The Director's Planner: Week of November 3, 2025

Can you believe it is already November??

Thanks to everyone who voted in the newsletter timing poll! I’m putting up one final poll with the top two choices, Mondays (for the current week) or Fridays (for the upcoming week) so please vote if you have a strong preference for when the weekly planner lands in your inbox!

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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!

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!