence in ECE leadership- 8 Creative Hacks for Neurodivergent Leaders

Now, on to this week’s planner!

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1 Monthly Focus

Prepare for Summer!

Even if your program runs year-round, summer often brings changes. Staff take extra time off, some families opt to keep their kids home, and academic routines give way to summer fun. It’s a chance to breathe—as long as you planned ahead 😉

A few weeks back, we talked about reviewing your summer staffing needs and posting ads for any open roles.

This week, it’s time to zoom back in.

✔️ Are you fully staffed for the summer months?
✔️ Have you built in a little buffer with an extra float or sub to cover vacations and those inevitable “Friday flu” days?
✔️ Have you asked staff to submit their summer PTO requests so you can plan coverage with clarity?

Take time to double-check, adjust, and feel confident walking into the summer season with a schedule (and backup plan) that works for everyone.

2 Thoughts to Consider

I. “Be where your feet are.” -Scott O’Neil

It’s easy to get caught up in the tough moments—when someone quits without notice, a parent yells at you, or the classrooms all feel like they are descending into a realm of chaos. But in between those moments are the reasons you’re here: the child who brings you a dandelion, the teacher who steps up without being asked, the sunlight pouring through the window during morning drop-off. Don’t let the hard parts blur the good ones. You get to be part of something beautiful—right now, if you choose to be where your feet are.

II. “You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress at the same time.” —Sophia Bush

You don’t have to have it all figured out to be doing something meaningful. You can be leading with confidence and learning as you go. You can feel proud of your center and still want to improve it. Growth doesn’t cancel out the good that’s already there—it builds on it.

3 Action Items

I. Spruce up your outdoor entry way

Minnesota might’ve skipped right over Spring this year (classic), but with the frost risk behind us up north, it’s finally safe to embrace the season. Now’s the perfect time to refresh your front entrance with cheerful flowers, fresh mulch, or a new welcome mat.

Take a moment to view your entrance, sidewalk and the front of your building with fresh eyes. Is there anything that needs to be tossed, moved, or cleaned up? Could a few updates help your space feel more intentional and welcoming? Sometimes, just sweeping up the sidewalk and adding a pop of color is all it takes to freshen things up!

II. Order summer outdoor items

Now’s the time to stock up on summer essentials so you’re not scrambling once the heat hits full force. Take inventory of your outdoor supplies and place an order for anything that needs to be replaced or added.

Think:

• Center provided sunscreen

• Sidewalk chalk

• Bubbles

• Sprinklers and hose attachments

• Water table toys

• Refillable spray bottles

• Shade structures

Toss anything broken or moldy, and make sure each classroom has what they need to make outdoor time easy and fun.

III. Prep for preschool graduation

Not every center hosts a formal graduation, but if you have children moving on before fall, late May or early June is the perfect time to celebrate their milestone—even if they’re sticking around for the summer.

Keep it simple and sweet:

• Order a few child-sized graduation caps

• Set up a photo backdrop

• Print out a “Class of 2025” or “I’m off to Kindergarten!” sign

A quick photo and a moment of recognition goes a long way for families—and creates a lasting memory without a lot of prep.

💡 Pro Tip: Grab one of my preschool graduation printable signs, throw it in a frame, and have the kids smile for a snapshot. Its really that easy!

And that’s it for this week! Easy as A, B, C, 1, 2, 3.

You may not hear it often enough, but the work you do matters more than words can say. This letter is just a small way to honor the dedication, love, and care you pour into your staff, your families, and the children you serve every single day.

P.S. Directors- be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any of my upcoming posts and resources, all created exclusively for Childcare Directors. Part 2 of our series on tips and tricks for working with your neurodivergent brain as leader in early childhood education drops later this week— you won’t want to miss it!

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1 Monthly Focus

Plan Teacher Appreciation Week (TAW)

We’re officially ONE week away from Teacher Appreciation Week! Over the next few days, your focus should be on getting everything organized and ready so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.

Now’s the time to print signs, send out a parent reminder in your newsletter, and double-check that all donations and supplies have been delivered and sorted by day.

💡 Pro Tip: Just joining us, working with a tight budget, or looking for one more easy way to celebrate? Don’t forget to check out the free May Resource Toolkit. It includes printable signs and themed postcards for parents to write special notes of appreciation to their child’s teachers!

2 Thoughts to Consider

I. “Communication is about what is received, not what is intended. If there is a gap between what you are saying and what they are hearing, you have to find a new way to say it.” -James Clear

I know I have said this before, but it is worth hearing again. (And again.) Perception is reality—especially in leadership. If your team or parents aren’t understanding what you’re communicating, it’s tempting to blame them for "not listening." But leadership demands more. It asks you to look inward first. What feels clear to you may not feel clear to the person hearing it. It’s not about whose fault it is—it’s about whose responsibility it is. What message isn’t landing at your center? Now change how you deliver it. Simplify it. And repeat it.

II. “One of the simplest gifts you can give yourself each morning: Pause. Close your eyes. Breathe—just for one minute. Everything else can wait.”

Close your door, set your phone timer, and do it. Then figure out how you can build this small practice into your routine throughout the day.

3 Action Items

I. Conduct your April fire AND tornado drill

Nothing like waiting until the last minute! 🌪️🔥April marks the start of tornado season here in the Midwest, so now’s the time to make sure you’ve completed both your fire drill and your tornado drill for the month. (Especially with some potentially strong storms rolling through several states today!)

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t have an easy tracker from your licensing department? Grab my Fire + Tornado Drill Tracker to keep your preparedness plans organized and up-to-date!

II. Send the monthly newsletter

May is packed with activities, appreciation weeks, and end-of-year events—so now’s the perfect time to get your newsletter out early and help families stay ahead. Highlight important dates like Teacher Appreciation Week, Mother’s Day celebrations, and Memorial Day closures, and keep communication clear before the busy season really kicks in.

💡 Pro Tip: I don’t know how else to tell you to CHECK OUT THE DAMN TOOLKIT! The May Resource Toolkit includes pre-written newsletter content you can easily customize for your center, plus ready-to-use reminders and ideas to keep families engaged (and save you hours of work!).

III. Order supplies for Mother’s Day gifts

Whether your center celebrates with homemade gifts from the children or a center-wide event like Muffins with Mom, now’s the time to order any supplies your classrooms will need to make the celebration special.

💡 Pro Tip: One last time for those in the back… the May Resource Toolkit ALSO includes printable Mother’s Day signs (with inclusive wording for all family types) and an “All About My Mom” printable that teachers can help kids fill out—it’s guaranteed to get some laughs and make wonderful keepsakes.

And that’s it for this week! Easy as A, B, C, 1, 2, 3.

I also added a few FREE training opportunities for local MN Directors at the bottom of this email. If you know of training opportunities that would benefit our ECE leadership community, please submit them here so I can share!

Share a Training Opportunity

Last, the May Resource Toolkit drops this week, so keep your eyes out. Now let’s get to it!

1 Monthly Focus

Plan Teacher Appreciation Week (TAW)

T-minus two weeks until Teacher Appreciation Week! If you haven’t started planning, be sure to go back and look at the planner for the past three weeks to get caught up.

Here’s what to focus on this week:

✅ Confirm Your Donations and Volunteers
Reach out to any businesses or families who committed to donations, snacks, or gifts to confirm arrival dates and details. Ideally, you will have all of your materials and donations onsite by the middle of next week. Confirming now helps you avoid surprises the day-of!

✅ Handwrite Teacher Notes
No matter your budget, one of the most meaningful things you can give your team is a personal note of appreciation. It doesn’t need to be fancy—just heartfelt. Take a few minutes to write down what you admire about each teacher: a moment they went above and beyond, something you’ve seen them grow in, or the way they make your center a better place. A sincere note lasts longer than any snack table ever will.

2 Thoughts to Consider

I. Being nice is easy. Being kind takes work.

Niceness avoids discomfort. Kindness sets boundaries.
It’s easy to confuse the two—especially in early childhood, where we’re often praised for being nurturing and agreeable. But kindness isn’t just about being pleasant—it’s about being honest, clear, and compassionate, even when it’s hard.

You can still be warm and supportive and hold someone accountable. You can give critical feedback and be respectful. Kindness doesn’t mean you’re never firm—it means you care enough to show up with integrity. The goal isn’t to be liked by everyone—it’s to be trusted by the people who count on you.

II. If you want a strong team, stop doing it all yourself.

It’s tempting to be the go-to person for everything. You may even think that quality makes you a better leader. But the more you hold onto, the less room your team has to grow—and the less ownership they’ll feel. Delegation isn’t a weakness—it’s one of the strongest moves a leader can make. Empowering your team to take real ownership builds confidence, accountability, and a culture where everyone feels invested. So what can you pass off this week to make space for what really needs your attention?

3 Action Items

I. Write your May Newsletter

A new month means a new chance to keep families in the loop! Use your May newsletter to share key dates like Teacher Appreciation Week, Mother’s Day celebrations, summer schedule updates, and any upcoming center closures (like Memorial Day.)

💡Pro Tip: The May Resource Toolkit drops later this week with pre-written newsletter content, flyers, and ready-to-go staff and family engagement resources! It will also include some printables for Teachers Appreciation and Mothers Day so be sure to check it out.

II. Start brainstorming Mother’s Day plans

Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, May 11. To avoid doubling up on celebrations during Teacher Appreciation Week, consider planning any in-person recognition for families on Monday, May 12.

That said, if your classrooms are making a sweet card or craft, teachers will still need to prep and finish them by the week of May 5-9 so they can be sent home for caregivers that weekend. So give your team a heads up now. Decide what you’ll do and who’s leading it, so it doesn’t add to the chaos later. Simple = just as meaningful.

III. Handwrite personalized teacher appreciation notes

Yes, this one’s in the weekly challenge too—but I included it here as well because it matters that much! And I know it takes time. So get to it!

Upcoming Training Opportunities

• Training: Understanding NEAR Science: Building Self-Healing Communities

  • Date/Time: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 - 6:30-8:30 pm
    Location: In-Person [Pine Technical Community College- Pine City, MN]
    Register: HERE (Develop Event ID: 442756)
    OR

  • Date/Time: Thursday, May 8 · 6:30 - 8:30pm
    Location: In-Person [10 Yorkton Court Saint Paul, MN 55117]
    Register: HERE

And that’s it for this week! Easy as A, B, C, 1, 2, 3.

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As always, I am SO thankful when my followers share these free resources with other Directors. The more we grow our community, the more we can uplift and support each other in this challenging (and rewarding) role. Thank you for being here!

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