[Jill]

I think its so important to have meetings with specific topics that teachers can come in with ready to collaborate and then using that input, working together to find our solutions. When it feels like voices are being heard and that we use a team approach, that goes a long way for our success

[Trainer]

Great insights, Jill! Focusing on structured meetings encourages collaboration and values everyone’s input. By fostering a team approach, we can enhance creativity and problem-solving in our daycare.

[Melissa]

By having a fun and relaxing staff meeting where everyone feels comfortable to share their ideas with one another and not like they’re being pressured or put on the spot.

[Ebby]

I think that some fun ways we could do creative thinking is by having group activities during staff meetings that allow us to get to know each other better/closer. But also open up opportunities for games or ways we can openly talk about ways we can improve our center.

[Jennifer]

We meet quarterly during a PD day to come together and discuss ways to improve for student success. Classroom teams meet weekly to discuss goals (team and student); progress towards goals; what is working; what is not working; future exploratory topics and an overall check in as a classroom team.

[Rebekah]

I try to do a collaborative ice breaker during each staff meeting- not something basic or about the teachers although we will do that one too- but something that is center related, where the infant teacher might have a solution to an issue in the preschool room and we can tackle it as a team

[Joy V]

At the preschool I work at we have monthly meetings where teachers share helpful insights to others. This greatly helps share creative ideas and brainstorming more of a breeze. We also have an additional meeting for main teachers to share their insights with each other once a month as well.

[Trainer]

Great insights, Joy! Monthly meetings are an excellent way to foster collaboration and creativity. Perhaps incorporating themed brainstorming sessions could further enhance idea-sharing among the staff!

[Kayla Goldberg-Bent]

Hi All! Something that helped us promote creative thinking with staff was breaking into age groups where staff can share ideas of how they maintain their classroom organization, behavior management, parent communication and more what ever the topic is of the that staff meeting. We also make idea webs of what the teachers want to do with their students, how to get their families involved in their classrooms or ideas for in house field trips for the summer time. We also make maps that share ideas for staff engagement and team bonding ideas.

[Trainer]

Hi Kayla! Your approach to breaking into age groups for idea sharing sounds fantastic! Creating idea webs and maps fosters collaboration and encourages creativity among staff. Great suggestions!

[Ashton]

Near our program there is a cute cafe where we can go once a week to have meetings to plan activities together and work on implementing our fun ideas outside of program, while also bonding and strengthening our relationship as a team.

[Trainer]

Great idea, Ashton! Meeting at the cafe not only fosters creativity but also strengthens team bonds. Consider incorporating themed brainstorming sessions to keep the ideas flowing and engaging!

[Gabriela]

I think gathering on a weekly basis with the whole team and allowing everybody to bring ideas would be a good way to not only build morale, but also to make sure that we have everyone’s ideas accounted for. If we start to incorporate, at least one idea from everybody people will feel better about incorporating their ideas. I have seen some people shut down ideas before and so for them to have their ideas taken seriously it would boost morale.

[Trainer]

Great insights, Gabriela! Weekly gatherings can indeed foster collaboration and boost morale. Emphasizing idea validation will encourage everyone to contribute, enhancing our creative environment. Keep the ideas flowing!

[Jill]

At staff meetings, allow teachers and staff to share resources and ideas for best practices and give them an opportunity to share honest input about how they feel most supported by admin.

[Trainer]

Great suggestion, Jill! Encouraging open dialogue and resource sharing during staff meetings can definitely foster collaboration and creativity. Creating a supportive environment will inspire innovative ideas in our daycare!

[Maisa Ahmad]

We have small committees at our center, that we schedule time for them to meet, brainstorm and come up with ideas for the center. Like a spirit week or different ways to decorate the hallways throughout the center.

[Trainer]

Great ideas, Maisa! Forming small committees fosters collaboration and creativity. Scheduling dedicated brainstorming time allows everyone to contribute, making it easier to implement fun initiatives like spirit week and hallway decorations!

[Sherry Brown]

I think being open to let everyone be able to come up with new ideas and try them is a good plan laugh about things that didnt work

[Trainer]

Great insight, Sherry! Encouraging an open environment for idea-sharing and embracing failures with humor fosters a supportive atmosphere that can truly enhance creativity among staff. Keep it up!

[Maria]

To boost creative thinking in our daycare, we can focus on simple, fun ways to collaborate as a team. One idea is to set up short “idea huddles” each week where staff can share quick suggestions or new activity ideas without pressure. We could also create a shared idea board—either on a wall or online—where anyone can add thoughts, photos, or inspiration throughout the week. This keeps creativity flowing even when we’re busy.Collaboration becomes easier when the environment feels safe and supportive, so encouraging open conversation and celebrating small ideas can make a big difference. Simple steps like rotating who leads brainstorming sessions, using playful prompts, or trying quick team challenges can help everyone feel included. When staff feel heard and valued, creative thinking naturally grows, and the whole program benefits from fresh, shared ideas.

[Maisa Ahmad]

We have different committees among our staff. The different committees function for different reasons and all on how to improve our center and to improve community build with our families through out the program.

[Trainer]

Great idea, Maisa! Utilizing committees fosters collaboration and diverse perspectives. Consider scheduling regular brainstorming sessions to share creative ideas across committees, enhancing teamwork and innovation in our center.

[Karen]

Creating a mode for anonymous suggestions which can be more fully explored at upcoming meetings can help staff members quickly drop a line in an informal manner when an idea strikes, instead of waiting for a weekly or even monthly gathering. I know I often forget what I’d like to discuss as time goes on and then can often be dismissed for a lack of time on the next meeting agenda.

[Trainer]

Great suggestion, Karen! An anonymous suggestion box can definitely encourage open communication and ensure all ideas are heard. It’s a practical way to keep creativity flowing between meetings!