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Archive for the ‘Hiring Employees’ Category

Picking Good People…The Test of Your Leadership

 Picking good people for your business can sometimes seem like a treasure hunt and it is a test of your leadership. In fact, this has been the area of operating a childcare business that has tested my leadership on may occasions.

During the interview process the applicant appears to be positive, he or she will say all the right things and wear the right clothes. However, the test begins on the first day of employment.

One thing that I have learned with selecting employees, is the simple fact that people do not reveal their true self until after they have been hired. Today I want to share with you some tips on how to pick good people for your child care business.

Selecting a Good Employee For Your Child Care Business

Schedule an interview with potential applicants during a time when the kids are gone are sleeping. Ask the following questions:

  1. Tell me about you
  2. Why should I hire you
  3. Are you willing to work flexible hours
  4. What would your previous employer tell me about you
  5. What are your goals
  6. What would a day be like in your class

Asking the  questions above, will help you to determine if you want this person working in your childcare business or not. Be sure to contact the applicant’s previous employer, to verify employment dates and ask the following question, “Would you rehire this person.” If they say “No”, then I think you can make an educated decision and decide if this person is right for your business.

What happens if you discover that this person is not  right  for your business

Another Lesson that I have learned in this business is; “Be fast to fire and slow to hire.” If you notice behavior that you do not like, address it immediately and discuss a plan of correction. If the employee continues to repeat the behavior, do not hesitate to terminate employment.

Employees are very observant and if they notice that you will allow them to slack in the beginning, they will continue that behavior throughout their employment in your business.

If you keep the wrong person on your team, it will cause you more headaches than you ever thought you could have. The wrong person= wrong results.

Here are some traits of the wrong person: gossip starter, negative about your business, does not honor your request, slacks in performance along with many other negative attributes.

There is no perfect employee, however, you would know when an employee is right for your business, because you will see good results and  you would be so glad that you made the decision to hire the employee.

Moreover, picking the right people will make your job easier and they will be an extension of you and represent your business well!

Bob Biehl says that 60-80% of the success of any company is in these 3 factors:

  • Clear direction
  • “The Right people”
  • Sound finances

Happy Employee Selection,

Shiketa

Ready to improve your Human Resource Practices or Grow as a Business Leader? Subscribe to my Child Care Business Management eCourse or Download my Art of Owning a Center Audio Series.

Category:

Employee Management, Hiring Employees, Human resource, Leadership, Work Place Laws

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Staff Turnover in Child Care Centers

staff

In my 10 years of  being a center owner, I have noticed that the child care industry has a very high staff turnover rate. In fact, sometimes I get very irritated at the lack of commitment from many of the staff members, however, I know that I must grow as a leader in order to effectively deal with the challenges that come along with operating a center.

Moreover, I do not look forward to seeing the look on a parent’s face when their child’s teacher leaves the center, however, you must remain professional and  reassure the parent that you are seeking to hire the best teacher for the job.

I  have seen many staff members come and go; some employees have stayed for 3-weeks or less, my longest employed staff member was with me for over 7 years and several employees were on my team for two or more years.

As I think back on what inspired my employees to stay with me; I was  inspired to share with you, what I believe contributes to a High Turnover  and what causes employees to stay with you.

Why I believe that there is a High Turnover in Child Care Center

There are many factors to consider in terms of the staff turnover rate in child care centers and I believe that the top six are as follows:

  1. The Owner or hiring manager must be able  to select the right person for the center. *Every one is not a perfect match for your center
  2. When enrollment is low, Owners are forced to cut hours and this could lead to staff members search for new jobs.
  3. There is a need for more trained early childhood professionals
  4. The Staff members may not respect management
  5. Centers can use more financial assistance to help pay for higher salaries for Early Childhood Professionals
  6. We as Owners must develop vital leadership skills, so that we are empowered to handle staff issues that may lead to a high turnover

7 Ways to Make Your Center a Great Place to Work

  1. Pay your employees more than what they have made at a previous Job.
  2. Offer paid Holidays and Vacation Time
  3. Conduct an Orientation that introduces your new staff members to your center and the other staff members. ** be sure that it is full of excitement
  4. Hold Monthly Staff Potlucks
  5. Plan a fun event for all the staff to come together once a year. (shopping trip, visit a spa, etc)
  6. Be a Positive boss and your employees will be positive
  7. Offer opportunities or financial assistance for the staff to enhance their education
  8. Provide a cool and relaxing place for breaks
  9. Buy lunch 3-4 times a year, your staff members will love it!

For more tips on how to effectively manage staff or tips on how to build a Successful Child Care Center, Check out my ebook: The Art of Owning a Child Care Center.

With Your Child Care Business in Mind,

Shiketa

Category:

Business Management, Child Care Center, Hiring Employees, Staffing

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