The Director's Planner: Week of September 2, 2024
1 weekly challenge, 2 tips & tricks, and 3 action items written exclusively for Childcare Directors.
1 Weekly Challenge
Make it a priority to connect with every new family who has a child starting this week! September and January typically bring the highest number of new enrollments in childcare, as these months are natural periods of transition. Start building strong relationships by setting aside a few minutes every day to call each new family and share something positive about their child's experience. For example, “I just visited Jameson’s room and saw him happily building a Lego ship with two new friends. He’s adjusting wonderfully!”
It’s also a great time to encourage your teachers to send a daily photo, even if that isn’t the normal expectation, as new children settle in.
Reaching out unexpectedly to share something positive and personal shows that you know who their child is, are invested in their success, and are committed to building strong, lasting relationships.
2 Tips & Tricks
I. Use color-coded folders to organize child files by classroom, making it easy to identify each group at a glance. Take it a step further by placing the name tab in different positions on each folder to indicate the status of each file. For example, you could position the marker on the left if the file is complete, in the middle if paperwork is missing, and on the right if the child has an allergy or special need. This simple system keeps printed files organized and helps you determine where your energy should be focused each week.
II. Struggling to get missing paperwork returned and ensure parents receive their child’s artwork, permission slips, and other relevant documents each week? Create a “Communication Station” outside each classroom. Use a small filing container, label a folder with each child’s name, and place any paperwork )that needs to go home or be returned) inside. Parents should be checking their child’s folder every evening at pickup! Whether you already have a communication station or are just starting one, this month is a great time to remind parents of the importance of checking it, and returning paperwork, every day.
3 Action Items
I. Send the monthly newsletter to all parents. Ensure new parents are on your distribution list and parents who are no longer at your center are removed. Remember that Insiders can utilize our September Newsletter Toolkit for inspiration and pre-written content to make the process go more smoothly!
II. Prepare handwritten birthday cards for all staff that have birthdays this month! Read more about how to stay on top of staff birthdays, and other ideas to celebrate in the Notebook, HERE.
III. Conduct your monthly Facilities Walk Around- September’s focus is EXTERIOR SPACES. Take a close look at the parking lot, playground, and building, seeing them through the eyes of a new parent. Is the vegetable garden overgrown? Is the state flag faded? Are the parking lot lines clearly visible? We often become so accustomed to our surroundings that we miss details that others might notice.
Insiders can access a detailed Facilities Checklist- Exterior Spaces on our Resources page!
And that’s it for this week. It’s as easy as A, B, C, 1, 2, 3!