All program staff participates in at least 4 staff meetings during operational months.

Evidence must be dated within the previous 15 months and indicate that all-program staff meetings occur at least 4 times throughout the program year.

• Dated staff meeting attendance lists

OR

• Program calendar indicating staff meetings

OR

• Dated meeting notes

OR

• Dated meeting agendas

OR

• Other

Staff come together periodically to discuss program-related issues and engage in professional development activities.

Why is it important for program staff to participate in at least 4 staff meetings during operational months ?

Staff meetings can be an effective tool to improve communication, educate and inform staff, increase participation in program events, and empower employees. Staff meetings allow employees to stay informed about vital information in regards to program or policy changes, staffing updates, training opportunities, safety bulletins, or regulatory updates.

Staff meetings are also a good opportunity for staff to share ideas, concerns, or classroom challenges. Program administrators can empower staff members by encouraging them to add discussion topics to the agenda.

Staff meetings provide an opportunity for program administrators to boost morale by acknowledging staff achievements and sharing pertinent news about the program. Program administrators can often improve staff participation and interest at staff meetings by encouraging staff members to help conduct meetings (ex. Share an activity plan or classroom management strategy).

Program administrators can increase staff attendance at staff meetings by posting a staff meeting calendar on the staff communication board or in a staff lounge area. The calendar can include dates and times of scheduled staff meetings and topics to be covered.

Regularly scheduled staff meetings improve communication and help to build supportive relationships within an organization. When staff members receive regular on-going communication and contact with administrators and colleagues, they have a greater sense of connectivity to the program and they feel valued and enjoy a heightened level of satisfaction with their job.