The Director's Club

Ever felt the sting of hiring the wrong person? You're not alone. This episode dives into common red flags to watch for during childcare staff interviews. Learn about key interview questions and strategies to uncover true character and work ethic. Discover how to conduct effective working interviews and why trusting your gut can save you from potential headaches. Don't miss these essential tips to ensure your next hire is ...

 In this episode, we unpack the biggest mindset shift your team needs before the new school year begins: these are not the same kids who left in June. I share lessons learned from my early days at ScribbleTime and why September should be all about connection, not correction. Tune in for real strategies to help your teachers reset expectations, build strong relationships, and create a calm, confident classroom culture from ...

Have you ever had that sinking feeling when one of your favorite teachers sits down in your office and tells you they're thinking about leaving? In this episode, Noelle shares the wake-up call conversation that completely changed how she approached culture at ScribbleTime—and how you can avoid the same mistakes that almost cost her an amazing teacher. 

You'll discover why culture isn't something that just happens (i...

Are you tired of having a mental list of half-finished projects that's longer than your arm? In this episode, Noelle tackles every director's biggest frustration: starting initiatives with the best intentions but never actually completing them because daily operations keep pulling you back into the chaos. 

From that staff handbook you started six months ago to the new enrollment system you researched but never imple...

 In this episode, Noelle shares the powerful shift from compliance-driven observations to meaningful mentorship conversations that actually lead to teacher growth. Learn how a simple tweak in how you approach feedback can boost confidence, reduce burnout, and build a stronger teaching team — one conversation at a time.

Dig deeper into Reflections and get the entire system I use during coaching week!  We start on Wednesday,...

This Changed The Game At My Center

In this episode, learn how a simple 20-minute monthly reflective practice can transform your child care center from reactive to proactive, isolated to collaborative, and burnt-out to fulfilled. The host shares firsthand experiences from her center to illustrate the powerful and lasting impacts of implementing systematic reflection among staff. Key insights include improving classroom t...

In this episode, Noelle from the Directors Club shares insights on crafting compelling job ads to attract better applicants in early education. She emphasizes the importance of making your job listing stand out by leading with what potential teachers care about, highlighting the experience rather than just responsibilities, and making the application process personal and inviting. Noelle also shares a success story of a re...

In this episode, Noelle discusses actionable strategies to help make new habits stick without overhauling your entire life. She shares a personal story about a director who successfully incorporated a new habit by pairing it with an activity she enjoyed—getting coffee. Noelle outlines three main techniques: tying the habit to something you like, starting with small, manageable goals, and using visual cues. These methods he...

Noelle discusses effective strategies to prevent staff from abusing the time clock, a common issue that can lead to wasted money and time for directors. The episode provides practical solutions, such as setting clear time clock policies, using digital time tracking systems, enforcing break and overtime rules, and implementing a no-adjustment policy for time clock errors. The importance of accountability and communication w...

In this episode, Noelle discusses the positive side of receiving parent complaints and introduces the concept of a clear parent expectation policy to reduce these complaints. She shares insights from her own experience of implementing a one-page document that covers common areas of confusion. The policy includes key topics like communication expectations, arrival and pickup procedures, health policies, behavior and discipl...

We discuss the challenges of raising tuition fees for childcare centers and provides practical strategies to manage this necessary task. With insights from over 20 years of experience, the host outlines five essential steps to increase tuition without alienating families: setting the stage early, framing the increase as an investment, communicating clearly and confidently, sending regular reminders, and following up with g...

In this podcast episode, Noelle from the Director's Club discusses strategies for navigating licensing and regulations for childcare centers. Sharing her personal experiences, she emphasizes the importance of being prepared and implementing effective systems to avoid last-minute stress. She introduces the 'Childcare Success Map,' which categorizes tasks into money, administration, and people, and explains how to create a r...

In this episode, Noelle discusses key strategies for ensuring profitability in childcare centers. She emphasizes the importance of regularly reviewing financials, understanding true operational costs, and setting appropriate tuition rates based on these costs rather than just market comparisons. Sharing insights from her background in corporate finance, Noelle outlines steps for incorporating all expenses into a budget, ca...

Enrollment challenges are a top concern for many child care center directors—but the good news is, you don’t have to rely on traditional marketing alone. In this episode, we’re breaking down smart, actionable strategies to help you attract families who are the right fit for your program.

🎙️ What You’ll Learn:

• How to define and showcase what makes your center unique
• Ways to turn parents into enthusiastic advocates
• The ...

 Strong HR documentation is key to running an organized, compliant, and high-performing child care center. But keeping up with paperwork doesn’t have to be overwhelming!

In this episode, we’ll explore:
✅ Simple documentation systems to stay organized and compliant
✅ Year-round performance tracking to make employee reviews stress-free
✅ Standardized templates that make documenting issues, coaching, and growth easy

Struggling to get your teachers to follow through on responsibilities without constant reminders?

In this episode, we’re diving into the secret to building a culture of accountability in your child care center—without feeling like you have to micromanage every step.

✅ Learn why accountability isn’t about blame—it’s about ownership and follow-through.
✅ Discover key strategies to create structure while allowing teachers to...

In this episode, Noelle from the Director's Club discusses strategies to prevent teacher burnout and improve teacher retention at child care centers. She emphasizes the importance of meaningful recognition, professional development with a purpose, proactive stress management, and building a collaborative community. Noelle shares practical tips and examples from her own experience, aiming to foster a positive, supportive en...

 In this episode, we explore how to set the stage for a successful day as a child care center director using The Power Start. By taking just 20 minutes each morning to focus on key priorities, review staffing, handle urgent tasks, and establish your top goals, you can reduce overwhelm and take control of your day. Join us to learn how this powerful routine can transform chaos into clarity, helping you lead your center with...