Use this checklist to reflect on your management practices and evaluate your responsiveness to staff and families. This can be used to identify some of your strengths and growth areas as a manager.
Key: 1: Never 2: Rarely 3: Occasionally 4: Frequently 5: Always
Response Quality
I respond to messages from staff and families in a timely manner (within 24–48 hours).
I maintain a calm and positive attitude, even when managing difficult situations and conversations.
I listen and ask clarifying questions to make sure I understand before responding to others.
I acknowledge and validate staff members’ and families’ feelings, even if I do not agree with them.
Team Building
I communicate regularly with families about how they can get involved in the program.
I make time to have regular, one-on-one meetings with all staff members.
I provide time for staff members to socialize with one another and make connections across classrooms and teams.
I practice shared decision-making and give all staff members a voice in making program-wide decisions.
Cultivating Staff Morale
I share positive feedback and appreciation for staff and families on a regular basis.
I use multiple ways of showing my appreciation for staff.
I offer constructive feedback to staff in private.
I organize program-wide staff appreciation events and activities.
Support
I maintain knowledge and connections to local agencies that can support staff members and families during difficult times.
I am aware of what is going on in families’ and staff members’ lives (within reason).
I pitch in and help with direct care tasks or covering breaks when needed.
I am fair in how I support all staff members. I do not show favoritism or avoid staff who I am not fond of.