The 3 C’s of Clarity
Transforming Frustrations into Expectations At Your Childcare Center
As a childcare director, you’ve likely faced moments where you think, “Why is this still happening?” or “I’ve explained this a thousand times!” Frustrations like these are exhausting—and a sign that something needs to change. That’s where The 3 C’s of Clarity come in: Categorize, Clarify, Communicate. This simple framework helps you turn recurring problems into actionable expectations your team can easily follow.
Let’s dive into each step and see how it works.
Pre-Work: Make a List
Start by making a list of all your frustrations—big or small. Think about anything you find yourself frequently reminding your team about or getting annoyed by. If it’s a recurring issue, it belongs on the list! And while we’re focusing on work here, this exercise can work wonders for home life too (anyone else deal with children misplacing socks and shoes every. single. morning??)
Keep it professional, but don’t hold back!
Step 1: Categorize
Now, group similar frustrations from your clarity list.
Instead of trying to tackle every issue at once, start by identifying patterns. Are multiple problems related to communication? Are there operational bottlenecks? Grouping frustrations into categories helps you focus on the root causes and address them systematically.
Example:
You notice recurring issues with parent communication:
Teachers forgetting to send weekly updates.
Not enough photos of children being sent home
Inconsistent tone or content in the updates.
Delays in communication.
These all fall under a broader category: Parent Communication.
Some other categories you may want to use include Team Morale & Culture, Daily Operations, Health and Safety, Classroom Management, Enrollment & Tours, Technology Use, etc…
Pro Tip: Aim for 3-5 categories at a time to keep it manageable.
Step 2: Clarify
Next, define exactly what you expect and how it should be done.
Clarity starts with asking yourself:
What outcome do I want?
What specific steps will help us get there?
Why does this matter to the team and families?
Avoid vague instructions like, “Send better parent updates.” Instead, break it down into clear, actionable steps.
Example
What Outcome Do I Want? “Every Friday by noon, send a three-sentence update summarizing the week’s activities and milestones.”
What Steps Help Us Get There:
Highlight one key learning milestone.
Include one memorable moment from the week.
Share a quick preview of the upcoming week.
Why does this matter?
“Consistent updates build trust with families and improve communication, reducing questions and concerns.”
Step 3: Communicate
Finally, share the expectations clearly and consistently.
Communication isn’t just about telling your team what to do—it’s about ensuring they understand and feel equipped to succeed.
How to Communicate Effectively:
Use Visual Aids: Create a checklist, flowchart, or poster to reinforce expectations.
Discuss in a Meeting: Explain the “why” behind the expectation, walk through examples, and allow time for questions.
Follow Up: Send a recap email or create a reminder system to keep expectations top of mind.
Example:
In your next team meeting, introduce the new parent communication process. Use a visual checklist teachers can refer to and explain how it builds family trust. Then, invite teachers to share any challenges they foresee and brainstorm solutions together.
Pro Tip: Positive reinforcement goes a long way. Celebrate when your team meets expectations, and acknowledge their efforts to adapt and improve.
The Follow-Through is on YOU
The 3 C’s of Clarity help you set expectations that are clear, actionable, and easy for your team to follow. But here’s the catch:
Setting expectations is only half the battle. The real transformation happens when you enforce them consistently. Without follow-through, even the best expectations won’t stick.
It’s up to you to lead by example, provide feedback, and ensure everyone is on the same page. Remember, setting the standard is just the first step—enforcing it is what turns expectations into lasting change.
Ready to see how clarifying your expectations and communicating them effectively can transform the way your center runs? Me too! Share your biggest struggles in the comments, and let’s work together to find solutions.
