The Director's Planner: Week of October 21, 2024
Air filters, imposter syndrome and the importance of mentorship.
Happy Monday! As The Director’s Collective continues to grow, I want to make sure I’m creating resources that truly benefit you. To help me do that, I would be so appreciative if you could take 5 minutes to fill out this short survey. Your feedback on the type of center you lead, your biggest challenges, and the resources you need most will shape what I create next.
*Note: Any personal information you provide will never be shared with others. I'll use your suggestions and aggregate data to guide what I create next, ensuring it's tailored to your needs.
Thank you SO much for your time and feedback!
1 Weekly Challenge
Organize Your Digital Workspace
Dedicate one hour to cleaning up your desktop, organizing files, or decluttering your email inbox. Respond to any unanswered emails, file away emails that don’t need follow-up, and ensure your inbox represents your current “to do” list only.
Simple, productive, and satisfying.
2 Thoughts to Consider
I. Imposter syndrome is the fear of being found out. The truth is that none of us really know what we’re doing.
I have heard a lot of comments over the past week from childcare leaders expressing a desire to feel more confident in their roles or admitting they feel like they don’t know what they’re doing. I’m here to tell you that none of us really know what we are doing. Every single day is different from the last. Just when you think you have things figured out, something completely unexpected happens that puts you back to square one.
For those looking to feel more confident, remember that the first year (or 3) in an ECE leadership role is the hardest, and none of us moved into this role knowing exactly what we were doing. It just takes time to build your confidence. Embrace the unpredictability, celebrate the small wins, and know that we’re all learning together!
I. And… "If you cannot see where you are going, ask someone who has been there before." — J Loren Norris
Another way to start feeling more confident in your role is to find a mentor. Mentorship is crucial in the childcare field, yet it’s often overlooked or pushed to the backburner amid daily responsibilities.
This week I am here to remind you not to underestimate the value of seeking mentors outside your immediate organization or educational philosophy. Connecting with peers in other centers can provide fresh perspectives and innovative strategies that enhance your approach and expand your professional network.
Looking for an easy way to connect with others? Starting in NOVEMBER all of my paid subscribers will have access to a private slack group where they will have an individual support channel to connect with me and other members of my team, as well as a group support channel to ask questions or bounce ideas off of other directors across the country. Current Insiders will receive an automatic invite before next month!
3 Action Items
I. Check heating systems and/or change air filters
As the seasons change, it’s important to ensure your center is comfortable and safe for the children and staff. This week, take 10-15 minutes to check your HVAC systems and replace or clean air filters.
For colder climates, inspect your heating system to ensure it’s in good working order before temperatures drop further. Schedule any necessary maintenance now to avoid unexpected breakdowns during winter.
For all climates, even if you're not using heating, it’s a good time to change air filters to maintain clean air quality as systems shift with seasonal changes. This keeps air circulating properly and improves overall comfort.
*Tip: Schedule auto-delivery of your air filters so you are able to stay on track with changing them out on a regular basis and takes one more thing off your plate!
II. Schedule your next CPR/First Aid Staff Training
With just over two months left in the year, it’s a good time to schedule your final CPR and First Aid training. The holiday season tends to get busy, so it’s important to communicate a date soon to ensure your staff have enough advance notice to make holiday plans around it.
Take a moment this week to review your center’s training needs, reach out to certified trainers to secure a date, and communicate the scheduled training to your staff.
III. Conduct your monthly fire drill
Not many people have jobs where they mark the passage of time through monthly fire drills, but here we are! It’s that time again. This week, be sure to conduct and track your monthly fire, tornado, and/or active shooter drill to keep your center on track with safety protocols.
And for those who are new and need a better way to track their drills for compliance reasons, feel free to grab my drill tracking printable!