Staffing
DPH requirements for staff include, but are not limited to:
- Completed state and federal background checks on all employees (including fingerprint checks and DCF screening).
- There must be at least two staff aged 18 or older on the premise at all times that children are in attendance.
- A Head Teacher on site for at least 60% of the time or more.
- A head teacher must be 20 years old or older, have a high school diploma or equivalent, have 1080 hours of supervised work experience with same aged children in a center based program, CDA or 12 credits in early childhood education.
- A head teacher that has a 4 year degree in early childhood education would only need to have 360 hours of supervised work experience with same age children.
Some funding sources may require your staff to hold higher educational credentials.
Keep in mind that staff salaries will probably be the largest line item in your budget. Retaining qualified staff is vital for quality child care programs. Because salary impacts staff turn over rates, you should consider how you will pay your staff an adequate salary.
Qualities to look for when hiring staff:
When hiring infant/toddler caregivers, look for individuals who:
- Provide lots of physical contact such as holding, carrying, rocking, etc.
- Respond to children quickly and lovingly to meet their needs
- Use redirection often as a way to guide children’s behavior
- Respect children’s individual needs and routines such as napping, feeding, etc.
- Encourage children to reach new milestones, for instance reaching for toys, crawling or walking.
- Provide language stimulation in the form of singing songs, reciting finger plays, and initiating conversations
When hiring preschool staff, look for individuals who:
- Encourage children to verbalize their feelings with others
- Help children learn ways to handle conflicts in a positive manner
- Read to children daily and encourage a love of books
- Help children to feel good about themselves by: having lots of one-on-one interactions, offering hugs, smiles, and praise, etc.
When hiring school age staff, look for individuals who:
- Understand that school age children need time for active play after school
- Try to give school age children age appropriate responsibilities
- Include the children in the making of rules
- Realize that this age group still needs nurturing, guidance, and affection while they are becoming increasingly more independent
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