Snack Time Strategy: Bite-Sized Tips for Building a Better Program

Welcome🖍️😊

This weekend during my Pilates class (yes, I’m leaning into self-care, finally!), I had a little epiphany. As the instructor guided us through each movement, I noticed how consistent her cues were; each direction, each transition, each reminder felt familiar and clear. And that consistency? It made the class flow beautifully. I felt confident and supported.

And that’s when it clicked: this is exactly what we’re striving to create in early childhood programs. As leaders, we are setting the tone—not just for our classrooms, but for our entire community of educators and families. When we communicate clearly, lead consistently, and hold a shared vision of excellence, our programs run smoother, our teams feel more empowered, and our families trust the journey.

Let’s Be Real...

• Tired of high teacher turnover?

• Dreaming💭 of smooth classroom flow and a calm daily rhythm?

• Ready to feel proud of a fully staffed, well-run program with a rock-solid culture?

We all know that early childhood leadership isn’t about chasing perfection. There will always be unexpected challenges: behaviors, absences, and parent concerns. But progress? That’s 100% possible, especially when we lead with intention.

I’m still learning and refining, but I want to share the strategies that have helped me move my team and my program forward.

Snack-Sized🍬 Steps for Program Transformation:

1️⃣Start with Defining What Excellence Looks Like:

Before anything else, you must get crystal🔮clear on your vision. If you can’t define what success looks like in your program, your team won’t be able to either.

• Ask yourself: What do I want classrooms to look, sound, and feel like every day?

• Define what “excellence” means in practice: interactions, supervision, routines, tone, teamwork.

• Write it down. Share it often. Refer back to it constantly. This is your North Star.

• Don’t be afraid to say, “This is what we’re striving for—and we’re going to grow into it together.”

2️⃣Get Staff Buy-In:

Change doesn’t work without your team on board. If they don’t believe in the “why,” they won’t commit to the “how.”

• Involve staff early⏲️. Present your vision as a shared journey, not a top-down directive.

• Ask for feedback: “What does excellence mean to you?” “What’s helping or holding us back?”

• Invite collaboration when shaping expectations and routines—people support what they help create.

• Recognize and celebrate their efforts: “I noticed how you modeled that transition—we’re moving closer to our vision.”

Hiring to Leading: A Whole-Team Strategy

Here’s a step-by-step guide to building and maintaining excellence together.

1. Hire with Vision and Purpose🪞

• Define what excellence looks like in your program. Be clear: What do you want classrooms to feel like, sound like, and look like?

• Include this vision in every job posting, interview question, and hiring conversation.

• Hire for values and alignment, not just qualifications.

• Make your non-negotiables (e.g., respectful tone, timeliness, supervision standards) crystal clear from the first interaction.

2. Train with Intention🧑🏼‍🏫

• Implement a standardized onboarding process to introduce new hires to the program's vision, non-negotiables, and daily routines.

• Include shadowing and modeling so new staff can see what excellence looks like in real-time.

• Train with the language and tone you expect in the classroom—consistency begins with the leader.

3. Coach for Growth🪴, Not Compliance

• Moving beyond correction—create a coaching culture that focuses on growth, reflection, and empowerment.

• Use clear coaching tools (e.g., checklists, observation forms, one-on-one coaching notes) that reinforce program expectations.

• Celebrate small wins and progress toward excellence.

• Revisit and reframe non-negotiables as support, not punishment.

4. Communicating with Families from Day One1️⃣

• Set the tone with a welcoming, consistent communication strategy: weekly updates, daily notes, family meet-and-greets.

• Train staff to communicate with families in line with program values.

• Show families what excellence means in your space—help them feel part of the journey.

5. Lead with Consistency➡️

• Be the model: your tone, presence, and follow-through set the cultural standard.

• Establish and stick to predictable routines for both staff and children; this promotes safety, trust, and flow.

• Reinforce non-negotiables regularly—during staff meetings, coaching sessions, and hallway conversations.

• Reflect with your team: “What’s working? What needs recalibrating?” Encourage shared ownership of program excellence.

Building a strong, intentional program takes time, and it doesn’t happen by accident. But when you lead with clarity, consistency, and compassion, progress is not only possible, it’s contagious.

Just like a Pilates class, it’s not about doing it perfectly. It’s about showing up, making small adjustments, and staying committed to growth. So, take a deep breath. You’ve got this, and your team does too!

Till Next time,

Jen Sprafka📋

P.S. Want some guiding questions to help define excellence with your team? I’ve got you!
P.P.S. Did you find this helpful? I’d love to hear your feedback.