How to Set Up New Teachers for Success on Day One

It only takes one day for a teacher to decide they will not come back.

That teacher might be a substitute, a float teacher, or a new hire. They might be experienced or brand new to the classroom. But when day one feels chaotic, unsupported, or unclear, the decision is often already made.

In 2025, educators told us clearly: day one matters more than most centers realize.

Day One Is About Reducing Uncertainty

New educators are not asking for perfection.

They are asking for clarity.

When teachers enter a classroom for the first time, they are immediately trying to understand:

• What the routine is
• What is expected of them
• How behavior is typically handled
• Who they can go to for help

But many educators arrive without this information.

In fact, only about 43% of survey respondents said they feel centers communicate expectations well when they arrive. That means more than half of educators are walking into classrooms unsure of what success looks like.

When expectations are unclear, stress builds quickly and confidence drops just as fast.

As one educator shared:

“One thing centers could do to better support teachers like me is provide more structure and hands-on support in the classroom. Too often, teachers are thrown into situations without clear routines, consistent expectations, or help managing challenging behaviors.” – D.B., Cleveland, OH

Structure is not restrictive.

It is stabilizing.

Feeling Welcomed and Respected Drives Return

Day one is often when educators decide whether a center is somewhere they would return.

Survey data reinforces this:

• 39.5% say they return because of respect and professionalism
• 37.4% cite supportive staff and leadership
• 24.7% say a positive classroom or child fit influences their decision

Respect is often communicated before instruction even begins.

Simple actions matter:

• Being greeted and acknowledged
• Being introduced to co-teachers
• Having expectations explained clearly
• Being treated as part of the team, not “extra help”

When educators feel welcomed, they feel capable. When they feel capable, they are far more likely to return.

Lesson Plans and Materials Are a Retention Tool

One of the clearest pieces of feedback from educators was the need for ready-to-use lesson plans and materials.

New teachers rarely have time to search for supplies or create activities while managing a classroom they are unfamiliar with.

As one educator explained:

“Have the lesson plan and materials handy. Most times there isn’t time to prepare or search the classroom for the items for the lesson. A better idea would be to have a sub box with a general week lesson plan and materials. A ziplock bag with a book and art activity.” – T.J., Cleveland, OH

What a “Day One Ready” Classroom Can Include

• A simple daily schedule posted in the room
• A brief written overview of routines and transitions
• A few approachable activities any teacher can lead
• Materials gathered and clearly labeled

These tools allow educators to focus on children instead of logistics.

Substitute Plans Support Everyone in the Room

Clear substitute plans do more than help substitutes. They protect the classroom.

Effective substitute plans:

• Reduce stress for new educators
• Create consistency for children
• Maintain instructional quality
• Reinforce expectations without guesswork

When substitute plans are missing, educators are forced to improvise. That improvisation often determines whether they return.

Support and Growth Signal Long-Term Opportunity

Day one experiences also influence whether educators would ever consider a center for permanent work.

As one educator shared:

“Provide adequate resources, create a supportive and trusting work environment, and invest in their professional development if looking to hire teachers permanently.” – L.H., Chicago, IL

Support on day one signals:

• How leadership shows up
• Whether educators will be backed when challenges arise
• If growth and development are encouraged

Day one is not just orientation.

It is a preview of what working there feels like.

Unique, High-Impact Ways Centers Can Improve Day One

Based on educator feedback, small systems can make a big difference:

• Create a one-page classroom “Welcome Sheet” with routines and key contacts
• Keep a “Sub Box” or “Day One Kit” in every classroom
• Assign a clear point person educators can go to with questions
• Use activities that work regardless of curriculum familiarity
• Communicate schedule changes or cancellations early and clearly

These steps require intention, not large budgets.

Day One Is a Retention Strategy

Educators do not separate their first day from their decision to return.

A supported day one leads to:

• Repeat bookings
• Stronger relationships
• Greater willingness to consider permanent roles

An unsupported day one often leads to a quiet exit.

Setting Teachers Up for Success Benefits Everyone

When new educators are supported:

• Teachers feel confident and capable
• Classrooms run more smoothly
• Children experience greater consistency
• Centers build a stronger, more reliable workforce

Day one is an opportunity to build trust.

What happens inside the classroom determines whether educators come back.

🧸 Crib Notes

• It only takes one day for a teacher to decide not to return
• Only 43% of educators say expectations are communicated well on arrival
• 39.5% return because of respect and professionalism
• 37.4% return due to supportive staff and leadership
• Lesson plans, materials, and structure reduce stress and improve retention