Back to School: Leading with Purpose in Early Childhood Education
As the new school year approaches, child care owners, directors, and Independent School District (ISD) leaders are stepping into a season of renewed opportunity. Back-to-school isn’t just about routines and rosters— it’s about laying the foundation for inclusive, high quality learning environments where every child can thrive.
Whether you lead a center, a district program or a home-based operation, this is your moment to set the tone for the school year ahead.
✅ Best practices for a strong start ✅
Align your vision with your team. Kick off the year with a pre-service retreat or staff meeting to revisit your mission, values, and goals. When staff feel connected to a shared purpose, they lead with intention. Example: Use tools like NAYEC’s Developmentally Appropriate Practice to guide team discussions and goal setting.
Prepare for an inclusive classroom. Ensure your space and practices reflect the diversity of your children and families. Idea: Review Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance: Child care centers must make reasonable accommodations such as ramps, grab bars, and accessible restrooms.
Strengthen family partnerships. Back-to-school orientations, meet-the-teacher nights, and welcome packets are great tools to build trust with families. Ensure communication is accessible and culturally responsive. Example: The Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE) model emphasizes shared responsibility and mutual respect.
Support staff well-being. Create systems that prioritize mental health and professional growth. Consider flexible scheduling, wellness check-ins, and access to resources that help your team feel valued and supported.
Collaborate across systems. ISD leaders and child care providers can work together to align curriculum, share data, and support transitions between early learning and Pre-K. Strong partnerships lead to stronger outcomes. Example: Joint professional development and shared family engagement events strengthen continuity.
🎤Your voice matters: Connect, collaborate, advocate 🎤
Leadership thrives in community. By joining local professional organizations, you gain access to valuable resources, fresh ideas, and a network of peers who share your commitment to early childhood education and care. These groups offer opportunities to collaborate, advocate, and stay informed on the latest developments in the field.
Your voice helps shape the future—don’t underestimate its power!
🌱Lead well by caring for yourself🌱
Remember that your leadership begins with you. When early childhood leaders prioritize their well-being—physically, mentally, and emotionally—they show up as their best selves. That energy ripples outward, strengthening teams, improving decision-making, and creating a more positive environment for children and families.
Simple practices like setting boundaries, scheduling time for reflection, and seeking peer support can make a big difference. Here some suggestions for you to try:
Self-care bingo: Design a bingo card with self-care actions like “took a walk,” “read a chapter of a book.” Offer small incentives for completed rows or full cards. Make self-care fun and visible across the team.
Reflective journaling: Write weekly on prompts like “How did I lead with care this week?” or “What energized me?”
Sleep rituals: Create a calming bedtime routine to improve sleep quality —essential for decision-making and patience.
Your health and clarity are foundational to the success of your program. Lead with intention, and don’t forget: taking care of yourself is taking care of your team
As you prepare for the year ahead, remember: leadership is not just about managing—it’s about inspiring. Let’s build classrooms and communities where every child has every chance.
