In a rush? Here’s the quick run-down:
It’s no secret that childcare management software is central to high quality early childhood education (ECE) programs and childcare centers.
Automated payments, automated reporting, digital attendance tracking, and efficient and accessible parent-teacher communication are just a few of the features that streamline your day-to-day tasks and improve the quality of your childcare business.
Today, I want to talk about one specific benefit when using a preschool management software: staff management.
Think scheduling of all types of staff - part-time, full-time, substitutes - vacation and time-off requests, classroom ratios, trainings and certifications, direct messaging, and so much more. All information you need for accurate and easy staff management can be all in one place with a preschool scheduling software.
Let me explain more.
ECE teams are commonly made up of full-time, part-time and substitute teachers. Juggling all of these different schedules and remembering who comes on what day, and at what time, is taking up too much brain space, and too much time, that you could be using elsewhere.
With a preschool scheduling software, all staff and all schedules are all in one place - in one platform, with a clear overview.
Childcare management software can also streamline and organize administration around staff management. And it is still all in one place!
Finally, a preschool management software can also make the communication between staff members easier and more efficient. Finding a time that works for everyone to meet is almost impossible. Save that time - when it actually happens - for important topics and discussions. No more wasting quality in-person time on running through a grocery list of announcements and updates - just send them anytime during the platform.
Hopefully the points above - at the minimum - peaked your interest, and you may be more seriously considering a preschool scheduling software for your childcare.
However, I know that your team may be a bit hesitant to pick up a new software, especially if they are accustomed to the way things have been done, like pen and paper, spreadsheets, or even a different type of software.
Change is hard, but I think your whole staff will be amazed at how much a scheduling software can help with their time management. They’ll notice the benefits instantly. Their day-to-day will feel less chaotic and they can spend more time doing what they do best - spending time with the children and supporting their development.
Trust is fundamental to implementing change in your center. If you haven't taken the time to build that foundation and foster an open, supportive and collaborative team, it's going to be more challenging for your staff to truly embrace your new ideas.
When your staff believe that you will do what is best for them, and the childcare center as a whole, they are more willing to accept changes, trust that you will handle any difficulties in a respectful way, and work together to adapt to new processes.
Change isn’t easy, and so it’s natural for people to want to understand why the change is worth it. What will get better if we change? What’s wrong with how we’re doing things now?
Take the time to explain to your staff why you are implementing a new tool and processes.
Here, you should think about the preschool software from the perspective of your staff. How does it improve their day-to-day? What gets easier, faster, or less confusing?
For example, a preschool scheduling software will save them time by giving them a clear overview of their schedules so they can plan ahead, as well as ensuring that their room ratios are correct. It will be easier for staff to submit their leave requests for their well-deserved time off! Also, it will streamline many of their busy admin tasks so that they can do what they wanted to do when they chose a career in ECE - spend more time in classrooms with the little ones.
These days, staff retention is tough. Every child care director and administrator is thinking of more ways they can help their staff feel supported and appreciated.
As the director, you can frame the preschool management software as something you’re implementing for the benefit of your team - to enable and support your staff best.
So, how do you even have this conversation?
Your staff may be a bit resistant to the change if they’re simply told you’re making the switch to a new way of doing things, and then are expected to adapt to it on their own time.
Your team might not be wild about learning the ropes of some new tech platform - especially if you've never used a preschool management software or digital tools at your center before.
Help your team get set up and familiarize themselves with the platform. Demonstrate that you’re making the time to work through the change together, clear up any misunderstandings, and invite questions on a running basis.
Make it a collaborative learning experience. Hold a workshop, bring some snacks and go through it together!
Also, remind them that if you are not available, there is a support team that they can reach out to with any questions.
No matter how user-friendly the software may be, it always takes time to learn something new. Remind them that there is not limited time that they can ask questions. They should reach out for support whenever they need.
Also, encourage your staff to share feedback - what do they like, how has it helped, but also, what is still confusing or not as intuitive? Give them opportunities to share their thoughts and experiences, and maybe even put out a box that they can share their feedback anonymously to increase participation.
Please note: here at Famly we love sharing creative activities for you to try with the children at your setting, but you know them best. Take the time to consider adaptions you might need to make so these activities are accessible and developmentally appropriate for the children you work with. Just as you ordinarily would, conduct risk assessments for your children and your setting before undertaking new activities, and ensure you and your staff are following your own health and safety guidelines.
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