The Director's Planner: Week of August 18th, 2025
It's the perfect time to remember that "done is better than perfect."
This Week’s Thought
“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!
✨ 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!
🔧 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!
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!
📅 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!
