As I reflect on my early childhood career, I remember my first time as a director. Moving from a teaching position into administration was not a smooth transition. The jobs are very different: different tasks and responsibilities. When I began directing I had no idea what I was doing: although I acted as if I did. It was my secretary, Dolores, who taught me how to do my job.

Dolores taught me a great deal about running a company. You see, child care centers are businesses, after all. Our days are filled with the many tasks of running a business. In my case, Dolores would type my correspondence and then give it to me for my signature. I would fold the letter and put it in the envelope. Dolores would tell me that folding the letters was her job. That seems rather insignificant, but that conversation with Dolores was the beginning of my understanding of my job.

She helped me to realize that I needed to devote my energy to leadership and running the organization, not on the clerical tasks that were her responsibilities. Over time I adopted the belief that if I am in the classroom or elsewhere in the center doing someone else's job, there is no one in the office doing mine. My responsibilities will be waiting for me when I return to my office. I began to appreciate that leadership and administration of a child care facility is a full-time job. If I were to do it right it would take my full attention. This realization came to me slowly over the years through a great deal of self-reflection and the wise words of colleagues.

Give staff your respect

• Respecting my staff allowed me to focus my attention on leadership and administration.

• Hire skilled teachers who require little direct supervision.

• Believe that your staff can do the jobs for which they were hired.

• Expect that teachers will do their best in their classrooms.

• Provide them with the resources to do their jobs (e.g., articles, books, journals, NAEYC membership, and paid time off for professional development).

• Nurture your staff with recognition, respect, time to refresh, and be available to offer support and encouragement.

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