Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  New Staff Notification

    Posted 02-23-2021 03:04 AM
    Within your programs, how much information do you provide when an educator is no longer employed at your program?   Families build relationships with the staff and will always ask why they're no longer employed at the school.

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    Noni Walton
    Executive Director
    Oak Leaf School
    Fayetteville GA
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  • 2.  RE: New Staff Notification

    Posted 02-24-2021 08:28 AM
    If the classroom has a newsletter or daily note home, I would possibly consider a Goodbye message. Something like we are sad to have to say goodbye to Mrs. Smith she will be missed but we wish her well in her next endeavor. Or she was offered a great opportunity and we wish her family well. I try to keep it short sweet and well wishing.

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    Christina Kievit
    Child Development Coordinator
    Pasco Early Head Start
    Land O Lakes FL
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  • 3.  RE: New Staff Notification

    Posted 02-24-2021 10:40 AM
    I let parents know the last day the teacher is employed and I always say the teacher is moving on for new opportunities. Something as general as that works.

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    Susan Smith
    Director
    Heart and Hands Montessori
    Lafayette CO
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  • 4.  RE: New Staff Notification

    Posted 02-24-2021 04:41 PM
    We consider personnel matters to be confidential and we let the parents know it is confidential. It is covered in our parent and staff handbook. If it is a voluntary resignation then the staff person writes a letter to the parents in her/his room to let them know they are leaving and why. I review and edit the letter before it goes out. Then it is between the staff person and the parents if they will keep in touch after the staff person leaves. Some do and some do not. If it is an involuntary separation then I respectfully let the parents know that the change was in the best interest of the children and the program. We rarely have an involuntary separation because most issues can be managed through training and coaching.

    We train our staff on the importance of confidentiality and professional boundaries. Staff are not allowed to care for children after hours or on the weekend. We have found that if parents and staff become too familiar it can cause issues. So we emphasize the importance of having healthy boundaries with parents. And remind them if they are out and about or sharing a sporting event with another parent it is essential that they not discuss the children or any of the issues at the program. If the parent is having a problem the staff direct them to speak with me. For the most part this weeks, but I am sure some conversations may go on without my knowledge because of the human nature to talk about others and share bits of information. 


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    Christine Webster
    Director
    Brazosport College Children's Center
    LAKE JACKSON TX
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  • 5.  RE: New Staff Notification

    Posted 02-24-2021 07:04 PM
    I feel that parents need to be informed when their teacher has either left, moved, or anything that changes the classroom environment. Parents need to be made aware. I had two classes together because our one teacher decided it wasn't for her but the office never said anything to her class that they were being moved through different rooms because they thought we should be the ones telling parents. I'm ok with alerting parents of changes but if you send out monthly newsletters, that should be a tool to use that for.

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    Jennifer Alquist
    Teacher
    Concord First Academy
    Concord NC
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