The Director's Planner: Week of June 2nd, 2025
Air Quality, Father's Day, and Files!
It’s June—which means I can officially wish you a “happy unofficial start of summer!” Yes, I know most of us provide care year-round, but there’s just something about summer that feels a little lighter and more carefree. At least until mid-August rolls around and half your preschoolers head off to kindergarten while you welcome a brand-new group of toddlers and manage school-wide classroom transitions in the same two-week stretch.
💡 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.
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!
