[Jennifer]

<ul type=”disc”>We make time for non-work-related interactions, like staff socials or “get to know you” activities, to build camaraderie.<ul type=”disc”>We also set aside time for staff to collaboratively plan curriculum and activities

[MYAH]

At our center we have two yearly staff meetings, which I think we should have more but focus on how to grow with our group of kiddos because we have so many different kiddos.

[Lori Holmes]

We need more communication. Weekly checking within the classroom staff. Monthly all staff meetings. This helps with sharing creativity, other ways to handle situations, and a clearer concept of what’s happening and the needs in the school.

[Erin]

We have been allowing the staff in each classroom to meet together and talk about their needs or concerns with one another. They have time to brainstorm ideas, talk about anything and everything they want. Often times they come back with requests of items they would like to add to the classroom, or strategies that have been working/not working and asking for guidance or assistance. Its really important to give them time to come together.

[Yvonne]

I have found that the staff comes up with better ideas when they are having fun. When starting a meeting we engage in an ice breaker activity that get us all thinking in a silly manner. Not just info about our personal self or work. A topic that needs creativity and engagement. When the staff is comfortable and warmed up then discussions come easier and ideas flow faster.

[Jenn]

In our center, we have monthly meetings with everyone. We usually get into groups and share what has worked in our room. We usually have a general topic, like art, or problem solving or outside/gym play. We also do a lot of team building activities together, like laser tag and while doing these, each person gets to see how we all stratergize and that’s what can help us in our rooms. How we handle situations.

[calli]

Since it is hard to get everyone to sit down at once during working hours. Putting a box with a notebook paper next to it, so when someone may have a few extra minutes they could jot down there ideas and put it in the box.

[Susan SL]

I like to check in on a zero – five rating when evaluating topics or changes. Ideally, I hope the team will reach consensus before making changes, implementing strategies and other operational activities.

[Beatriz]

When we collaborate with the school about one topic for the month for example universe, being a Astronaut. Our budget does have to be expensive, we use recycle materials and create the theme. We also delegate task for one classroom like building the Rocketship using boxes, other group do the decorations of the wall and etc. So everyone collaborates.

[Niki]

During naptime once a week our teachers brainstorm new ideas, things to do or work on. Then if need be we float around to other rooms to see if there is anything we may be missing or that we could do better.

[Reshma Popat]

At our center we provide a breakdown of our schedules and try to encourage a fun activity for the start. It’s always a fun way of starting off our brains thinking. We have small group meetings about what is and isn’t working. How can we support that and learn from that.

[Suad Ismail]

We can boost creative thinking at daycare by working together in fun, low-stress ways. We can include having quick team huddles where everyone shares one new idea, doing simple brainstorming games, or creating an “idea wall” where staff can post suggestions anytime. We can also rotate activities or pair up staff so they get fresh perspectives

[Jayde]

I think having an environment that’s more casual for things like staff meetings, and incorporating fun activities while brainstorming are ways to add creativity in a childcare team!

[Kaitlin Hudspeth]

Monthly meetings to gather staff thoughts for fundraisers, celebrations, or for curriculum ideas.

[Amanda Brown]

We hold weekly meetings. One with our program managers, then one with our assistants. This helps ensure everyone hears the same thing and helps hold the program managers accountable.