A new Brightwheel blog post contends that when a child care program’s staff feels connected, motivated, and valued, it directly reflects the care and learning experiences that the program offers.
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In the post, Brightwheel put together a list of 100 employee engagement ideas for child care programs that can increase staff satisfaction, productivity, and the overall performance of programs or preschools.
The 100 suggestions are broken down into a variety of categories, including career development, appreciation and recognition, team building, and others.
The post notes that it is not enough that employees show up and do their jobs if program directors want to provide the best possible care for children. Employees must also be engaged and highly-motivated.
Employee engagement, the article contends, improves the quality of care at a program, boosts employee retention and reduces turnover, and helps to achieve business goals.
Below are several of the ideas listed under each category.
Invest in staff’s career development
- Have regular 1:1 check-ins so staff can share highlights, challenges, and areas where they need more training or support.
- Encourage staff members to self-reflect on their own career goals throughout the year.
- Offer tuition assistance or reimbursement for staff furthering their education in early childhood.
Show appreciation and recognition regularly
- Plan staff outings and offsite events.
- Practice active listening and implement an open-door policy.
- Work with staff members’ individual needs to offer flexible scheduling if possible.
Provide team-building opportunities
- Start every staff meeting with a fun icebreaker that helps staff get to know each other better.
- Play fun games on your next training day.
- Celebrate special holidays, milestones, and birthdays as a team.
Support your staff’s well-being and mental health
- Model healthy behavior in the workplace and remember to take care of yourself.
- Implement Teacher Wellness Days so staff can have time to recharge.
- Post a list of community mental health resources in your staff break room.
Engage veteran staff members
- Ask veteran staff members to mentor newly-hired staff members.
- Have them lead discussions during professional development meetings.
- Celebrate veteran staff members’ career milestones.
To read all 100 employee engagement ideas for early childhood education staff, visit Brightwheel’s blog post.
