The Director's Club
The Director's Club
Noelle D'Intino
A podcast for child care center owners and directors. Business tips and resources to help you build enrollment, retain your best teachers, and getting your operating just how you want it.
Hiring Right:  Red Flags To Watch For
Ever felt the sting of hiring the wrong person? You're not alone. This episode dives into common red flags to watch for during childcare staff interviews. Learn about key interview questions and strategies to uncover true character and work ethic. Discover how to conduct effective working interviews and why trusting your gut can save you from potential headaches. Don't miss these essential tips to ensure your next hire is the right one for your center's future success.download My 7 Favorite Interview Questions and Why HERE Over 110 Interview QuestionsNeed help implementing what you heard today?We’ve got your back. Inside The Director’s Club, we don’t just talk about solutions — we help you put them into action with done-for-you tools, coaching, and a supportive community of directors who get it. Whether you’re ready to create systems that actually stick or just want to stop feeling like you’re doing this alone, we’re here to support you.    Reach out here:  thedirectorsclub.net
Aug 11, 2025
13 min
The September Reset: How Starting Fresh Sets Your Center Up for Success All Year Long
 In this episode, we unpack the biggest mindset shift your team needs before the new school year begins: these are not the same kids who left in June. I share lessons learned from my early days at ScribbleTime and why September should be all about connection, not correction. Tune in for real strategies to help your teachers reset expectations, build strong relationships, and create a calm, confident classroom culture from day one. Need help implementing what you heard today?We’ve got your back. Inside The Director’s Club, we don’t just talk about solutions — we help you put them into action with done-for-you tools, coaching, and a supportive community of directors who get it. Whether you’re ready to create systems that actually stick or just want to stop feeling like you’re doing this alone, we’re here to support you.    Reach out here:  thedirectorsclub.net
Aug 4, 2025
10 min
Why Your Best Teacher is Thinking About Quitting (And How to Change That)
Have you ever had that sinking feeling when one of your favorite teachers sits down in your office and tells you they're thinking about leaving? In this episode, Noelle shares the wake-up call conversation that completely changed how she approached culture at ScribbleTime—and how you can avoid the same mistakes that almost cost her an amazing teacher. You'll discover why culture isn't something that just happens (it's created through your daily systems), how gossip and workplace tension are actually symptoms of deeper operational issues, and the simple assessment questions that will help you figure out exactly where your culture stands right now. Whether you're dealing with stressed-out staff, high turnover, or that underlying tension you can't quite put your finger on, this episode gives you practical, actionable steps to start transforming your workplace culture today. Plus, Noelle breaks down her morning momentum routine and explains why small, consistent changes create the biggest cultural shifts. If you're tired of feeling like you're running a daycare battlefield instead of the positive learning environment you dreamed of, this episode is for you. Because the truth is, when your teachers feel supported and empowered, everything else—from parent satisfaction to your own sanity—starts falling into place. Need help implementing what you heard today?We’ve got your back. Inside The Director’s Club, we don’t just talk about solutions — we help you put them into action with done-for-you tools, coaching, and a supportive community of directors who get it. Whether you’re ready to create systems that actually stick or just want to stop feeling like you’re doing this alone, we’re here to support you.    Reach out here:  thedirectorsclub.net
Jul 30, 2025
12 min
Intentional Summer Success
Are you tired of having a mental list of half-finished projects that's longer than your arm? In this episode, Noelle tackles every director's biggest frustration: starting initiatives with the best intentions but never actually completing them because daily operations keep pulling you back into the chaos. From that staff handbook you started six months ago to the new enrollment system you researched but never implemented, Noelle gets real about why even the most organized directors struggle to follow through on important projects. You'll learn the difference between being busy and being productive, why your current approach to project management isn't working in a childcare environment, and the simple framework that finally helps you cross the finish line. Discover Noelle's "project bucket" system that protects your strategic work from daily interruptions, how to break overwhelming projects into manageable daily actions, and why scheduling project time like you schedule staff meetings is a game-changer. Plus, she shares the one-hour rule that keeps momentum going even during your busiest weeks. Whether it's updating policies, launching new programs, or finally organizing those compliance files, this episode gives you the practical tools to stop abandoning projects halfway through and start building a track record of completion that transforms your center's operations. Perfect for: Directors who feel like they're constantly starting but never finishing important projects, struggling to find time for strategic work, or frustrated by the cycle of good intentions without follow-through. Need help implementing what you heard today?We’ve got your back. Inside The Director’s Club, we don’t just talk about solutions — we help you put them into action with done-for-you tools, coaching, and a supportive community of directors who get it. Whether you’re ready to create systems that actually stick or just want to stop feeling like you’re doing this alone, we’re here to support you.    Reach out here:  thedirectorsclub.net
Jul 21, 2025
23 min
How We Transformed Teacher Observations
 In this episode, Noelle shares the powerful shift from compliance-driven observations to meaningful mentorship conversations that actually lead to teacher growth. Learn how a simple tweak in how you approach feedback can boost confidence, reduce burnout, and build a stronger teaching team — one conversation at a time. Dig deeper into Reflections and get the entire system I use during coaching week!  We start on Wednesday, July 16th:   memberships.kartra.com/page/collaborationandcoachingweekNeed help implementing what you heard today? We’ve got your back. Inside The Director’s Club, we don’t just talk about solutions — we help you put them into action with done-for-you tools, coaching, and a supportive community of directors who get it. Whether you’re ready to create systems that actually stick or just want to stop feeling like you’re doing this alone, we’re here to support you.    Reach out here:  thedirectorsclub.net
Jul 14, 2025
15 min
This Changed EVERYTHING At My Center For The Better
This Changed The Game At My CenterIn this episode, learn how a simple 20-minute monthly reflective practice can transform your child care center from reactive to proactive, isolated to collaborative, and burnt-out to fulfilled. The host shares firsthand experiences from her center to illustrate the powerful and lasting impacts of implementing systematic reflection among staff. Key insights include improving classroom transitions, identifying and addressing systemic issues, fostering collaborative problem-solving, and boosting staff morale and retention. The episode invites directors to start small, embed reflection in staff meetings, and gradually expand the practice for long-term success. Listeners are also introduced to an upcoming coaching week for detailed guidance on implementing this transformative practice in their own centers.Dig deeper into Reflections and get the entire system I use here:  memberships.kartra.com/page/collaborationandcoachingweekLearn more about us:  The Director's Club Membership - The Directors ClubPlus, grab my FREE Teacher Retention Plan to help strengthen your team’s accountability and commitment: https://memberships.kartra.com/page/theultimateteacherretentionchecklist
Jul 8, 2025
24 min
Change Your Job Ad
In this episode, Noelle from the Directors Club shares insights on crafting compelling job ads to attract better applicants in early education. She emphasizes the importance of making your job listing stand out by leading with what potential teachers care about, highlighting the experience rather than just responsibilities, and making the application process personal and inviting. Noelle also shares a success story of a revised job ad that led to multiple solid interviews and hires. Tune in for three practical tips to improve your job ads and engage enthusiastic and qualified teachers.Join The Club!  The Director's Club Membership - The Directors ClubPlus, grab my FREE Teacher Retention Plan to help strengthen your team’s accountability and commitment: https://memberships.kartra.com/page/theultimateteacherretentionchecklistThe Early Education Empowerment Conference, come see me in person!  Plus 14 other amazing speakers!  https://memberships.kartra.com/page/empowermentconference
May 6, 2025
6 min
Creating Lasting Habits
In this episode, Noelle discusses actionable strategies to help make new habits stick without overhauling your entire life. She shares a personal story about a director who successfully incorporated a new habit by pairing it with an activity she enjoyed—getting coffee. Noelle outlines three main techniques: tying the habit to something you like, starting with small, manageable goals, and using visual cues. These methods help create consistency and make the process of forming new habits less daunting. Noelle emphasizes the importance of setting yourself up for success in a way that fits your lifestyle, rather than fighting against it.Join The Club!  The Director's Club Membership - The Directors ClubPlus, grab my FREE Teacher Retention Plan to help strengthen your team’s accountability and commitment: https://memberships.kartra.com/page/theultimateteacherretentionchecklistThe Early Education Empowerment Conference, come see me in person!  Plus 14 other amazing speakers!  https://memberships.kartra.com/page/empowermentconference
Apr 29, 2025
7 min
Strategies for Managing Staff Time Clock Issues
Noelle discusses effective strategies to prevent staff from abusing the time clock, a common issue that can lead to wasted money and time for directors. The episode provides practical solutions, such as setting clear time clock policies, using digital time tracking systems, enforcing break and overtime rules, and implementing a no-adjustment policy for time clock errors. The importance of accountability and communication with staff is emphasized to ensure fair and accurate time tracking. Join Noelle's Director's Club for more insights and support.Join The Club!  The Director's Club Membership - The Directors ClubPlus, grab my FREE Teacher Retention Plan to help strengthen your team’s accountability and commitment: https://memberships.kartra.com/page/theultimateteacherretentionchecklistThe Early Education Empowerment Conference, come see me in person!  Plus 14 other amazing speakers!  https://memberships.kartra.com/page/empowermentconference
Apr 22, 2025
11 min
Proactive Solutions for Common Parent Concerns
In this episode, Noelle discusses the positive side of receiving parent complaints and introduces the concept of a clear parent expectation policy to reduce these complaints. She shares insights from her own experience of implementing a one-page document that covers common areas of confusion. The policy includes key topics like communication expectations, arrival and pickup procedures, health policies, behavior and discipline, payment and fees, classroom transitions, and more. By setting clear expectations upfront, Noelle highlights the significant drop in parent complaints and improved relationships. This episode aims to help childcare centers proactively minimize parent concerns and improve their overall program.Plus, grab my FREE Teacher Retention Plan to help strengthen your team’s accountability and commitment: https://memberships.kartra.com/page/theultimateteacherretentionchecklistThe Early Education Empowerment Conference, come see me in person!  Plus 14 other amazing speakers!  https://memberships.kartra.com/page/empowermentconference
Apr 15, 2025
8 min
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