Behind the Scenes: What Every Childcare Owner Needs to Know About Classroom Setups

If you’re a childcare owner running multiple locations — and you’re not on-site every single day — this post is for you.

Today, I want to take you behind the scenes of some of the most essential, foundational classroom setup systems that every childcare program needs. These aren’t just cute Pinterest ideas — they’re the building blocks that empower your team to run your centers without you constantly stepping in to fix things.

At The School of Systems, we teach a four-level framework designed specifically to help owners transition from overwhelmed operator to empowered CEO. Because here’s the truth: you didn’t start this business to burn out — you started it to create impact and freedom.

Ready to reclaim your time, love your staff again, and enjoy weekends with your family without worrying about what’s happening at your center? Let’s dive into a few of the foundational elements I teach inside the School of Systems.

Tip #1: Create Your Own Proprietary Systems

This is non-negotiable.

You can’t build a scalable, sustainable business by copying someone else’s templates. Every childcare business has its own program model — and your systems should support that specific vision.

We help owners create proprietary tools and visual guides that reflect their values and expectations. These become part of your classroom foundation across all classrooms and locations. That means every teacher — whether they’ve been there 3 days or 3 years — knows exactly how to operate within your system.

The key? Visual systems. Today’s workforce learns best by seeing, not just being told. So we help you build training visuals that:

• Guide classroom routines
  
• Serve as reference points for new hires
  
• Reinforce accountability without micromanaging
  

Tip #2: Stop Copying Other People’s Schedules

Your daily schedule is more than a laminated chart on the classroom wall. It’s the rhythm of your entire operation — and it needs to reflect your business goals.

Your center’s schedule affects:

• Classroom transitions
  
• Staff shifts (who opens, who closes)
  
• Director walk-throughs
  
• Food program reimbursements
  
• Even what equipment you need in each room
  

I’ve seen it time and time again: an owner tells the director to do rounds, but the director never has time — because the schedule doesn’t support it. Or worse, you expect teachers to do small group activities, but there’s no time on the schedule and no materials available.

Your schedule must align with your vision, your team’s responsibilities, and the actual tools in your classroom. Otherwise, you’re setting your team up for confusion and inconsistency.

Bonus Tip: Set Up Stations (Especially Hygiene Stations!)

Let’s talk about one of the most overlooked classroom setup elements: stations.

We teach owners to create specific zones within the classroom — and one of the most important is the hygiene station. Too often, the sink is on one side, the soap is across the room, and the trash can is somewhere else entirely. Sound familiar?

That setup not only disrupts routines but increases chaos and reduces compliance with hygiene standards.

Here’s what to do instead:

• Group related items together
  
• Design classroom stations that are functional and easy for staff and children to follow
  
• Apply the same approach to other zones like learning centers, circle time, and small group activities
  

Trust me, just reorganizing how your space flows can dramatically reduce behavior issues and improve staff efficiency.

---

Your Next Step

If this is making you think, “Wow, I need this in my center yesterday…” then it’s time to take action.

Inside the School of Systems, we go deeper into:

• Classroom setup
  
• Training visuals
  
• Scheduling systems
  
• Daily operations frameworks
  
• And how to truly lead like a CEO — not just a manager putting out fires
  

🎟️ Grab your ticket at: www.theschoolofchildcare.com
Seats fill up fast — don’t wait until it’s too late!

Final Thoughts

Your dream childcare business isn’t built on hustle — it’s built on systems.

With the right tools, you can lead with clarity, build a team you trust, and actually enjoy your business again. Start by setting the foundation. Build from there.

Have questions or thoughts? Drop them in the comments below — I love hearing from fellow changemakers like you.And always remember: If you manage the childcare business that you love, you will love the childcare business that you manage. ✨