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🌿 Leadership That Honors the Calling
In childcare, turnover is rarely just about the work.
More often, it is about the way people are treated.
Directors, you cannot speak down to former employees and expect your new employees to stay. A dishonoring culture does not reset simply because new faces walk through the door. The atmosphere you create will either nurture stability or produce constant transition.
Respect is not a one‑way expectation.
It is a seed you sow and a harvest you reap.
When you desire respect, you must also give respect.
When you expect excellence, you must also model excellence.
When you want loyalty, you must also practice loyalty.
Because God has a way of turning the tables.
Leadership is always measured by the way we treat the people entrusted to us.
If you want a center where teachers thrive, children flourish, and families feel safe, then lead from the Fruit of the Spirit — not one fruit, but the entire tree:
• Love — the atmosphere that softens hearts
• Joy — the energy that lifts the room
• Peace — the calm that settles chaos
• Patience — the grace that keeps you steady
• Kindness — the tone that builds trust
• Goodness — the integrity that protects your witness
• Faithfulness — the consistency that keeps staff
• Gentleness — the posture of a servant‑leader
• Self‑control — the discipline that guards your influence
A director who leads from this place will not have to beg people to stay.
People remain where they feel valued, respected, and seen.
---Mattie Hubbard Donald🕊️🦋
Called to teach is available on Amazon
Having worked in childcare settings where leadership style made all the difference, I've found that turnover isn't merely about job tasks or pay. It’s fundamentally about feeling valued and respected. When directors embody the Fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—it creates an atmosphere where employees want to stay and grow. In my experience, leadership that honors the calling truly transforms a center. Modeling respect and loyalty encourages staff to emulate these qualities, fostering a strong, cohesive team. This respectful culture reduces burnout and builds trust between directors and educators. Creating a peaceful and joyful environment not only helps teachers thrive but also impacts children’s development positively. For example, when a director remains patient and gentle during stressful times, it reassures everyone and sets a calm tone for the day. One practical approach I've used is regular one-on-one check-ins with staff, emphasizing appreciation and actively listening to their concerns. This practice reflects goodness and faithfulness by showing integrity and consistent care. The book "Called to Teach: A Spirit-Led Guide for Childcare Educators" resonates deeply as it offers spiritual guidance for directors seeking to lead from this mindset. As someone passionate about nurturing leadership, I recommend directors explore such resources to reinforce their commitment to servant-leadership. Ultimately, when staff feel seen and respected, retention improves naturally, and the entire childcare community flourishes.