Staff Development and Education

Teachers are the heart of our educational programs! Child Care Partners devotes much time, effort, and financial resources to our hiring and training procedures. We offer numerous opportunities for advanced training, reflective teaching, and professional growth.

Hiring Procedures

All potential employees complete an application that includes targeted essay questions designed to identify educational philosophies, writing abilities, attitudes toward learning, and beliefs about specific age groups. Selected applicants undergo a thorough interview process that includes questions related to our core company values. To ensure prospective Teachers have the necessary skills and attitudes, we require working interviews that involve time spent in classrooms with children. During the working interview, current Teachers observe and rate the applicant's ability to interact appropriately with children, attend to health and safety issues, and communicate effectively with other staff. Our selection process concludes with reference and background checks, and a final meeting with applicants to discuss our expectations.

Training and Education

Two full-day orientation sessions are required of all new Teachers. These sessions help newcomers learn about appropriate interactions with children, lesson planning, child assessment, family communication, and other vital aspects of the job. Ongoing training and support are crucial to our success in providing quality programs. Child Care Partners hosts two in-service training days per year to address current research and other crucial issues in the field of Early Care and Education. Held on Columbus Day and President's Day, our in-service trainings allow Teachers to share ideas and resources, connect with experts, and adopt new procedures to improve services to children and families. Training is also provided at regular staff meetings at each of our sites. Center Directors, Education Directors, and other trainers provide opportunities for Teachers to learn new information, practice skills, and reflect on teaching practices in a supportive environment. Current first Aid, CPR, and Universal Precautions certification are also required of all staff. Our Pediatric Nurse Consultants work with each Center to provide valuable training in medication administration, and provide information on caring for children with special needs or health concerns. In addition to Center Directors, Child Care Partners employs Education Directors to observe classrooms, provide feedback, and locate training materials and resources for Teachers. This ongoing support ensures that Teachers have the information, support, and feedback they need to meet the needs of individual children and to maintain our high expectations. Finally, Child Care Partners offers a tuition reimbursement plan and training stipends for Teachers interested in pursuing additional education and training.

Evaluation

Our Teachers receive three formal evaluations per year. Based on multiple observations of classroom performance, feedback from parents and families, and individual goals, evaluations are an opportunity for Teachers and Directors to review progress, set additional goals, and develop individual training plans.