When I created a planner just for daycare providers I knew it would be used, but I didn’t realize how many ways it could be used. Since it was introduced, providers have found several ways to manage their day with a planner. Here are 7 you can use every day.
Years ago I fell in love with using a planner. I can remember once I left it on the hood of my car and almost broke into tears when my planner flew off and scattered in the street.
That was many years ago, but I never stopped using a planner to try to organize my life. So a few years ago when I realized that there wasn’t a planner that was specifically for daycare providers, I knew I needed to make that happen.
Here I talk all about The Provider Planner & Organizer and how it came to be. But today, I want to encourage you to put your planner to use. Because if you don’t use it, the planner is really just a pretty paperweight.
Here are several ways you can use and manage your day with a planner.
7 Ways A Daycare Provider Can Be More Productive With A Planner
How a daycare provider can manage their day with a planner
1. Plan Ahead
One of the best things you can do is to plan out your day ahead of time. So in your planner schedule some time each evening to make note of what you need to do the following day. This preview sort of preps you for the coming day.
2. Create A Morning Routine
I have to admit, creating a morning routine has to be one of the most positive things I did for myself during the pandemic. My morning routine fuels me spiritually and physically. Initially, I didn’t think it would make that much of a difference, but I can tell you it really does. Now if I don’t run through my morning routine I really feel lost.
Build & schedule your own morning routine in your planner.
3. Time Blocking
This is my jam! It’s called The Pomodoro Method and I have been doing this for years. Basically, it’s just taking a specific amount of time (usually 25 minutes) and hyper-focusing on one task at a time for that full-time period (or block), and then you take a 5-minute break.
This seriously helps me to be so much more productive every day. I’ve even started applying the technique to household chores, especially the ones I’d rather put off. You can learn all about it here.
4. 3 Is The Magic Number
Let’s be honest, facing an endless to-do list in the morning can be overwhelming. In fact, my brain seems to actively avoid anything on those lists. But here’s the secret to making those lists go away, while actually getting stuff done – take the top three.
So basically, when you are looking at your daily to-do list prioritize three things that are your must-do’s. These are things that absolute things that must get done. And just make sure you do those.
How a daycare provider can manage their day with a planner
5. Make It Visible
Ok, this one might seem like a no-brainer, but you might not realize that simply leaving your planner open on your desk can be a game-changer. It will not only encourage you to use your planner on a daily basis, but it actually helps you get things done too. Basically, if it’s in your face you are less likely to forget things.
6. Into The Future
Use your planner to set some quarterly goals and then break those down into monthly tasks. This really helps to accomplish both business & personal – short & long-term goals.
7. Give Yourself A Break
Now if you use the time-blocking method I suggested above, you will automatically have scheduled break periods. But even if you don’t, make sure to schedule breaks every day. Remember to not only schedule your lunchtime but short breaks throughout the day.
How a daycare provider can manage their day with a planner
To review, here are 7 ways to use a planner to manage your day:
- Plan your day ahead of time
- Create a morning routine
- Use a time management system
- Prioritize your daily to-do’s
- Use your planner daily
- Forecast the future with quarterly planning sessions
Want to remember this? “7 Ways A Provider Can Better Manage Their Day With A Planner” to your favorite Pinterest boards!
