Running a high-quality early childhood center requires more than passion and pedagogy—it takes strategic planning and strong organizational systems. For early childhood directors, creating a comprehensive yearly operational plan is essential to ensuring the program runs smoothly, meets licensing requirements, and nurtures the growth of children, staff, and families alike.
A yearly plan helps directors anticipate and manage the many moving parts of an early childhood center. From budget development and enrollment timelines to staff training, licensing renewals, and family engagement, a well-structured plan turns chaos into clarity. Rather than operating in a reactive mode, directors with a plan can lead proactively—aligning daily work with long-term goals.
The budget process is a key component. Planning for tuition cycles, staffing costs, classroom materials, and contingency reserves ensures the financial health of the center. Aligning the budget timeline with the fiscal year and board meetings allows for transparency and informed decision-making.
A yearly calendar is equally important. Mapping out holidays, school breaks, special events, and staff professional development days provides consistency and allows families and staff to plan ahead. It also gives directors the ability to embed intentional learning opportunities for educators throughout the year, supporting growth, retention, and program quality.
Family programming outside of school hours—such as Shabbat celebrations, family workshops, or holiday events—strengthens relationships between home and school. Including these events in the yearly plan ensures they are thoughtfully integrated and well-resourced, rather than added as an afterthought.
Additionally, maintaining licensing compliance requires detailed tracking of documentation, inspections, training requirements, and safety protocols. A yearly plan with scheduled reminders and task deadlines can help ensure the center stays in good standing and avoids last-minute scrambles.
Creating a yearly operational plan is not about rigidity—it’s about setting the stage for success. With a clear roadmap, early childhood directors can lead with intention, support their teams, and cultivate thriving programs that reflect the best of what early childhood education can be.
Tricia Ginis
Chief Executive Officer
Early Childhood Educators of Reform Judaism
