Open Discussion Forum

Hi everyone!
I have been selected to be the incoming Director of a center who will let their old director go. No one knows. The board is unsure of how this will go, and we have a plan in place, but my question is: has anyone else been in this situation before? How do I attempt to start a positive relationship with the teachers who seem to like the outgoing Director? I have been a Director for 17 years at the same center, and when I came aboard back then everyone knew. Still, when I introduced some new expectations, one after school teacher walked out and didn't come back. I am not afraid of that, but I would like to avoid it since there will be 77 children that still need care that day. I am hopeful the teachers stay because they need a job and care about the kids, but who knows. The program has been so dysfunctional, anything can happen. I am thinking I spend my first days observing in classrooms, meeting parents and children, and maybe talking with teachers one on one? Thoughts?

------------------------------
Janelle Schmidt
Director
Bel Air MD
------------------------------

Janelle,
I have not been in this situation, however, I think your 17 years of experience will be enough to be a confident director.  Make sure that you meet with the teachers before you do the observations.  That way you are not making them feel as if you are judging thier abilities before they even know you.  Ask them if they would allow you to observe and what time is best for them.  They know the kids and they may have an activity that they want you to see to show their abilities to you.  Take notes as to strengths and weaknesses and only express strengths at first to establish a good relationship.  Hope this helps a little, and remember to present yourself as friendly to all that first day(smiling helps).  May I also suggest that you collaborate with the staff and allow them to voice concerns that you may be able to resolve! This shows that you care about thier opinions.  Good LUck!

------------------------------
Lynn Tackett
Owner/Director/Teacher
Little Red Robin Daycare
Armington IL
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-21-2019 05:54 AM
From: Janelle Schmidt
Subject: Incoming Director question

Hi everyone!
I have been selected to be the incoming Director of a center who will let their old director go. No one knows. The board is unsure of how this will go, and we have a plan in place, but my question is: has anyone else been in this situation before? How do I attempt to start a positive relationship with the teachers who seem to like the outgoing Director? I have been a Director for 17 years at the same center, and when I came aboard back then everyone knew. Still, when I introduced some new expectations, one after school teacher walked out and didn't come back. I am not afraid of that, but I would like to avoid it since there will be 77 children that still need care that day. I am hopeful the teachers stay because they need a job and care about the kids, but who knows. The program has been so dysfunctional, anything can happen. I am thinking I spend my first days observing in classrooms, meeting parents and children, and maybe talking with teachers one on one? Thoughts?

------------------------------
Janelle Schmidt
Director
Bel Air MD
------------------------------

​Tread lightly and give them time to react/grieve.  Change only what is absolutely necessary in the immediate or would cause potential harm or violations.  Good luck!

------------------------------
Margaret Sacca
Education Director
Volunteers of America - Staten Island Early Learning Center
Staten Island NY
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-21-2019 05:54 AM
From: Janelle Schmidt
Subject: Incoming Director question

Hi everyone!
I have been selected to be the incoming Director of a center who will let their old director go. No one knows. The board is unsure of how this will go, and we have a plan in place, but my question is: has anyone else been in this situation before? How do I attempt to start a positive relationship with the teachers who seem to like the outgoing Director? I have been a Director for 17 years at the same center, and when I came aboard back then everyone knew. Still, when I introduced some new expectations, one after school teacher walked out and didn't come back. I am not afraid of that, but I would like to avoid it since there will be 77 children that still need care that day. I am hopeful the teachers stay because they need a job and care about the kids, but who knows. The program has been so dysfunctional, anything can happen. I am thinking I spend my first days observing in classrooms, meeting parents and children, and maybe talking with teachers one on one? Thoughts?

------------------------------
Janelle Schmidt
Director
Bel Air MD
------------------------------

Janelle, you have been placed in a terrible position by the Board. They should have handled the dismissal before approaching you. Did they search? The lack of transparency here is over the top. My fear for you is that given that you were there previously parents and staff may well consider you to be part of the "plot". The Board needs to explain themselves to the center community. They have a responsibility to soften your landing. Our colleagues above have given good advice. Tread lightly. Do more listening and asking questions toward greater understanding of center operations than "bossing". DO NOT get caught up in the gossip swirl! I would add to the advice others have given that you be as transparent as possible. Finally, going back to the Board, you've got work to do there as well. Consider Board training from a respected entity or person in town on Board roles and responsibilities.

------------------------------
Jerlean Daniel
Co-Chair NAEYC Black Caucus
Stoney Beach MD
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-22-2019 07:30 AM
From: Margaret Sacca
Subject: Incoming Director question

​Tread lightly and give them time to react/grieve.  Change only what is absolutely necessary in the immediate or would cause potential harm or violations.  Good luck!

------------------------------
Margaret Sacca
Education Director
Volunteers of America - Staten Island Early Learning Center
Staten Island NY

Original Message:
Sent: 05-21-2019 05:54 AM
From: Janelle Schmidt
Subject: Incoming Director question

Hi everyone!
I have been selected to be the incoming Director of a center who will let their old director go. No one knows. The board is unsure of how this will go, and we have a plan in place, but my question is: has anyone else been in this situation before? How do I attempt to start a positive relationship with the teachers who seem to like the outgoing Director? I have been a Director for 17 years at the same center, and when I came aboard back then everyone knew. Still, when I introduced some new expectations, one after school teacher walked out and didn't come back. I am not afraid of that, but I would like to avoid it since there will be 77 children that still need care that day. I am hopeful the teachers stay because they need a job and care about the kids, but who knows. The program has been so dysfunctional, anything can happen. I am thinking I spend my first days observing in classrooms, meeting parents and children, and maybe talking with teachers one on one? Thoughts?

------------------------------
Janelle Schmidt
Director
Bel Air MD
------------------------------

​Hi Janelle,
I would take the advice of Margaret and tread lightly, don't point out the mistakes or unwanted behavior of the old director. Water under the bridge.  After the dust settles a bit I would meet one on one with them and ask them 2 questions.  Whats working well and where are there areas of improvement that need to be met. Document in front of them, that shows them you are interested in listening to them. That is a good first step towards a good relationship.

------------------------------
Mari Valley
Adminstrator/Director
Crossing Rivers Health Child Care
Pr Du Chien WI
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-21-2019 05:54 AM
From: Janelle Schmidt
Subject: Incoming Director question

Hi everyone!
I have been selected to be the incoming Director of a center who will let their old director go. No one knows. The board is unsure of how this will go, and we have a plan in place, but my question is: has anyone else been in this situation before? How do I attempt to start a positive relationship with the teachers who seem to like the outgoing Director? I have been a Director for 17 years at the same center, and when I came aboard back then everyone knew. Still, when I introduced some new expectations, one after school teacher walked out and didn't come back. I am not afraid of that, but I would like to avoid it since there will be 77 children that still need care that day. I am hopeful the teachers stay because they need a job and care about the kids, but who knows. The program has been so dysfunctional, anything can happen. I am thinking I spend my first days observing in classrooms, meeting parents and children, and maybe talking with teachers one on one? Thoughts?

------------------------------
Janelle Schmidt
Director
Bel Air MD
------------------------------

Hello 
I'm working on a new study with preschool teachers and directors.  The most important best practice is Teacher Recognition. 
Find a way to give them recognition for the wonderful job they do.  The more recognition they are given the greater their confidence in you. You can do this. 
Thank you

------------------------------
Melanie Smith
The Preschool Doctor
thepreschooldoctor.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-21-2019 05:54 AM
From: Janelle Schmidt
Subject: Incoming Director question

Hi everyone!
I have been selected to be the incoming Director of a center who will let their old director go. No one knows. The board is unsure of how this will go, and we have a plan in place, but my question is: has anyone else been in this situation before? How do I attempt to start a positive relationship with the teachers who seem to like the outgoing Director? I have been a Director for 17 years at the same center, and when I came aboard back then everyone knew. Still, when I introduced some new expectations, one after school teacher walked out and didn't come back. I am not afraid of that, but I would like to avoid it since there will be 77 children that still need care that day. I am hopeful the teachers stay because they need a job and care about the kids, but who knows. The program has been so dysfunctional, anything can happen. I am thinking I spend my first days observing in classrooms, meeting parents and children, and maybe talking with teachers one on one? Thoughts?

------------------------------
Janelle Schmidt
Director
Bel Air MD
------------------------------

Thank you all for your advice. I'll let you know how it goes!

To answer the one posters questions, yes they did a search and yes they need work. There is a new pastor of the church and things are changing. The old pastor was quite elderly and old school and they know they need to be more transparent and will be doing so in the email they send to families and the phone calls they make to teachers on the evening they let the current director go.
This center has no processes in place...no evaluation system, no handbook, no accountability. I have experience building a program from dust, so I will bring those structures to them, eventually. They know this will be a process and that some teachers may leave in the midst of it, but we all are prepared for that and plan to build a high-quality program for the children and families!

------------------------------
Janelle Schmidt
Director
Bel Air MD
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-21-2019 05:54 AM
From: Janelle Schmidt
Subject: Incoming Director question

Hi everyone!
I have been selected to be the incoming Director of a center who will let their old director go. No one knows. The board is unsure of how this will go, and we have a plan in place, but my question is: has anyone else been in this situation before? How do I attempt to start a positive relationship with the teachers who seem to like the outgoing Director? I have been a Director for 17 years at the same center, and when I came aboard back then everyone knew. Still, when I introduced some new expectations, one after school teacher walked out and didn't come back. I am not afraid of that, but I would like to avoid it since there will be 77 children that still need care that day. I am hopeful the teachers stay because they need a job and care about the kids, but who knows. The program has been so dysfunctional, anything can happen. I am thinking I spend my first days observing in classrooms, meeting parents and children, and maybe talking with teachers one on one? Thoughts?

------------------------------
Janelle Schmidt
Director
Bel Air MD
------------------------------