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New Staff Training

SOP 4: New Staff Training Overview (Step-by-Step)

Purpose

To ensure every new hire can operate safely, confidently, and consistently before working independently with children.

Policy

All new staff must complete required onboarding training and receive leadership approval before being left alone with children.

Step-by-Step Procedures

STEP 1: Assign Training Path (Prior to First Workday)

  1. The Director confirms the staff memberā€™s role:

    • Infant

    • Toddler

    • Preschool

    • Support Staff

  2. The Director selects required training modules based on role.

  3. The new hire completes:

    • Online Staff Handbook training

    • Required online safety and compliance training

STEP 2: Assign Mentor & Hands-On Training

  1. The Director assigns the new hire to a Lead Teacher or Mentor Teacher.

  2. The Mentor Teacher is responsible for completing theĀ Hands-On Training Checklist.

  3. A shadowing schedule is provided that includes all licensing mandatory requirements.

STEP 3: Safety & Facility Orientation

The Mentor Teacher or Director walks the new hire through:

  1. Emergency exit locations

  2. Fire extinguisher locations

  3. First aid kit locations

  4. Incident and accident reporting procedures

STEP 4: Emergency Preparedness Training

  1. The new hire reviews and/or participates in procedures for:

    • Fire drills

    • Lockdown drills

    • Shelter-in-place procedures

    • Evacuation procedures

  2. The Mentor confirms understanding and proper response expectations.

STEP 5: Curriculum Implementation Training

  1. Show the new hire where lesson plans are located:

    • Digital platform

    • Classroom binder

    • Classroom posting board

  2. Review the daily classroom rhythm:

    • Circle time

    • Learning centers

    • Small group instruction

    • Outdoor play

    • Nap/rest time

    • End-of-day routines

  3. Demonstrate:

    • Activity setup

    • Material use

    • Classroom cleanup procedures

STEP 6: Behavior Management Training

  1. Review center-approved guidance and discipline language.

  2. Model appropriate strategies, including:

    • Redirection

    • Calm-down support

    • Reinforcing classroom rules

  3. Emphasize consistency, tone, and positive interactions.

STEP 7: Documentation & Parent Communication Training

  1. Demonstrate how to complete daily reports, including:

    • Required fields

    • Professional and positive tone

  2. Review communication guidelines:

    • What information may be shared with parents

    • When concerns must be escalated to the Director

    • Appropriate messaging practices

STEP 8: End-of-Training Review & Approval

  1. The Mentor Teacher confirms the new hire can:

    • Supervise children safely

    • Follow classroom routines

    • Apply behavior guidance strategies

    • Complete required documentation

  2. The Director reviews training documentation.

  3. The Director signs off before the employee is permitted independent classroom coverage.

Required Documentation

 

  • New Staff Training Checklist

  • Classroom Shadowing Log

  • Emergency Drill Acknowledgment Form