Starting a new school year brings a lot of excitement and a lot of planning for preschool directors. And every director knows that a great year starts with a great team! As you prepare to welcome students and begin new routines, use this checklist to make sure your preschool fall enrollment staffing plan keeps every classroom covered from day one.
Forecast classroom staffing needs
Anticipating staffing needs by class is the first step to a smooth start. Review enrollment for the upcoming year and previous years, so you have an idea of where you may need extra floaters or subs.
- Make sure every classroom is staffed to meet teacher-to-child ratios.
- Flag classrooms that may need an extra teacher, assistant, floater, or substitute.
- Look back at last year's enrollment. Which classrooms needed extra hands most often?
- Think beyond the school day. Will before care, aftercare, or enrichment programs need additional support?
Get your team ready
Your preschool fall enrollment staffing strategy should include everyone who helps keep classrooms running smoothly. Before the school year begins, confirm your core team and assistants, and be sure to have substitute teachers ready to step in when you need them.
- Confirm start dates for new hires.
- Complete onboarding for all teachers, assistants, and support staff.
- Ensure required training and documentation are up to date. Is anything still outstanding?
- Build a go-to list of substitute teachers. If someone called out during the first week, who would you contact first?
- Share classroom assignments early so every teacher knows where they'll be.
Make a plan for the unexpected
The best time to find great substitute teachers is before you need one. Building relationships with reliable subs ahead of time means you'll have familiar faces ready when plans change.
- Review planned time off. Are there any weeks that will need extra coverage?
- Browse substitute teachers on a child care platform like SitterTree before you need coverage.
- Save favorite candidates so you can invite them to apply to jobs as you post them.
- Help substitute teachers get to know your preschool before they step into a classroom.
- Create a process for filling same-day staffing needs. On SitterTree, you can filter candidates by qualifications including DECAL criminal records checks, CPR and First Aid certifications, and more.
Final checks before the big day
The first day of school is a big milestone for everyone! Take a few minutes to confirm schedules and communicate with your team, so you can head into opening week with the details covered.
- Share final schedules with staff. Has everyone received the latest version?
- Confirm coverage for orientation, open houses, and meet-and-greets.
- Double-check that assistants and substitutes know where and when they may be needed.
- Send a quick welcome text to new subs and teachers. A simple "We're excited to have you!" goes a long way.
From your first substitute to your next hire
Great preschool fall enrollment staffing doesn't stop after the first week of school. Whether you're building a bench of trusted subs or hiring your next full-time teacher, SitterTree helps you find the right people to support your classrooms all year long.