Help Your Child Care Team Speak To You Better
What did they just say?
I can’t believe some of the things people say to their child care director...
And then wonder why they feel stuck in their job or feel burnt out. 😬
Honestly, I get it. Working in child care can be stressful, and sometimes we just want to speak our minds. But here’s the thing—how we communicate really matters. Whether you're asking for a raise, discussing responsibilities, or managing challenges with coworkers, how you approach these conversations can make all the difference.
You don’t want to come across as:
Entitled or demanding 🤷♀️
Unaware of the bigger picture (because we all know it’s more than just our classrooms!) 🧩
Insensitive when your director is juggling a million things 🌪️
To avoid sabotaging your career or straining relationships, here are 7 ways to shift how you communicate:
❌ 1. "I want a raise."
💬 Instead: “Hey, I’ve been doing some great work with the kids and parents, and I’ve made some real improvements. Could we chat about my pay to reflect that?”
❌ 2. "When am I getting promoted?"
💬 Instead: “I’ve been working hard on developing my classroom management and leadership skills. What steps should I take to move into a leadership role here?”
❌ 3. "That’s not in my job description."
💬 Instead: “I’m really focused on my classroom and making sure things are running smoothly. Can we talk about what’s most important so I can stay on top of the big priorities?”
❌ 4. "I don’t have time for this."
💬 Instead: “I’ve got a lot on my plate with [current tasks]. Can we take a look at what needs to be done first so I can focus on what’s most important?”
❌ 5. "This is impossible."
💬 Instead: “This project feels a bit overwhelming because of [time/resources]. Could we figure out a way to make it work, or maybe look at some other options?”
❌ 6. "I don’t get paid enough for this."
💬 Instead: “My responsibilities have really grown lately, especially with [specific tasks]. Do you think we could revisit my compensation to reflect that?”
❌ 7. "I can’t stand that coworker!!"
💬 Instead: “I’ve been having a tough time working with [coworker’s name]. Can we chat about how I can handle this better or improve communication with them?”
How we communicate with our directors and coworkers really shapes our experience—and our growth. Speak like a leader, and you’ll notice the difference—not just in your role, but in how others respond to you.
This is a great training topic for your staff! To download this Cheat Sheet and access many other training programs, activate a membership to Julie's Insider's Club!
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