Topics
Child Care Staffing: Take Your Time with Hiring and Act Swiftly on Terminations
A thoughtful hiring process—and timely action on terminations—protects children, families, staff, and your program.
Why Hiring and Termination Decisions Matter
Staffing choices directly shape children’s safety, family trust, team morale, and your business reputation. Taking your time when hiring—and acting quickly when someone is not a fit—keeps your program strong and stable.
Impacts of Keeping Underperforming Staff
When a staff member consistently struggles or behaves inappropriately, the ripple effect can harm children, families, coworkers, and your business.
Handling Performance Concerns & Terminations
Clear expectations, careful documentation, and a professional termination process help you protect your program and uphold your values.
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1
Document Clearly
Maintain records of concerns, violations, and corrective steps. Strong documentation shows just cause and protects your program.
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2
Address Concerns Quickly
Give direct feedback, follow your policies, and provide opportunities to improve.
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3
Use Proper Termination Steps
If termination is necessary, meet privately, be clear and brief, include a witness, and cover final logistics. Immediately revoke access to systems.
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4
Support Remaining Staff
Reassure your team, reinforce program values, and invest in morale through recognition, development, and fair compensation.
Hiring Guidance
Thoughtful hiring prevents future challenges. Behavior-based interview questions help you understand how a candidate has acted—not just what they intend to do.
Asking the Right Interview Questions
Use questions that ask candidates to describe real past situations and what they did, not what they think they would do.
Always Check References
Even if past employers can’t share everything, thoughtful questions reveal meaningful insights. Ask if they would rehire the person, what role they’d thrive in, and whether any concerns came up.
If references don’t return calls—or answer vaguely—that’s a red flag.
Needing more resources?
Check out these practical strategies for recruiting and selecting strong child care staff.