Making Staff Meetings Matter: Tips for Preschool Directors and Leaders

As a preschool director or early childhood leader, you wear many hats, and leading meaningful staff meetings is one of the most important. When done well, staff meetings build community, boost morale, strengthen communication, and keep everyone aligned around your program’s goals and values. When done poorly, they can feel like time-wasters or just one more item on an already packed to-do list.

Here’s how to make your preschool staff meetings purposeful, engaging, and worth every minute:

1. Start with Why

Every staff meeting should have a clear purpose. Are you solving a problem? Building community? Reviewing policies? Professional learning? Be transparent about the "why" and how it connects to your larger mission. Staff are more engaged when they understand how a meeting supports their work and the children in their care.

2. Respect Everyone’s Time

Preschool teachers are busy, and their time is valuable. Keep meetings concise, focused, and well-organized. Share an agenda ahead of time so staff know what to expect. Start and end on time. Consider mixing formats, some topics may be better handled through quick huddles, newsletters, or collaborative planning blocks rather than full meetings.

3. Make it a Two-Way Conversation

Staff meetings shouldn’t just be top-down information dumps. Create space for voices to be heard. Use small group discussions, anonymous input tools (like sticky notes or online polls), or open forums to gather feedback and ideas. Ask staff what’s working, what they need, and how they feel about key initiatives.

4. Include a Touch of Inspiration

Don’t underestimate the power of positivity. Start with a story, quote, or child-centered success to remind everyone why they do what they do. Recognize individual or team efforts, shout-outs go a long way. End meetings with an encouraging word or something light to carry forward.

5. Focus on Connection, Not Just Content

Staff meetings are a valuable time to build trust, deepen relationships, and support a culture of collaboration. Include team-building moments, even simple icebreakers or partner chats can help create a sense of belonging and reduce silos between classrooms.

6. Follow Up with Action

Nothing kills enthusiasm like a meeting with no follow-through. Capture clear notes, next steps, and who’s responsible for what. Share a short recap via email or posted in the break room. This keeps everyone accountable and helps those who couldn’t attend stay in the loop.

7. Ask for Feedback and Evolve

Check in regularly with your staff about how meetings are going. What’s helpful? What could be better? Try rotating facilitation, adding coffee and snacks, or changing the setting for a fresh feel. Staff meetings don’t have to be rigid, they should reflect the creativity and heart of your early childhood program.

REMEMBER: Staff meetings aren’t just logistical check-ins, they’re opportunities to shape culture, spark ideas, and support your team. With a little planning and a lot of heart, your staff meetings can become one of the most energizing parts of your leadership toolkit.