The Director's Planner: Week of May 12th, 2025

Be where your feet are.

May 12, 2025

Uff dah. Teacher Appreciation Week is done! Give yourself a big pat on the back for all that hard work. Be sure to take a moment to jot down the things that your team loved, and the things that were WAY too time consuming to do again. If you can re-use materials, pack them up in a box and label it TODAY, before things get too chaotic and it ends up in the trash.

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!

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!