[Martha]

New staff gets greeted by the director following up with an orientation. After that we do a walk through of the program where the new staff meets the receptionist and all teachers as we tour each classroom. They would have an opportunity to meet all other staff members as well like the cook, janitor and security personnel. Once they start working in a classroom, their teaching team will introduce them to the families and students in the class.

[J’Teia James]

I feel as though all new staff members should meet the director first. That way they can learn all the key points they need to know about the center and get any questions out of the way they might have regarding the center and their position. From there, with a tour from the director before first official start date, the new staff should meet all other staff members and given a very detailed but brief description of each persons role within the center to not only make the new hire feel comfortable while knowing who each person is, but also so the new hire will have knowledge of who to go to for certain childcare and center needs or questions. Afterwards, the new hire should finish off with meeting the children. Since they’ve already met the other staff members prior to their official start date they will feel more comfortable with steeping into the classrooms to introduce themselves and will also be able to spend more time getting to know the children individually. Lastly the new staff should be able to meet the parents of the children upon pickup over the next few days within starting to allow the parents to be able to put a face to the name and have time to ask any questions they might have.

[Samantha]

As the director, I am the one doing the hiring, so they will have already met me. I think that I would love to have the leads/assistants meet each other in my office with me so we can go over expectations together and answer questions. I also need to do better about making sure the leads know how/what to train the teachers on.

[Amelie]

Welcoming a new childcare center staff with open arms is crucial and will set the tone for future positive interactions. To my mind, they should first meet the director and other staff members from the administration team, since they will be the referent and persons to seek help from when a problem arises. Secondly, they should buddy up with their assistant/co-teacher during onboarding since they are the person they will frequent the most. Lastly, they should meet the children they will care for before their first day in the classroom, so they are all acquainted.

[Trainer]

Great insights, Amelie! Your emphasis on meeting the director and administration first highlights the importance of support. Introducing staff to children early fosters connection, ensuring a smoother transition. Well done!

[Teiara]

New childcare staff should first meet the director, their direct supervisor, front office staff, and the health/safety lead so they understand expectations and procedures. During onboarding, they should be paired with a “buddy” or mentor—ideally an experienced teacher in the same age group classroom—to guide them through daily routines.To create a warm welcome, centers should provide a tour and welcome packet, allow time for observation before full responsibility, introduce staff gradually to children and families, and schedule regular check-ins. A supportive buddy system and clear communication help new staff feel comfortable and confident quickly.

[Trainer]

Teiara, your insights on introducing new staff to key personnel and implementing a buddy system are spot on! Your suggestions for a warm welcome and structured onboarding will truly foster a supportive environment. Great job!

[Pam Vance]

I believe that new staff should be introduced to directors, staff who they will be working the most with, all staff in building, the children in their classroom and parents from that classroom and then all children and all parents.

[Pam Vance]

I believe that new employees should buddy up with their co-teacher to begin with.

[Jessica Jaramillo]

Meeting all the staff the first day is overwhelming, lots of names and faces that you will barely remember. Director would be the first person I would introduce new staff too. After which pair them up with the most knowledgeable staff member that they will be working closer with that day or soon after. I had an old boss that decided to send new hires on a crazy mission around the building for a specific paper or whatever he decided to come up with that day. Every staff member was in on it. Saying hi ain’t and telling them no.They didn’t have it and sending em onto the next room, typically, on the opposite end of the building. With each room they went into, they met each staff member little by little gaining knowledge of the building and the people they would be working with. And having a little laugh along the way, as well as some frustration.