How Strong Centers Launch the School Year Right

You’ve planned. You’ve prepped. And now, the school year is starting.

This moment — between the quiet of summer and the momentum of fall — is your opportunity to build early wins, strong routines, and a confident foundation for the months ahead.

Here’s what the strongest centers are doing right now to make sure their school year starts off right.

✅ 1. Rebook standout subs early

Your returning families and children benefit from familiar faces — and that includes your subs. Rebooking top workers from summer (or past years) is one of the easiest ways to maintain consistency while adding flexibility. Tandem makes it easy to favorite and re-request workers.

✅ 2. Build structure, not just schedules

Classroom hours and breaks are important — but so is clarity. Strong centers are resetting expectations: Who’s greeting parents? Who’s leading transitions? Where does support staff float? Clear routines reduce friction and set a calmer tone from day one.

✅ 3. Check in early and often

Burnout doesn’t usually start in week one — but disconnection can. Take time during the first few weeks to ask your team how it’s going. A quick pulse check or informal conversation can reveal where small adjustments will make a big impact.

✅ 4. Don’t wait for problems to lean on support

Your coverage bench should be ready before you’re stretched thin. Whether you’re down a floater or adding an unexpected classroom, Tandem lets you book fully-vetted, compliant workers as soon as you need them — with no subscriptions or commitments.

🧸 Crib Notes

Like Cliff Notes, but for child care:

• Rebook familiar subs to start the year with consistency
• Reset roles and responsibilities for smoother routines
• Early team check-ins reveal easy improvements
• Tandem offers flexible, vetted staffing without subscriptions
• A strong start leads to steadier months ahead