What Is the Difference Between Coaching and Supervising in Child Care? - post

Child care directors and administrators #play a big role in helping #teachers grow. Two common ways to support teachers are supervising and coaching. While they may sound similar, they are not the same.

Supervising focuses on:

• Making sure rules and policies are followed

• Observing #staff for compliance and #safety

• Giving directions and correcting problems

• Completing evaluations and documentation

Coaching, on the other hand, focuses on:

• Helping teachers improve their skills

• Encouraging reflection and self- #growth

• Building confidence and motivation

• Supporting long-term professional #development

Both are important, but they serve different purposes. Understanding when to supervise and when to coach can make a big difference in #staff-success and retention. #ChildCareLeadership

Why Supervising Is Still Important

Supervision is necessary in every child care program. It helps keep children safe and ensures the program meets licensing rules.

As a supervisor, you may:

• Conduct #classroom observations

• Address safety concerns right away

• Enforce policies and procedures

• Complete staff evaluations

Supervision works best when expectations are clear. Teachers need to know what is required of them and what standards they must meet. This creates structure and accountability.

However, supervision alone does not always help teachers grow. This is where coaching comes in.

What Is Coaching and Why Does It Matter?

Coaching is a supportive approach that helps teachers #learn and improve over time. Instead of telling teachers what they did wrong, coaching helps them think about what they can do better.

Coaching focuses on growth, not punishment.

Good coaching:

• Builds trust between directors and teachers

• Encourages open communication

• Helps teachers feel valued and supported

• Leads to better classroom practices

When teachers feel supported, they are more likely to stay in their jobs and continue learning. #TeacherSupport #EarlyChildhoodEducation

How Coaching Supports Teacher Growth

Coaching helps teachers grow by meeting them where they are. Every teacher has different strengths and needs.

Effective coaching can:

• Help new teachers gain confidence

• Support experienced teachers in learning new skills

• Improve classroom management and teaching strategies

• Encourage teachers to set #personal goals

For example, instead of saying, “You need better transitions,” a coach might say, “What do you think worked well during your transitions today? What felt challenging?”

This kind of conversation helps teachers reflect and take ownership of their growth.

When Should You Coach and When Should You Supervise?

Knowing when to coach and when to supervise is key.

Use supervision when:

• A safety issue needs immediate action

• Licensing rules are not being followed

• A policy has been cl #early broken

• Documentation is required

Use coaching when:

• A teacher wants to improve a skill

• Classroom challenges are ongoing

• You want to encourage professional growth

• The teacher is open to feedback

Many situations need both. You may start with supervision to address a concern, then move into coaching to support improvement.

How to Use Coaching in Everyday Leadership

You do not need formal coaching sessions all the time. Coaching can happen in small, everyday moments.

Try these simple coaching strategies:

• Ask open-ended questions

• Listen more than you talk

• Focus on strengths as well as challenges

• Set small, clear goals together

Examples of coaching questions:

• “What do you feel went well today?”

• “What is one thing you would like to improve?”

• “How can I support you with this?”

These conversations show teachers that you care about their growth.

Building a Coaching Culture in Your Program

A coaching #culture is one where learning is always encouraged. Teachers feel safe asking questions and trying new ideas.

To build a coaching culture:

• Model a positive attitude toward learning

• Encourage ongoing professional development

• Celebrate growth, not just results

• Provide regular feedback

Professional learning is an important part of this process. You may find it helpful to explore ChildCareEd’s 45-Hour Coaching and Mentoring Courses, which focus on building strong coaching skills for #early-childhood #leaders.

Directors may also benefit from leadership training like the 45-Hour Director and Administraton Courses, which cover staff management and program leadership:

Using Resources to Strengthen Coaching and Supervision

Having the right tools can make coaching easier. ChildCareEd offers helpful resources designed for early childhood professionals.

One useful resource is the Group Admin Portal, which is Perfect for child care centers, family child care #homes, and multi-site programs, the Admin Portal helps you stay compliant with licensing requirements while saving time and money.

You may also enjoy reading this related article on professional growth:
The Importance of Professional Development for Childcare Providers: Continuing Education and Training

Using trusted resources shows your team that learning matters at every level. #ProfessionalGrowth

How Coaching Improves Staff Retention

Many teachers leave child care because they feel unsupported. Coaching helps change that.

When teachers receive coaching:

• They feel heard and respected

• They gain confidence in their skills

• They see a future in their role

• They are more likely to stay

Supervision alone can feel #stressful. Coaching adds encouragement and partnership, which helps build strong, lasting teams.

Final Thoughts: Coaching and Supervising Work Best Together

Supervising and coaching are both important parts of leadership. Supervision keeps programs safe and compliant. Coaching helps teachers grow and succeed.

When directors balance both approaches, they create a positive workplace where teachers feel supported and children benefit.

For more tips, training, and resources, follow ChildCareEd on social media and stay connected with the early childhood community:

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