Back to Basics: Meeting Licensing Requirements with Confidence

Welcome leaders🖍️😁

As the energy of a new school year fills your Early Childhood Program, it’s the perfect time to hit “reset” and refocus on the essentials, starting with licensing. While the word compliance can trigger stress for even the most seasoned leaders, it doesn’t have to. In fact, creating a culture where licensing standards are second nature, not a scramble, can be one of your strongest leadership moves.

 This week, we’re going back to basics:

• The five key areas every program must monitor

• How to build ownership with your team

• Simple strategies to turn checks into habits

Let’s trade last-minute panic for proactive peace of mind.

Top 5 Licensing Areas to Create Procedures and a Plan for Consistent Review

 Employee and children Files & Documentation

• Are all background checks, CPR/First Aid certifications, and health records current?

• Is everything easy to locate during an inspection?

 Classroom Ratios & Supervision

• Are ratios being met throughout the day, especially during transitions and outdoor play?

• Are staff consistently scanning and counting children?

 Daily Health Checks & Incident Reports

• Are health checks happening at every drop-off?

• Are incident/accident forms accurate and signed by parents?

Emergency Preparedness

• Are evacuation maps visible in every room?

• Have required drills (fire, lockdown, earthquake) been completed and logged?

 Health & Safety Practices

• Are hazardous materials stored safely and labeled?

• Are toys cleaned regularly, and diapering areas compliant?

Turning Compliance into Routine: Building Procedures That Stick

Creating systems is how we move from “We know what to do” to “We’re doing it every day.” The key is to develop a clear, repeatable routine for each licensing area, and ensure it's built into your daily, weekly, or monthly workflow.

Here’s how to break it down:

Leadership Strategy: Model Professionalism & Integrity

Licensing compliance isn’t just about checking boxes; it’s a reflection of your professional values. When you, as a leader, treat standards seriously, calmly, and consistently, staff follow suit.

Here’s how to lead with integrity:

• Talk about the "why" behind every standard, link it to safety, quality, and trust.

• Be transparent about what’s expected and how to meet it.

• Lead by example: never ask staff to meet a standard you wouldn’t hold yourself to.

• Create accountability without fear. Mistakes are teaching moments, not punishments.

Remember: professionalism is not perfection, doing the right thing, the right way, even when no one is watching. That’s the heart of integrity.

Why This Matters for Learning

Licensing standards don’t just keep you compliant, they create the foundation for a healthy, focused, and safe learning environment. When teachers are well-prepared, ratios are met, and routines are solid, children thrive.

As leaders, our commitment to licensing standards reflects a deeper meaning than just compliance; it embodies our professionalism, integrity, and responsibility to children and families. By staying proactive, involving your team, and treating these standards as the foundation, not the burden, of your Early Childhood program, you're setting the tone for a strong, successful year. Let this be the year you lead with confidence, not crisis. And remember, when compliance becomes part of your culture, it becomes second nature. You've got this, and your team does too.

Till Next Time,

Jen Sprafka📋

P.S. Create a Challenge This Month: Choose one licensing area and do a classroom or file audit. Talk about what’s working and where there’s room to improve. Celebrating progress, small wins lead to big shifts🥳