Professionalism
You have the most amazing job! And it is one of the most important jobs in the world because it affects a young child for life. When someone asks you what you do, be proud to say that you teach and care for very young children!
But what exactly is expected of you in this role?
A complete job description of lead teacher and assistant teacher positions is included in the employee handbook. We even had Key Results Areas to help you know when you are succeeding and where you need more support. Of course, these lists are not all inclusive and each of us ends up doing a little bit of everything around here! When you have questions about your responsibilities, please check with one of the administrative staff.
Professionalism
Dress Code
It is very important when working with small children that you be comfortable and dressed for play. It is also important that you present a positive and professional image to the parents that are entrusting you with their children. To accomplish both of these please dress comfortably, casually, but neatly and cleanly.
A general rule of thumb is to dress similarly to the parents who bring their children to you. Not the most formal or the least professional, but those right in the middle.
What is your career goal? How do you want to be seen? Your appearance certainly tells everyone how seriously you take your job leading and teaching children. Who knows? One of your current families might be on the hiring committee in a few years!
Professionalism
Dress Code (continued)
Blue jeans are acceptable, but please make sure they are in good repair. Torn or stained clothes, sweat pants, skin tight yoga pants, and your pajamas are NOT acceptable (unless it’s pajama day).
We offer Basic Beginnings shirts, if you like, or you may choose professional dress and a Basic Beginnings nametag! If you want a BB shirt, just ask the front desk!
Please, though, do not wear clothing advertising for anyone but Basic Beginnings or the University of Wyoming!
Suggestive clothing, or clothing that displays material inappropriate for young children is NEVER acceptable. In such a case, we will ask you to go home and change into something more appropriate.
Please wear appropriate shoes. You will undoubtedly find yourself running with (or after) a child. Flip-flops are dangerous! Sandals are okay if they have a strap to hold them on your heel.
Tattoos that are visible should be preschool-appropriate. If your “ink” is questionable, please wear clothing that covers them.
Professionalism
Employee files
We maintain a file for each member of our staff. It includes their application, hiring information, training history, and any required records for working in a child care center. You may view your own file at anytime. Just ask the Director! Your file is kept confidential and no information will be released without your permission.
Please help us keep your file up-to-date by submitting transcripts at the end of each semester, if you are taking college coursework.
Professionalism
Professional Memberships
Your membership for professional early childhood organizations may be eligible for full or partial payment by Basic Beginnings. If you wish to join any such organizations, or are renewing your membership, just run it by the Director to find out the details.
Professionalism
Social Media
It is a violation of Wyoming Child Care Licensing Regulations for any employee of a child care center to post photos, names, or any information about one of our children on ANY social media platform. Please do not use your cell phone to record any information about our children, including photos. Please use only classroom tablets for this!
It is a violation of our center policy for you to post any comments relating to the children that either the parents or your supervisor would find unprofessional.
If you do not want the parents of your children or your director to see it,
DO NOT POST IT!
Professionalism
Related Training and Instruction
Just like professional memberships, any training workshops, conferences, and even college level courses may be eligible for full or partial payment by Basic Beginnings, depending on the type of benefits you are already using. If you would like to take advantage of scholarships for any training, just ask the Director for details.
The Child Development Associate Credential is a minimum requirement for Basic Beginnings staff members. If you have not already completed a degree in early childhood please talk to Jan about the CDA!
Professionalism
The Wyoming Department of Family Services mandates that all child care providers complete at least 16 clock hours of training every year.
This training must be pre-approved by DFS and must meet certain requirements.
All approved training also applies toward your personal staff development plan. For full details on the staff development plan, ask your program coordinator. They would be happy to help you earn your next raise!
Professionalism
Employee Attendance Policies
When one of our staff members is not at work, our children do not have enough teachers to provide adequate care. In summary, that means we really need for all of our staff members to be dependable, showing up for their regularly scheduled shift and being here on time. In the case of illness or emergency, please call the center before 7:00 a.m. or at least 2 hours before your shift is scheduled to begin so that we may arrange for a replacement for you. No texts or emails, please. We often do not check for these in the middle of the day, and YOU are responsible for making sure we have received notification.
Professionalism
After completing six months of full-time employment, you begin accruing paid time off. To claim this time, please complete a time off request form at the front desk and note that you would like to claim it as paid time off. We want you to be rested and fresh on the job!
Professionalism
We also recognize that even before you are eligible for paid vacation, you probably will need time off for personal reasons. Again, please complete a time-off request at the front desk.
Please, give us plenty of time to work out alternate staffing arrangements to cover for the time you will be gone. We always do our best to accommodate your requests within reason.
Professionalism
We understand that you cannot plan ahead for time off for emergencies or illnesses. In that case, please call us by 7:00 a.m. or at least 2 hours before your shift is scheduled to begin so that we can make arrangements to cover for you. Again, an email or a text is NOT ACCEPTABLE!
Remember that children need to form healthy bonding relationships with their care providers. Frequent use of floaters and substitutes makes it difficult for the children to trust their caregivers.
Excessive absences are not good for the children or for the classroom, and may result in reprimand or disciplinary action.
While we want you to take time off when you need it, we expect that you will make the effort to be at work for the sake of the kids in your care.
Professionalism
For the first 3 months of employment, all positions are considered probationary. That way, if you decide early childhood is not for you (or if we feel it is not a good fit for you), you will be free to seek other employment and we will be free to search for a replacement.
It is important that you make sure you have completed all of the requirements for probationary employment, or your probation will be extended until you have done them all.
Professionalism
After three months of employment you will be considered a permanent employee.
At that point any violations will result in a chat with the Director and possibly a written reprimand. Intentional violations of DFS rules may still result in your dismissal.
Repeat violations will also be considered grounds for termination of your employment. However, it is always our goal to help you grow and learn more about the children you work with and the company you are a part of! We want to give you the skills and the knowledge to be good at your job. You will be happier, the kids will be happier, the parents will be happier, and WE will be happier!
Professionalism
Staff Relationships
Different personalities and educational philosophies among members of the staff are common, and in most cases, are a positive thing. However, should those differences become a negative issue, we encourage you to talk to the Director. We would like you to do your best to resolve issues on your own, but we will be glad to help you formulate ideas for ways to create a cooperative and positive atmosphere for the teachers and for the children.
If you are struggling to communicate or work with someone, we hope you will feel comfortable enough to bring it to the attention of your immediate supervisor or a member of the administrative team. Remember, you can always use the “Let Us Know” link on the employee portal website!
Professionalism
Please answer the following questions. Then add your name (READABLE, PLEASE!) and the date, and give it to the front desk.
Name _______________________________________ Date___________
�B.B. Employee Orientation 10: Professionalism�
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20PComplaint-Form-0508-0002- 508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
1. mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
2. fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
3. email: program.intake@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.