2.1 Fostering a Effective Work-Force including Certification and Training

First Day Welcome and Orientation

  Warm welcome! Assign yourself or a colleague as a mentor to train on the floor with them.
 Provide an Educator Handbook (policies, philosophy, emergency procedures)
 Review the ECEBC Code of Ethics and expectations for professional conduct
 Tour of the classrooms, outdoor space, and staff areas
 Go over daily schedule, routines, and child-led approaches
 Explain documentation & communication methods (e.g., learning stories, apps, communication books etc.)
 Go over emergency procedures: fire drills, first aid locations, child safety protocols
 Provide access to curriculum resources, ELF, and any relevant center frameworks

First Week and Ongoing Support

 Shadow experienced educators to understand the centre’s rhythm
 Observe and co-facilitate learning experiences with children
 Introduce to families and support building relationships
 Check-in with supervisor or mentor at the end of the first week for feedback
 Go over daily schedule, routines, and child-led approaches Provide space for questions, reflections, and support needs
 Go over emergency procedures: fire drills, first aid locations, child safety protocols

First Month and Continuous Professional Growth

 Formal check-in with supervisor after 30 days
 Review strengths, challenges, and professional development goals
 Encourage participation in ECEBC workshops, communities of practice, or team meetings
 Continue ongoing mentorship and peer collaboration
 Invite reflections on how their practice aligns with the ELF and center’s philosophy
 Confirm they feel confident and supported in their role
 Provide ongoing feedback and appreciation
 Discuss future professional growth opportunities
 Celebrate their successful onboarding and contributions to the team!

References

British Columbia Ministry of Education. (2019). British Columbia early learning framework. Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Children and Family Development, & Early Advisory Group. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/early-learning/teach/early-learning-framework

Early Childhood Educators of British Columbia. (2021). Code of ethics. https://www.ecebc.ca/resources-merchandise/code-of-ethics