As a child care center director or leader, the start of a new year is the perfect time to reflect, recharge, and realign with your personal and professional goals. While managing a center often feels like balancing on a tightrope, committing to intentional habits can make 2025 your most successful and fulfilling year yet. Here are seven key areas to focus on—supported by recent research—to help you begin the year as your best self. And remember, small steps done with consistency are going to give you the best result. Take the one that resonates most with you and start there. As you celebrate each win, you build capacity for the next one!
Value Self-Care
Taking care of yourself is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for effective leadership. Research from the World Health Organization (2022) highlights the direct correlation between workplace stress and decreased productivity, emphasizing the importance of preventive self-care strategies. By prioritizing rest, exercise, and moments of joy, you’ll be better equipped to handle challenges with clarity and resilience.
Action Step: Schedule at least one self-care activity per week in your calendar—and treat it as non-negotiable as a staff meeting. Watch for our emails this month for encouragement and suggestions!
Set Realistic Goals
Setting and achieving realistic goals provides a sense of accomplishment and keeps you focused. The SMART goals framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) remains a proven strategy for effective goal-setting, as noted in a 2023 review published in Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes.
Action Step: Identify one professional and one personal goal for the quarter and break them into actionable steps. Take a look at a SMART goal-setting tool here.
Cultivate Meaningful Relationships
Strong relationships with your team, families, and community build trust and a positive environment. A 2021 study published in the Journal of Early Childhood Leadership found that centers with relationally focused leaders experienced higher staff retention and family satisfaction rates. Authentic connections can make your leadership more impactful.
Action Step: Dedicate time weekly to one-on-one check-ins with staff, focusing on listening and offering support. February will bring a special course on women working together…registration begins January 27.
Show Respect in Every Interaction
Respect is the foundation of a thriving workplace culture. When directors model respectful communication, it encourages a reciprocal atmosphere, fostering teamwork and collaboration. Harvard Business Review (2020) notes that respect in leadership improves morale, motivation, and overall performance.
Action Step: Start meetings by recognizing team members’ efforts and contributions, setting a tone of appreciation. Check out our Resources tab at www.earlyessentials.org for professional development information like a special set of teambuilding activities.
Communicate with Clarity
Clear communication minimizes misunderstandings and boosts efficiency. According to a 2023 article in the International Journal of Communication, leaders who prioritize clarity are more likely to achieve organizational goals and reduce workplace tension. Transparency and active listening are essential.
Action Step: Use concise agendas for meetings and follow up with written summaries to ensure alignment. Although these things do take time, we have some suggestions coming soon in a special live event called “The Time Toolbox: Practical Solutions for Juggling Tasks and Timelines”…watch your email for more details!
Embrace Continuous Learning
The best leaders never stop growing. Whether it’s attending a workshop, reading the latest research, or networking with peers, staying informed keeps you inspired and prepared for new challenges. A 2020 study in Leadership Quarterly found that leaders who engage in continuous learning are better at adapting to change.
Action Step: Commit to one administrative professional development opportunity each quarter. There are a variety of these listed monthly in our newsletter.
Practice Gratitude
Gratitude has been linked to better mental health and stronger leadership skills. A 2022 study in the Journal of Positive Psychology showed that leaders who regularly practice gratitude experience less burnout and greater job satisfaction. Gratitude can shift your perspective, even during challenging times.
Action Step: Begin each day by writing down three things you’re grateful for and share one with your team. Even better, lead your team in this important practice as well by providing time in meetings for them to share gratitude between themselves. Click here for a gratitude activity (“Affirmations for Teachers”) to use with your staff.
Moving Forward
Starting the new year as your best self doesn’t require a complete overhaul—small, intentional changes can create significant ripple effects. By valuing self-care, nurturing relationships, respecting others, and communicating clearly, you can lead with purpose and positivity. Early Essentials is committed to your support and encouragement. Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date on the latest things we offer for you. Let 2025 be your opportunity to grow, inspire, and achieve new heights as a leader and truly experience being your best YOU.
