How to Handle Unexpected Events inYour Microschool
Posted on March 17th, 2025 by Makenzie Oliver
Life is full of surprises, and as a microschool owner, you know that the unexpected can happen at any time. Being prepared is key, whether it’s a natural disaster, a personal emergency, or even bad weather. A while ago, Hurricane Milton forced us to delay the much-anticipated 300th episode of our podcast. While we weren’t able to celebrate that milestone just yet, this situation brought to light the importance of having a plan in place for handling disruptions in your microschool.
Today, I’m sharing five essential steps to help you prepare for unexpected events so you can protect your school, your students, and your peace of mind.
1. Establish Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Every microschool should have a set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for different emergency situations. This includes natural disasters, power outages, illness, and any other unforeseen circumstances that might disrupt your school’s operations.
When I was delayed at the airport due to the hurricane, I took the time to write down all the tasks I needed to do once I got home. I then added these notes to my emergency preparedness binder—something I highly recommend for all school owners. Your SOPs should be documented and easily accessible so that you and your team can act quickly when needed.
If you're just starting your microschool, you won’t have all your SOPs in place right away, but you can create them as you go. Document your experiences and refine your procedures over time. Our Microschool Masterminds program provides guidance on setting up these SOPs to make sure your school is always prepared.
2. Have Designated Spaces and Emergency Kits
Just like we prepare our homes for a storm, your microschool should have a designated emergency preparedness space. At home, I have a clear plastic bin stocked with essentials like flashlights, batteries, candles, lighters, and propane tanks. In my school, I keep emergency binders, first-aid kits, and essential supplies in a known location.
You should also have a physical and digital space to store your emergency plans. This could be a reference binder or an online folder shared with your staff. Having these resources in place will help you act quickly when emergencies arise.
3. Build A Support Network
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in running a microschool is that you can’t do everything alone. Having a network of reliable people you can count on is crucial.
When my grandfather passed away unexpectedly during my first year of running the school, I had to rely on a substitute teacher to step in. I managed this crisis smoothly because I had a backup plan in place. Whether it's an assistant teacher, a trusted family member, or a substitute list, having people ready to help can make a significant difference during emergencies.
If you’re still building your support network, start by making a list of potential substitutes and volunteers. Who could step in if you needed to take unexpected time off? Having an answer to that question will bring you peace of mind.
4. Prioritize Clear Communication
When emergencies happen, communication is key. Your families and staff need to know what’s happening and what steps to take next.
We use the Playground app to send out updates via text and email, keeping our families informed before, during, and after an emergency. Whether it’s a school closure, a power outage, or another urgent matter, having a communication system in place helps reduce confusion and ensures everyone stays on the same page.
Make sure your school has a way to communicate with parents and staff quickly. Text messages, emails, or even a private Facebook group can be effective ways to keep everyone updated.
5. Flexibility is Key
Once the emergency has passed, follow up with your families and staff. Send a message letting them know that everything is okay and outline any next steps.
For example, after a storm, we send updates about when school will resume or if any adjustments need to be made. More importantly, we always express our gratitude. A simple “Thank you for your patience and understanding” goes a long way in maintaining trust and strong relationships with your school community.
Final Thoughts
Running a microschool means being ready for anything. Over the years, I’ve experienced everything from hurricanes to unexpected family emergencies, and I’ve learned that preparation makes all the difference. By implementing Standard Operating Procedures, preparing emergency kits, building a support network, maintaining clear communication, and following up, you can navigate any storm that comes your way—literally and figuratively. If you’re looking for more resources to help you organize and grow your microschool, check out our MicroSchool Masterminds community and our Business Bundle for ready-made templates, contracts, and guides.
Stay safe, stay prepared, and keep shining your light!
Looking for more support in running your microschool? Join us in our Microschool Masterminds group for live coaching, valuable resources, and a supportive community of educators like you!