Performance Reviews That Empower: A Preschool Leader’s Guide to Meaningful Feedback

Performance reviews in a preschool setting can feel a little... awkward. On one hand, you want to honor your team’s hard work, creativity, and emotional labor. On the other, you’re responsible for ensuring growth, accountability, and program quality. It’s a delicate dance, and when done well, it can be one of the most powerful tools you have to build a strong, reflective teaching team.

So how do we shift performance reviews from a checkbox to a conversation that actually matters?

1. Start with Relationships, Not Rubrics

In early childhood settings, relationships are everything—and that includes the ones between leaders and staff. A performance review should never be the first time a teacher hears feedback about their practice. It should feel like a continuation of the coaching, reflection, and collaboration you’ve already been doing.

Leadership Tip: Before review season begins, build in consistent touch points throughout the year: walk-throughs, informal check-ins, and reflective conversations. The formal review should feel like a summary, not a surprise.

2. Make the Rubric Work for You (Not Against You)

Many programs use a standard rubric or evaluation form. These tools can help ensure consistency and fairness, but they can also feel overly technical or disconnected from the warm, complex reality of early childhood classrooms.

Try this: Pair your rubric with real examples. Instead of saying “meets expectations in classroom environment,” describe what you’ve observed:“You’ve created a cozy, organized space that invites children into play. I noticed how you labeled shelves with both pictures and words to support early literacy and independence.”Language like this helps teachers see themselves in the review—and reminds them that you’re paying attention to their work in meaningful ways.

3. Invite Reflection, Don’t Just Deliver It

One of the best ways to shift a review from evaluative to developmental is to make it a dialogue. Before your meeting, ask the teacher to complete a self-reflection. What are they proud of? Where do they feel challenged? What are their professional goals?

Then, during the review, begin with their insights. You’re not just evaluating their teaching—you’re partnering in their growth.

Reflection Prompts to Share:

• What part of your teaching are you most proud of this year?

• What has felt especially challenging, and what support might help?

• What’s one area you’d love to grow in next year?

  
  

4. Use the Sandwich... Thoughtfully

The “compliment sandwich” has its place—but only if it’s sincere. Rather than cushioning every piece of feedback, focus on being honest and kind. Teachers want to grow, and many appreciate feedback that’s clear, respectful, and rooted in care.

Instead of sugarcoating, say:“I’ve noticed that transitions have been a challenge in your classroom, especially after outdoor play. I’d love to brainstorm together and find some routines or strategies that might ease that shift for both you and the children.”

5. Leave With a Plan, Not Just Paperwork

A performance review shouldn’t end with a signature—it should end with a next step. What professional learning might support their growth? Is there a classroom goal you can help them achieve? How can you follow up in a way that keeps the momentum going?

Create a simple follow-up document or coaching plan. Even one goal with a few checkpoints can help the teacher feel supported—and accountable.

Remember: Performance reviews can feel high-stakes, but at their core, they’re a chance to pause, reflect, and recommit to the work we love. For preschool teachers—who give so much of themselves each day—being truly seen in these conversations can be incredibly meaningful.

As a leader, your words carry weight. Use them to build trust, spark growth, and remind your teachers that their work matters—not just to the children in their care, but to the vision and heartbeat of your program.

New digital forms are here to support your one-on-ones, performance reviews, team building, and more, check them out!