The Director's Planner: Week of October 14, 2024
Halloween communication, vertical spaces, and inspiring commitment in your team.
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1 Weekly Challenge
This week’s challenge is to kick off a Team Skill Share!
Invite your team to share something they’re passionate about, whether it’s a skill they use in the classroom or a personal hobby. You can do this through a group chat message, team email, or posting in your staff break room.
Whether it’s photography, soccer, sewing or a musical instrument, everyone has something that lights them up. By learning more about these passions and finding ways to integrate them into the workplace, you can boost job satisfaction and retention. You could even dedicate a few minutes during lunch breaks for quick skill demos or, if enough people share the same interests, start a club. It’s a fun and simple way to celebrate your team’s unique strengths and build stronger connections!
2 Thoughts to Consider
I. Where is the untapped potential in your team?
Leadership is not just about guiding others- it’s about seeing the possibilities in them that they can’t yet see. And helping them believe they are capable of more than they ever imagined. Good leaders manage. Great leaders inspire.
Is there someone on your team who has untapped potential they may not recognize? What’s one way this week you can highlight their strengths or give them an opportunity to discover it for themselves?
II. Commitment, not just compliance.
When leading a team, aim to inspire commitment, not just compliance. Compliance gets tasks done, but commitment drives passion, creativity, and ownership. When people feel genuinely connected to a vision and empowered to contribute, they go beyond simply following instructions—they take initiative, innovate, and find meaning in their work. Commitment transforms a team from one that does the bare minimum to one that pushes boundaries and achieves exceptional results. By fostering a culture of trust, purpose, and shared goals, you unlock the true potential of your team.
What is one way you can inspire your team to take ownership of their work rather than just following directions?
3 Action Items
I. Conduct your monthly facilities walkaround!
It’s time for your monthly facilities focus! This October, we’re focusing on Vertical Spaces. Take a moment to examine the walls throughout your center—there’s more to check than you might think! From staying compliant with state and licensing regulations to ensuring signage, notices, and displays are accurate and visually appealing, this walk-through is essential to keeping your center running smoothly.
Want to make it even easier? Insiders can access my exclusive Vertical Spaces Checklist below, featuring 25 must-check items for classrooms and common areas to help avoid non-compliance, fees, or citations.
II. Send an update on Halloween plans
With Halloween just around the corner, now is the ideal time to share your center’s plans with parents. Whether you allow costumes, host a trunk-or-treat, or choose not to celebrate, parents will appreciate knowing the details ahead of time—especially those who are new to your community. Even if it’s a tradition that’s been in place for years, a timely reminder helps everyone feel prepared and included.
If your staff plans to dress up, don’t forget to send them a reminder as well! Be sure to include any costume guidelines, specifying what’s allowed and what’s not, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable day for everyone.
Stay tuned for creative, low-effort Halloween ideas coming later this week—ones that avoid the hassle of managing costumes or dealing with piles of sugary treats!
III. Start Compiling Annual Training Records for Staff
Most states require early childhood educators to complete a set number of training hours each year to remain in compliance. While many Director’s put off the formal part of this task until later in the year because of staff turnover, staying ahead of it will prevent any last-minute surprises come December. Take a few moments now to review your staff's progress—whether that’s through an Excel sheet or another system—and get a clear picture of how many training hours, credits, or classes each team member has completed, and how many are still outstanding. By getting ahead of this now, you’ll have ample time to schedule those final CPR classes or register staff for online trainings, ensuring everyone stays on track.