[Anita]

I think new staff should meet other staff members first. This way they will feel more comfortable when entering the classroom and when being introduced to parents. Next would be children with a visit to the classroom before their first day of work.

[Trainer]

Anita, great idea! Meeting other staff members first can create a supportive environment. Building rapport with children early on is also crucial for a warm welcome.

[Shakira Zachary]

I think they should meet the director first! If they are a TA I feel as if the lead teacher should director her and show her around!

[Trainer]

Great point, Shakira! Meeting the director first is important for new staff, and pairing with a lead teacher for onboarding can provide valuable support.

[Jignasa Thaker]

I think new staff members should meet the director first, and then the director can give them a tour and introduce to other staff members. New staff can be assigned the Lead Teacher / Assistant of the class they are going to be assigned to as their buddy, so they can help them get familiar with the classroom, students and their parents.

[Ashley]

The new staff member should meet with the director first and have a tour of the childcare facility! Then meet the staff and pair up with a buddy to help with the transition. After that send out the newsletter introducing the new staff member to the parents!

[Trainer]

Ashley, great suggestions! Meeting with the director and having a tour first is important. Pairing up with a buddy will definitely help with the transition.

[Mary Ellen Lago]

They should meet the Director first and then buddy up with the most experienced team member. Have circle time for everyone to go around and say their name – including the new employee.

[Trainer]

Mary’s suggestion is thoughtful and inclusive. Meeting the Director first and buddying up with an experienced team member promotes a warm welcome and integration into the team.

[cindy Linder]

I think that all new staff should meet the director first. Second, they should be introduced to the team of teachers they will be working with on a daily basis. They each can give an overview of their day and duties. They can talk about schedules for the classroom. But I have always believed that you learn as you do.

[Trainer]

Great insight, Cindy! Meeting the director and the team is important to understand the center’s culture. Hands-on learning is valuable for new staff.

[Trisha Doss]

I start with introducing them to all of the staff. I than introduce them to the classroom of students they will be working with. Our parents/families do not come into our school, so I will send a letter to families welcoming new staff and introduce them.

[Angie Mittleman]

I feel they should meet the director/assistant director and additional office staff first. Be shown where they are able to store their personal belongins, cell phone, and lunch. Then introduce them to all staff in building and then have them shadow a Lead Teacher depending on the class they will be working in.

[Trainer]

Angie’s suggestion to have new staff meet with the director/assistant director and office staff first, then shadow a lead teacher, is comprehensive and thoughtful for a warm welcome. Great idea!

[Ricarla Boyden]

I think that the new staff should meet with the trainer/director first. This will ensure that the new staff person has been properly introduced to the current staff and their roles

[Al-Nadean]

My experience when I was a teacher in preschool was that there was no safe space for me to put my personal belongings. We were not allowed to have it in the classroom, but there was no designated space given, so that would be my number one thing- this is your locker/drawer/cubby to put your things on the first day of orientation.

[Deana]

they should meet the other staf first so they feel comfortable knowing who they work with and who to ask for help then they should meet the kids and parents before their first day to ensure they are familiar with everyone

[Trainer]

Great insights, Deana! Introducing new staff to their colleagues first fosters a supportive environment. Meeting the kids and parents beforehand also helps build confidence and connection—excellent tips for a warm welcome!

[Danielle J HansonHooton]

two truth and a line each person share two true things about themselve and 1 lie and everyone has to figure out the lie

[Grace]

To make new staff feel comfortable you should start by introducing them to their classroom team, teachers, assistants, and any regular volunteers. Office staff and the director should say hello too. Parents get a heads up through the bloomz system, but it’s great when staff greet them during drop-off and pickup.

[Sineka Abeysekara]

Who Should They Meet First?Center Director or Site Supervisor This establishes leadership presence and communicates the values and mission of the program.Lead Teacher or Mentor Educator Someone who embodies the center’s culture and can model best practices.Support Staff (Admin, Kitchen, Custodial) These folks are often unsung heroes—introducing them early fosters respect and teamwork.🤝 Who Should They Buddy Up With?Designated Peer Mentor Choose someone who’s approachable, experienced, and enthusiastic. This buddy should:Check in daily during the first weekOffer classroom tips and routinesBe a sounding board for questions and concernsFloat Staff or Substitute Lead Great for helping new hires understand multiple classroom dynamics and transitions.🌈 Best Tips for a Warm WelcomeCreate a Welcome Basket Include essentials like a name badge, handbook, classroom map, snacks, and a handwritten note from the team.Host a “Meet & Greet” Breakfast or Lunch Casual, low-pressure time to mingle and build rapport.Give a Tour with Stories Don’t just point out the nap mats—share anecdotes that bring the space to life.Celebrate Their Arrival Publicly Post a welcome message on your staff bulletin board or internal chat. Bonus points for a fun fact or photo.Start a “First Week Journal” Encourage them to jot down observations, questions, and wins. It’s a great reflection tool and conversation starter.

[Ciera]

i think the first person they should meet is the person that they will be working with most then meeting all other staff then making sure they feel welcome giving them a little welcome present to the school