Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
The New Staff Orientation curriculum was designed for directors by directors. It is an on-site standardized training using 30 video units and a workbook. Center directors must attend a six-hour Directors' training workshop to receive the curriculum.

Two trainings for directors were held in south central Iowa (Creston and Ottumwa ) in February 2007. Thirty-three participants (representing 12 counties) attended.

Response:
The New Staff Orientation curriculum was designed for directors by directors. It is an on-site standardized training using 30 video units and a workbook. Center directors must attend a six-hour Directors' training workshop to receive the curriculum.

Two trainings for directors were held in south central Iowa (Creston and Ottumwa ) in February 2007. Thirty-three participants (representing 12 counties) attended.

Impact:
Pre/post evaluations completed by 31 participants showed the following behavioral change. Participants indicated they understand the following items quite a bit or most of the time. They are listed with the knowledge showing the greatest change listed first.

Before	Now	Knowledge
29%	100%	Make the most effective use of my time to adequately train new staff.
29%	097%	Organize my orientation training so that I could provide consistent content for each new staff member.
35%	100%	Implement an in-depth, comprehensive new staff orientation, specific to my program policies and practices.
37%	100%	Provide staff with guidance in developing a professional development plan.
32%	094%	Schedule regular communication with staff about learning new skills and knowledge.
58%	097%	Effectively identify a staff member's lack of understanding about a practice or procedure.
83%	100%	Respond to staff in a positive, supportive manner about their developing skills.

 

Comments:

• This is such a practical and simple approach that covers all areas for new staff. I am very excited to implement this in my program.
• This is a great program and I hope empowerment continues to fund this. It's important that children have consistent caregivers and I feel that if staff have adequate training and understanding about their expectations then we can keep them in the field longer.
• As a new supervisor, I took away lots of good information to implement – I am excited to use the training for myself and the rest of the staff.
• Good tool to train staff and will be helpful in getting staff off on a good foot.
• Excellent training and source for centers and directors to use for staff orientation!
• Excellent, informative, easy to implement. Excellent free materials. Great source for NAC training hours.

 

Contact:
Donna K. Donald
Family Life Field Specialist
309 North Main, Leon , IA 50144
Phone: 641-446-4723
Email: ddonald@iastate.edu