They've Read the Handbooks...Now What?

Most of the policies, procedures, and protocols for the early learning program can be found in the parent and staff handbooks. As a director, you take the time to make sure that new teachers have a copy of each and even have them sign the new hire form in the packet acknowledging that they’ve received it. But how do you make sure they’ve actually read it? Could they say they did? Absolutely! Would they sign their name with full knowledge that they’ve never even turned a page? Of course! Or, what if they have read it? How do you hold the staff accountable for information?

It’s simpler than you think: make the policy review process interactive. No…I don’t mean sit across from them at a table or desk and take turns reading to each other. Though it’s tempting, it won’t be very effective. Instead, here are three things you can do to make reading the handbooks more engaging:

1.       Whenever possible, make them put it into practice…AND let them know ahead of time what they’ll be expected to demonstrate. For example, “Be sure to review the sanitizing policy and procedures. I’ll be in to observe you during breakfast tomorrow.”

2.       Create a short quiz that asks them to recall specific details they need to know.
True/False: You can be out of ratio for up to 30 minutes during nap time as long as all of the toddlers are sleeping.

3.       Have them express policies or procedures that may potentially be challenging or that need clarification. “What part of this policy do you think may be challenging for you?”

The trick is to help staff make connections between the written policies and procedures and their application to the work. Think about the content they’re responsible for and categorize them as: need to know and need to do. Be sure to include this in your new hire orientation or implement it whenever things change or are updated. Then, plan to see that it gets done.

Do you have other ideas? Please share them in the comments.