As we shift from summer to fall, many of us in childcare leadership find ourselves juggling a variety of changes—from the weather to the curriculum, to staff energy levels (yes, I’m talking about that post-summer slump!). The seasonal transition offers both opportunities and challenges, so it’s essential to have a game plan that keeps our centers running smoothly while maintaining the well-being of children, staff, and families. Let’s dive into some key strategies for making the most of this time of year.
Setting the Stage: Your Center as an Invitation
That visual first impression of your center is an important one—whether for families you know well or new ones who may be touring. Use this season to create an inviting and refreshed look to your parking area, your front door and your reception or entry space. Do a clean sweep and clear out anything that is dated or looks a little raggedy. Reprint signs and information for the parent board or any area that has printed materials. Refresh the resources or community brochures and add new details about upcoming events—remember that your center is a community space for many of your families! Add in some seasonal décor—the more natural, the better. Real items—pumpkins and gourds, colorful leaves in a basket, a fresh bowl of apples—are invitations for children as well as a pleasing backdrop for those drop-offs and pick-ups. Most importantly, add something in that is special for you! Find a plant, some fall flowers, an interesting book or magazine to create a spot of joy just for you at this busy time of year.
Classroom Environment: Setting the Fall Mood
Next up, the classroom! Fall is a wonderful time to refresh the environment and bring the beauty of the season indoors. Encourage your teachers and other staff to make simple changes like swapping out summer-themed artwork for fall leaves, pumpkins, and harvest colors to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere that engages children and helps them connect to the changing world outside. You don’t need to overhaul the entire space, but small touches—like fall-themed sensory bins or nature exploration stations—can make a big impact.
Why not invite families to join in? You could organize a family craft night where parents and children create fall decorations together for the classroom or send home an idea and materials for those who cannot attend. This not only enriches the learning environment but also strengthens the home-to-center connection. Parents love seeing their kids’ work proudly displayed, and children feel more at home when their families are involved.
Health and Wellness: Cold Season Prep
We all know what’s lurking around the corner: cold and flu season. Now is the time to reinforce hygiene practices with staff, children, and parents. Fun handwashing songs can help the little ones stay engaged in the process, and clear communication with parents about keeping sick children at home (yes, even when they insist it’s “just allergies”) can help prevent outbreaks.
Keep parents in the loop by sharing a simple fall health guide in your newsletter or through a family meeting. Offer reminders about the center’s health policies, provide a checklist for identifying cold versus flu symptoms, and consider suggesting some immune-boosting snacks to send along in lunchboxes (hello, orange slices!). Parents will appreciate your proactive approach, and it will help everyone (especially your teachers!) stay healthy through the season.
Outdoor Activities: Fall Fun and Learning
Fall offers so many opportunities for rich, outdoor learning experiences. The weather is still mild enough for plenty of outdoor play, and the changing environment can serve as a natural learning tool. Think scavenger hunts where children collect leaves, acorns, and other fall treasures, or nature walks that teach them about the cycles of plants and animals. Outdoor activities that integrate science, math, and language are an easy win this time of year. Plus, fresh air is a natural stress reliever for both kids and staff. Check out our sister site, Curating Play, for some fun fall ideas as well…especially the “nature flag”!
Invite families to participate in a fall-themed outdoor event, like a “Nature Walk and Picnic” day. Children and parents can explore together while learning about the season. Provide activity guides that explain what children are learning during these outdoor adventures, so families can replicate the experience at home. This kind of event creates lasting memories and reinforces the learning that’s happening at your center.
Curriculum Planning: Keeping Engagement High
The excitement of the new school year might be wearing off a bit, but you can maintain that energy by incorporating fall themes into your curriculum. Whether it’s exploring the science behind why leaves change color or reading seasonal stories, autumn is full of learning opportunities. Keep lesson plans fresh by integrating hands-on projects, sensory activities, and group discussions that tap into the season’s unique aspects. By weaving fall into your curriculum, you keep children engaged and curious, while making learning more relevant to their daily experiences.
Share what you’re doing in the classroom with families! Create take-home activity kits or send home a list of simple fall experiments or crafts they can do together. You might also encourage parents to read fall-themed books with their children or extend the classroom conversations to their homes. This helps reinforce children’s learning and gives families a deeper sense of involvement in their child’s education.
Staff Well-being: Supporting Your Team
We all know how much energy it takes to keep everything running smoothly—especially during transitional periods. Fall is an excellent time to check in on your staff’s well-being. Encouraging a work-life balance and practicing emotional intelligence with your team can go a long way in keeping spirits high. This might look like acknowledging the hard work they’ve put in during the start of the school year, offering small tokens of appreciation, or even organizing a team-building activity. Remind your staff that they need to take care of themselves to take care of others, and lead by example—whether that’s stepping out for a quick walk or making time for a little fun and laughter in the break room. After all, a happy staff equals a happy center!
A great way to bring families into this conversation is by reminding them how crucial your team’s well-being is to their children’s success. Send a note home explaining the importance of staff wellness and, if appropriate, encourage parents to express gratitude to teachers in their own way. It can be as simple as a kind word at drop-off or a thank-you note. Parents’ appreciation goes a long way in keeping your team motivated and feeling valued.
Wrapping It Up
As childcare center leaders, you’re balancing a lot of plates—and probably some pumpkins this time of year! But with a bit of planning and some intentional support, you can make the fall transition smooth, joyful, and full of growth for your center. Keep communication with families strong, involve them in the seasonal fun, and don’t forget to show a little love to your team. Remember, we’re all in this together!
For more fall activities, check out the October newsletter from our sister site, Curating Play.
