We’ve all heard a variation of the idiom “When the cat’s away the mice will play.” And we have experienced a time when you could feel the energy at work shift because the boss was out of town.
However, in the childcare industry, you can’t relax when the boss is away; our duty of care does not change. It is also a workplace that is full of variables. During a training session I once heard “We have protocols, not because teachers don’t know what to do, but because children are unpredictable.”
A large part of Celebree’s culture is our rituals and routines. These are what ensure consistent care no matter who sits in our front lobby, who helps in our classrooms, and who is taking a well-deserved vacation day!
Routines Build Trust
Routines are the cornerstone of our day. They set the tone from the moment you walk through our doors and are greeted by one of the admin team’s familiar faces. When children (and parents) know what to expect each day it helps create a sense of security. Children know that they’re going to see a familiar teacher and a familiar classroom, not be jostled from place to place based on staffing. They have their familiar cubby with their picture, welcoming them in and helping regulate their nervous system. Teachers utilize visual schedules and follow predictable patterns throughout the day, so children know what to expect next. This allows them to process their emotions around each event and build confidence that they know how the day will flow.
But it’s not only students and parents who benefit from routines. They are the framework that helps regulate our teachers as well. The admin team performs various routines throughout the day to make sure that our school runs smoothly. We have a daily memo that informs staff of break schedules, upcoming events, and any staffing changes for the day. We perform checks in the classrooms throughout the day, inspecting what we are expecting of our teachers. Our morning announcements herald the start of the day, and parents can expect the same familiar faces when the day ends. The admin team also has dedicated touch points throughout the day to make sure we’re addressing school issues in a timely manner and that everyone is in the loop.
Rituals Build Connection
If routines are the framework of Celebree, rituals are all the beautiful moments that fill it. Rituals are the moments of connection spread throughout our day to make sure care is taken in each of our classrooms. Before entering or leaving a space in our school, teachers perform Name to Face, a ritual that identifies each child by name, and makes each transition a moment of connection. As part of our morning meeting, each class establishes its own connection activity, taking turns dancing or singing a song with every student’s name, letting them know we are excited they are here. Teachers take time during meals to facilitate conversation, allowing children to connect and discuss the things that are most important in the world around them.
Our leadership team also has these rituals. We take time during our morning walkthroughs to connect with our teachers, checking in to see if they need support during an activity or with a classroom need. Our memo includes individualized shoutouts of excellence or silly memes to lighten the mood on busier days. We plan fun-day activities to help our teachers feel seen and valued, so that they enter our school excited for the day ahead.
When the Director’s Away…
Everything at Celebree stays the same.
Parents can take comfort in knowing that from the top down, Celebree is based around our rituals and routines. You will always be greeted with the same warm smile. You will always smell something delicious in our lobby. Teachers will be centered and informed on the day ahead, the welcome board will be updated, and lesson plans will be followed.
Because at Celebree our rituals and routines are what ensure excellent care every day and allow our staff to take some well-deserved R&R.
