At our most recent Directors’ Community of Practice gathering, leaders came together to focus on a topic that quietly shapes the success of every early childhood program: Standard Operating Procedures.
This session featured Leah Anastasakis from UH Parma Medical Center Health Education Center and Michelle Beden-Payne from Shell’s Learning Center, who guided directors through a deep discussion on all things Standard Operating Procedures. Jennifer McNellie from Starting Point also joined us to share important updates on LENA and early literacy initiatives.
While procedures may not always feel exciting, they are foundational. Clear systems protect staff, support families, reduce stress, and strengthen long term program quality. When directors lead with clarity and intention, daily operations become more consistent and sustainable.
Turning Procedures Into Practical Leadership Tools
Leah Anastasakis provided a structured framework for understanding how SOPs function as leadership tools rather than simple documents. Directors explored three key areas where strong procedures make the greatest impact.
Staff systems such as call offs, coverage plans, and purchasing protocols.
Family systems including attendance reporting, payment processes, and communication expectations.
Administrative systems such as enrollment workflows, interview practices, and internal communication routines.
Participants reflected on how clearly defined processes reduce confusion, prevent disruption, and build consistency across programs. Directors shared ideas, discussed real world challenges, and walked away with practical tools they could adapt within their own settings.
Safety and Stability Drive Sustainable Quality
Michelle Beden-Payne expanded the conversation into business operations and safety centered leadership. Drawing from experience in both family child care and center based programs, she reinforced that high quality is rooted in safety, stability, and intentional systems.
Leaders discussed proactive staffing plans, thoughtful documentation practices, daily classroom walkthroughs, cross training staff across age groups, and strengthening compliance routines. The focus was not simply on meeting requirements, but on building resilient programs that protect children, staff, and the integrity of the organization.
When systems are proactive rather than reactive, leaders create environments where quality is sustained over time.
The Power of Community
What makes Directors’ Community of Practice meaningful is not just the content, but the connection. Directors gathered to think together, reflect together, and strengthen leadership capacity across our region.
When leaders invest in systems, they protect their staff.
When staff feel supported, children benefit.
And when programs operate with clarity and purpose, quality becomes sustainable.
We look forward to continuing this work at our next Directors’ Community of Practice gathering.
Get Involved
Interested in leading a discussion, sharing your tips and strategies, or suggesting a topic you would like the group to explore? We welcome director voices and collaborative leadership.
To present at an upcoming Directors’ Community of Practice session or to join our DCP email list for meeting updates and announcements, please contact Mandi Tronconis at Amanda.Tronconis@starting-point.org.
We look forward to continuing to grow this community together.
Written by Mandi Tronconis
