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| Directors' Network News and Notes
December 2010 |
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Director's Challenge |
Goal Setting
...from the director's perspective...
Take the survey! |
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Greetings!
We hope that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family, friends and loved ones!
We are confident that you ate well. One of these days we are going to put together a cookbook with contributions from all of you - early childhood educators and enthusiasts who are also, we've noticed, really good cooks. Will you think about what recipe you might contribute...?
We are feeling especially thankful for you - our partners in providing excellent experiences to young children and their families. Along with excellent center directors and administrators, teachers and providers, we are thankful for our Trainers who help us make sure every center in the DC metro area has access to excellent teacher and parent training.
While Candace is coordinating regional parent education and envisioning innovative ways to inspire teachers and families, I am spending the week with one of my favorite groups of professional friends - the Early Head Start consulting group. This is an amazing group of dedicated and determined professionals. Yesterday, someone shared that she has been working with Head Start since she volunteered the very first summer of its existence. Tonight, a woman shared that she and her peers in Baltimore's Head Start program targeted and intentionally served infants, toddlers and preschoolers with HIV/AIDS in the late 1980's. I am feeling especially impressed by and proud of our field.
Many of us are or will be celebrating a holiday this month. We send you, your family and those you care about warm wishes for the season and a very happy new year. Please continue to let us know how this network can serve you best. Thank you for the work you do. Amy and Candace |
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Career Opportunities for Directors and Administrators
Of course, we hope you love your job. It can be inspiring to consider the opportunities are available to smart, capable leaders in our region...
KinderCare (Ft. Meade)
Director
NASA Goddard Child Development Center (Greenbelt)
Director
Children's International School (Arlington)
Learning Care Group (Centreville)
Director
In Washington, DC
Teach For America - Early Childhood Initiative
Managing Director
Student Support Center
Early Reading First Literacy Mentor Coach
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TIP OF THE MONTH: Financial Management
At the end of the day, all centers are small businesses. Revenue and expenses, profit and loss
The best advice I have for other or new directors about financial management is...
- "Develop a budget that is based on tuition revenue - real revenue - DO NOT budget for fundraising!."
- "Never set a budget that reflects 100% enrollment."
- "The person responsible for cash flow projections and daily financial activity needs to be competent and accurate."
- "Don't underestimate the power of (financial) forecasting."
- "There are excellent courses in basic accounting, Cuckoos, and budgeting through NC and the Washington Council of Nonprofits."
- "Having an extremely part-time bookkeeper who is available to consult on issues as needed, as well an annual audit from a CPA, have been extremely useful resources."
"TRENDS IN THE NETWORK: You are most confident and comfortable with these aspects of financial management:
- Financial forecasting.
- Setting and meeting your monthly or annual budget
You are the source of the tips! Please take this month's survey: Directors' Annual Goal Setting. Check back in January to learn from your peers.
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Out and About
Staying up-to-date and inspired...
Parent and Family Resource Center Ward 8 (Inside MC Terrell ES)
Washington, DC
December 15
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News You Can Use
"Mathematics and science should be treated as essential components of a comprehensive,
"Literacy development starts early in life and is highly correlated with school achievement.
How are we supporting staff in offering high quality math, science and literacy experiences every day? |
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Lunch and Learn 2010-2011 Series
Please join your peers for a series developed just for Directors and Program Administrators.
WINTER - Bookkeeping and Budgeting
SPRING - Organizing the Directors' Office
SUMMER - Biting in the Center: The Role of the Director
January 12, 2011
12:30-2 pm
Bookkeeping and Budgeting for Directors and Program Administrators
The children keep us motivated but our finances keep the center doors open! Our special guest speaker is both a CPA and the owner of two child development centers in Northern Virginia. She knows who we are, how our industry operates and exactly what we need to know to keep our books in good order.
March 16, 2011
12:30-2 pm
Organizing the Director's Office: Tips to Save Time and Reduce Stress
Our speaker has over 20 years experience as a leader in education and is a certified, professional organizer. She'll offer creative and practical ideas to help organize your desk, files and office. You'll leave feeling inspired and empowered!
Register now - space is limited June 15, 2011 12:30-2 pm
Biting in the Center: The Role of the Director
We regularly train teachers and talk to parents about responding appropriately to biting in early childhood classrooms. There is a critical role that the Director can and should play in individual incidents and systemically. Learn how to be the most appropriate, supportive and effective when dealing with this sensitive, timeless issue.
Register now - space is limited
September 21, 2011
12:30-2 pm
Creating a Positive and Productive Workplace in Our Centers
For teachers and directors, the differences between a positive and productive center and a negative and destructive can be ticked off readily: high absenteeism, lots of gossip, little trust, low motivation, cliques and zero teamwork OR few call-outs, collaboration, laughter and joy, solid energy, fluid and positive teams. What kind of center to you want to lead? Come share your strategies or gather ideas from your peers!
Register now - space is limited
This series is offered as a courtesy to our Directors' Network, directors and program administrators in the DC/VA/MD region, at no cost to you.
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