Great Hires, Great Care: Leadership Insights on Smart Staffing

Welcome😊🖍️

As the back-to-school season approaches, many of our valued summer staff are preparing to say their goodbyes. While their departures are expected, the transitions still bring an important challenge: how do we ensure that the people we hire next are not just warm bodies to meet the ratio, but truly the right fit for our classrooms, our families, and our team culture? In a high-quality, year-round program like ours, every hire matters, and the decisions we make now will impact our program well into the school year.

So, the real question is: what does a good hire look like, and how can we plan thoughtfully to find them?

What Does a Good Hire Look Like in a High-Quality Early Childhood Program?

A good hire is more than someone who meets licensing requirements or fills a staffing gap. In a high-quality, year-round early childhood program, a great hire is someone who:

1. Puts Children First🚸

• Demonstrates genuine love and respect for children.

• Prioritizes child safety, well-being, and development.

• Understands appropriate age practices and emotional needs.

2. Is Emotionally Intelligent💡

• Shows patience, empathy, and the ability to regulate emotions.

• Builds trust and nurturing relationships with children and families.

• Works calmly under pressure (e.g., crying babies, upset parents, busy rooms).

3. Is a Team Player🤜🏼🤛🏼

• Communicates clearly and respectfully with coworkers and leadership.

• Is reliable, flexible, and willing to pitch in when needed.

• Fosters a positive, collaborative classroom and workplace culture.

4. Is Competent & Committed💗

• Meets or exceeds licensing/certification requirements.

• Has a strong understanding of early childhood development.

• Invests in professional growth and reflects on their own practice.

5. Aligns with the Program’s Philosophy💭

• Understands and supports the center’s values, mission, and approach.

• Contributes to a consistent and intentional learning environment.

• Respects diversity and practices inclusively.

6. Communicates Well with Families🗣️

• Builds trusting relationships with parents and caregivers.

• Shares information professionally and compassionately.

• Helps bridge the gap between home and school.

As you build your vision of what a good hire looks like it is important to bring your current team in on the process. When your team is involved in defining and upholding what "high quality" looks like in a hire, they feel more responsible for helping new staff succeed. That’s leadership in action, and it’s contagious!

Here are some exciting ideas to engage your team:

Aligning🟰 Your Team Around What a "Good Hire" Looks Like:

Hiring the right person starts with clarity, and that clarity doesn't just come from leadership alone. It comes from your entire team being aligned on what your center stands for and who belongs to it.

Before you post the next job opening or start reviewing applications, take time to talk with your current teachers about what makes someone a great fit for your center. Every program has its own rhythm, values, and standards, and your hiring decisions should reflect that.

 Why Team Input👉🏼 Matters:

• They live the job every day and know what traits lead to success (or struggle).

• They help shape the culture, and their buy-in matters when welcoming new team members.

• They notice gaps or needs in the team dynamic that you may not see from a leadership seat.

How to Tighten the Vision🔍:

• Host a short team meeting or informal check-in with lead teachers.

• Ask:

  • “What qualities make someone a great coworker here?”

  • “What’s one thing you wish every new hire knew before starting?”

  • “What values do we want new staff to reflect with families and kids?”

Use this input to update your internal definition of a good hire, and even your interview questions or onboarding process. (Check out our newsletter on interviewing)

As we move into this next season, remember that every hiring decision shapes more than just our daily schedules; it shapes the heart of our program. When we take the time to define what a good hire looks like, involve our teams in the process, and stay rooted in our mission, we build more than staffing coverage, we build continuity, trust, and care. Great hires don’t just meet the moment; they carry our vision forward. Let’s commit to hiring with intention, clarity, and heart—because our children, families, and teams deserve nothing less.

Till Next Time,

Jen Sprafka📋

P.S. Want help staying consistent when hiring👀?
Grab our free Hiring Scorecard Template to guide interviews and make confident decisions. 👉 [Click here]