Read through the following resources to learn more about considerations and look-fors when evaluating staff handbooks.

• Child Care Aware: Developing Policies and Procedures
• Administration standards for Child and Youth Development Programs provided by the Council on Accreditation (COA)

Finally, look through the staff handbook for Salem State Preschool Program. Think about how this handbook compares to the one used in your program. Identify areas or policies that may be improved upon.

1. What strengths do you notice in this staff handbook? What changes would you make to it, if any?
    
2. How does the staff handbook demonstrate this program’s commitment to positive relationships between staff, children, and families?
    
3. What meaningful similarities or differences did you notice between your program’s staff handbook and this program’s handbook?
    
4. What relevant changes would you like to make to your own program’s staff handbook (if any) based on what you’ve noticed while working on this activity?