The Director's Planner: Week of November 18, 2024
On breaks, bathrooms and not taking yourself too seriously.
1 Weekly Challenge
Take a break EVERY DAY this week!
When things get busy, it’s easy to convince yourself there’s no time to step away—but that’s when it’s most important. Integrating breaks into your work schedule offers numerous benefits for productivity and well-being. Studies show that regular breaks can prevent fatigue, improve concentration, and enhance mood, which collectively lead to greater efficiency in completing tasks. Stepping away doesn’t mean you’re letting things slide; it means you’re showing up for your team, your center, and yourself with the energy and clarity they deserve.
2 Thoughts to Consider
I. “If you have more than three priorities, you have no priorities” -Brene Brown
What are your three priorities for today? Write them down and hold yourself accountable to complete them before the day is done. When those are completed, celebrate! Then move onto the next three.
II. "Insecure leaders ridicule others. Secure leaders laugh at themselves. Great leaders take their work seriously, but they don’t take themselves too seriously.’” - Adam Grant
Adam Grant is one of my favorite authors and a fantastic follow on Instagram. He often shares thought-provoking insights, and this quote really resonated with me this week. Your role as a Childcare Director is incredibly impactful, and I know the responsibilities you carry can sometimes feel weighty. This is your gentle reminder that, while your work truly matters, it’s also important not to take yourself too seriously. Don’t forget to laugh a lot and have FUN along the way!
3 Action Items
I. Hang Thanksgiving holiday closure reminder signs
Hang signs in your entry way and on classroom doors to notify families of next week’s Thanksgiving holiday closures! It’s always helpful to communicate closures through multiple channels—such as email, signs, or your childcare management system. Insiders can click on the link below for pre-designed signs. Just print and hang!
II. Complete your November facilities focus
This week, take a moment to focus on the bathrooms and changing rooms in your center. Are they clean, well-stocked, and child-friendly? If you already have a checklist, go through each item, ensure it is updated, and complete the overview.
For those who don’t have an itemized list, use this month’s Facilities Focus Checklist to guide your walkthrough and ensure these spaces meet safety, cleanliness, and compliance standards. By staying on top of your facilities each month, you are much more likely to catch small issues before they become big problems. And clean spaces make a big difference for your staff and families.
III. Swing by each classroom for quick check-ins!
Take a few minutes to drop into each classroom this week for a quick check-in. Focus on timing your visit to avoid interrupting group activities or transitions. As you pop in, make it a point to comment on something you see and appreciate about each member of the team. Whether it's their professional approach (ex., how they're engaging with children) or a personal quality (e.g., their cheerful energy), these small but meaningful moments will uplift your spirits as much as it uplifts your team’s morale.
