High Performing Childcare Employees: Practice, Study, Repeat

The Power of Repetition in Success

I recently came across a story about President Woodrow Wilson regarding repetition. He once asked his mom why she repeated the same thing 20 times. Her response: “Cause you haven’t learned it after 19!”

Repetition is key to success—whether in life or within any organization.

Think about a football team. They run nearly identical practices each week leading up to a game. The exact drills, routines, and plays are repeated over and over. Game film is studied, and strategies are refined to become more effective. It’s the same for performers in sports, music, dance, and drama: practice, study, and repeat. The result? A superior performance.

My son has played basketball since he was very young. I remember him frequently complaining about all the drills at practice. “Why can’t we just scrimmage?” he would ask. My typical “coach” response: “You need to learn the tools before you can be successful.”

Over the years, his team has faced its fair share of losses. Some were close games, but others? Blowouts. Those losses left the kids feeling down and frustrated. Still, they pressed on—practicing, studying, and repeating.

One year, his team played in a tournament game against a team from Los Angeles. Several boys on his team were playing “up,” meaning they were competing in a higher age group against older and more experienced players. From the start, it looked like the other team had every advantage: they were bigger, stronger, faster. I couldn’t help but marvel at one boy on the opposing team who had a full-blown mustache!

By the end of the first possession, I thought I knew where the game was heading—a blowout.

But this time, it wasn’t our team that took the loss. We won 58-13.

Why? They practiced, studied, and repeated. The result? A superior performance.

Applying This to the Workplace: SOPs as Playbooks

Success in the workplace is no different. How you perform at your job today will pay dividends tomorrow. Those who excel here will excel there.

Like a football team perfecting their plays, businesses thrive when they establish clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)—structured, repeatable processes that help teams operate efficiently and consistently.

Think about it: A football team doesn’t just run plays randomly during a game. They memorize them, drill them in practice, and adjust based on their opponent. The same goes for a childcare center. You can’t expect staff to just “figure things out” as they go. They need structure, repetition, and practice.

When SOPs are treated like a team playbook, employees:

• Know exactly what is expected of them.
• Can anticipate challenges and respond with confidence.
• Work together more effectively because they follow the same playbook.

How to Create SOPs That Actually Work

Just like a coach wouldn't expect their team to win without running drills, you can’t expect staff to perform well without training and repetition. Here’s how to build effective, repeatable SOPs:

1. Define the Play (Process Clarity)

• Identify the key tasks that need clear procedures (e.g., opening/closing routines, safety protocols, parent communication).
• Write clear, step-by-step instructions.
• Keep it simple—avoid jargon or unnecessary complexity.

2. Train Like an Athlete (Ongoing Practice)

• Hold regular training sessions, just like a sports team does with practice.
• Use real-life scenarios to reinforce learning.
• Role-play common challenges so staff know how to respond.

3. Watch the Game Film (Feedback & Adjustments)

• Gather staff feedback on what works and what doesn’t.
• Refine and update SOPs based on experience.
• Reinforce training with refreshers throughout the year.

4. Make the Playbook Accessible (Easy-to-Find SOPs)

• Store SOPs in a shared digital location so staff can quickly reference them.
• Post visual reminders in high-traffic areas (e.g., checklist by the front desk, safety procedures in classrooms).

5. Measure Performance (Continuous Improvement)

• Observe staff in action—are they following the SOPs?
• Recognize and reward employees who consistently apply procedures effectively.
• Adjust SOPs as needed to keep improving efficiency and consistency.

Final Thoughts: Success Requires Repetition

Your preparation happens when you plan, organize, and reflect on your work. It’s built during meetings, reinforced through feedback, and strengthened when you collaborate with your teammates. It’s perfected during the quiet moments on your drive home as you think about how to make the next day even better.

Today, more than ever, we need to practice, study, and repeat. The result? A superior performance today and a more successful future tomorrow.

Call to Action

Want to create strong, repeatable systems that keep your center running smoothly? Join our Zen Empowerment membership for expert SOP templates, training guides, and tools to help you build a high-performing team. Sign up today and start turning preparation into success!

Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or regulatory advice. Childcare regulations vary by state, so please check with your local licensing agency to ensure compliance. Results are not guaranteed. Read our full disclaimer [here].