Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
Providing quality training and support to new staff poses challenges for child care center and preschool directors. New staff are continually being hired and the training received duirng the first few weeks on the job sets the tone for a positive experience for staff and children. In addition, directors report challenges in ensuring all staff have a shared understanding of center policies and procedures. Finally, many centers and preschools are wanting to earn a point in the Iowa Quality Rating System by meeting the requirement for having a full, center-based orientation within four months of new staff starting employment.

Response:
Funding from Iowa Empowerment enabled us to hold two New Staff Orientation Director trainings this fall in Waterloo and Mason City , reaching twenty-one child care directors, assistant directors and site supervisors. These participants supervise 366 staff and serve 1860 children. This is in addition to the 77 participants in Black Hawk and Cerro Gordo Counties in February and March; a total of 98 child care administrative staff were trained on the New Staff Orientation Program in 2007. A standardized six-hour curriculum created by the state specialist was used, which ensured uniformity in information received by all programs and provided participants with six hours of DHS Professional Development Training credit. Four of the participants also received National Administrator Credential (NAC) credit hours.

Impact:
100% of the participants indicated this program increased their ability to implement an in-depth, comprehensive new staff orientation. 95% felt they improved their ability to organize orientation training so that they could provide consistent content for each new staff member. Sample comments included:

• I think this will help the new staff; it covers a lot of areas that may be very overwhelming and a good refresher for experienced staff.
• I came into this expecting 'yet another' view of what high quality orientation/programming looks like - I was so pleased and excited how well it fits into all other initiatives such as ITERS/ECERS, PITC, Welcome to Child Care, etc. Great Videos! Very effective orientation program and I am excited to implement it. Thank you for offering NAC, DHS hrs, QRS points AND CEUs too.
• Very excellent training. Wish I would of had something like this when I first started my business.
• I really enjoyed the class and will use all information to implement this program as soon as possible.
• It was a good experience! I learned a lot and got valuable information to take back to my center.
• I was pleasantly surprised how good and useful the DVD and worksheets are.
• Best training I have had - in a long time.

 

Other Staff Involved:
Lesia Oesterreich, Family Life Specialist, 515-294-0363; Jen Van Ryswyk, New Staff Orientation Coordinator, 515-294-5702

Contact:
Donna Andrusyk
Bremer County Extension
720 7th Ave SW
Tripoli, IA 50676
319-882-4275
andrusyk@iastate.edu