The Director's Planner: Week of September 22, 2025

"We can’t expect May behavior in September"

💡 This Week’s Thought

“We can’t expect May behavior in September”

I’ve been leaning hard on this reminder over the whirlwind that is “back to school” season. By May, kids know the routines, expectations, and flow of the day. But September is different. Even in year-round programs, new faces and shifting rhythms mean things feel less settled. It’s easy to think, “But they should know this by now!”

However, they don’t. Not yet. This is the season to extend grace to the kids, the staff, the parents, and yourself, as everyone finds their footing. Progress will come! But until then, keep reframing with this gentle reminder.

✨ Something to Use

Here are three of my favorite resources to help re-set routines for staff, kids, and families right now:

• Childcare Opener & Closer Checklists
  Quick, ready-to-use checklists for whoever opens and closes your center. One version is pre-filled for a “ready-to-print” checklist while the other is blank so you can customize it for your individual needs.
  👉 Get it here
  

• Behavior Report Pre-Evaluation
  This resource was created after a group of directors requested a better way to help teachers reflect before rushing to fill out a behavior report for every incident in the classroom. It gives teachers a chance to pause, reflect, and consider context so they can decide if it truly needs to come to your desk, or if it can be handled in the classroom first. And it is especially helpful in the month of September…
  👉 Get it here
  

• Parent Share: 5 Tips for Re-Establishing Routines
  A printable handout for families with simple tips to get back into the swing of things this fall. Send it home or include it in your newsletter!
  👉 Get it here

As a reminder, if you find any of my resources to be beneficial, the best way you can show your appreciation is by sharing The Director’s Collective with other leaders in the ECE field. Thank you so much!

📅 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. Conduct your monthly fire/tornado drill

Reminder that your state may have an emergency drill tracker you can use to ensure you are conducting all drills each month. Alternatively, you can use my much cuter tracker HERE if preferred 🙂

II. Prep for Cold/Flu Season

Host an optional, on-site flu shot clinic for families and staff and ensure you are fully stocked on tissues, hand soap, sanitizer, and cleaning supplies. You can also include a friendly reminder about your illness policies in your upcoming newsletter before the first wave of colds hit!

III. Touch Base with New Families

The first few weeks of September are a whirlwind. So as things calm down, it is the perfect time to reach out to new families (or families that transitioned rooms) to check-in and see how they are doing. You might wonder if this is worth your time. And it is.

Research in both education and healthcare shows that proactive communication builds trust and reduces complaints. Families are far less likely to escalate concerns when they already feel seen, heard, and connected. So a little time now goes a long way later!

Use the below script and send it to each family individually for a simple and easy way to check-in.

Hi [Parent Names],

Now that [Child’s Name] has been with us for a couple weeks, I just wanted to check in and let you know how much we’re enjoying having them in the classroom. I’ve especially noticed [insert personal, positive, or favorite thing about their child].

We’re so glad your family is part of our community. How are things feeling for you so far? Is there anything you’d like us to know or support at home or school?

🌟 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!