Chat Transcripts

Topic

Chat Session 5

Date

2025-05-19

Group ID

0

Course ID

296893

User List

Ascheman, Rosalie Brank, Nicole Evans, Casey Frazier, April Kirchoff, Heather Maameri, Ratiba Moua, Pa Houa Notch, Kristin Peralta, Mirla Quinn, Alyson Roering, Angela Ross, Amber Yoswa, Toni {Hafner, Nancy}

User	Timestamp	Message
{Hafner, Nancy}	06:51:25 pm	Welcome to the final chat of our course, Developing Human Resources in Early Childhood Programs! If you have a question or issue you would like us to discuss tonight, please put it in the chat as your intro response!
Ascheman, Rosalie	06:51:52 pm	Is there a rubric to follow for the Employee Evaluation Form?
{Hafner, Nancy}	06:55:03 pm	There is no rubric for completing the form, Rosalie. There is a Final Assignment Rubric for your reference. The EEF is something to guide your writing of the final reflection assignment.
Brank, Nicole	06:56:31 pm	Good evening!
{Hafner, Nancy}	06:57:05 pm	Hello everyone! Did that explanation help you, Rosalie?
Ascheman, Rosalie	06:57:36 pm	Yes, thank you!
{Hafner, Nancy}	06:59:20 pm	Did you pull out your winter jacket today? I had to wear a hat and gloves walking my dog this afternoon - yuk!
Yoswa, Toni	06:59:44 pm	Yes! Just left daughter's soccer and it was freezing! Even wore a hat! lol
Brank, Nicole	06:59:53 pm	It was chilly!
Frazier, April	06:54:06 pm	Good evening! It was so cold out! I did pull out one of my winter coats, not my heavy duty one but definitely wore one of them.
{Hafner, Nancy}	07:01:06 pm	If you have a question or issue you would like us to discuss tonight, please put it in the chat as your intro response!
Yoswa, Toni	07:01:08 pm	*
Brank, Nicole	07:01:18 pm	*
Evans, Casey	07:01:31 pm	*
Maameri, Ratiba	07:01:36 pm	I was happy this year I starting early putting away all my winter clothes, but end up using some of them again
Roering, Angela	07:01:37 pm	*
Kirchoff, Heather	07:01:39 pm	*
Maameri, Ratiba	07:01:41 pm	*
Frazier, April	06:55:39 pm	Toni, my son decided not to do Lacross this spring and I was ok with it for sure. It got cold a rainy a lot, and I am a hockey mom and would have rather sat in the rink then the cold wet field!
Frazier, April	06:55:52 pm	*
{Hafner, Nancy}	07:02:12 pm	It's 7:01 and time to get started!
Notch, Kristin	07:02:20 pm	We were supposed to have a picnic at school today and it unfortunately was canceled.
Ascheman, Rosalie	07:02:38 pm	*
Brank, Nicole	07:02:42 pm	*
Roering, Angela	07:02:45 pm	*
Frazier, April	06:56:46 pm	*
Kirchoff, Heather	07:02:49 pm	*
Evans, Casey	07:02:50 pm	*
Maameri, Ratiba	07:02:57 pm	Friday is our Preschool Graduation, hopping to do it outside
Maameri, Ratiba	07:03:00 pm	*
Notch, Kristin	07:03:25 pm	*
{Hafner, Nancy}	07:03:48 pm	I appreciated hearing your thoughts, ideas, and approaches to how you are embedding appreciative inquiry into your work or future planning. Before we start the "official" questions for tonight, I would like to reiterate the difference between the AI model and the Principles.
Quinn, Alyson	07:03:42 pm	Things to discuss - having long term staff that are good teachers, but are horrible at receiving feedback, thus limiting their growth and the program's growth.
Brank, Nicole	07:03:58 pm	*
Quinn, Alyson	07:04:04 pm	*
Yoswa, Toni	07:04:10 pm	*
Kirchoff, Heather	07:04:11 pm	*
Notch, Kristin	07:04:12 pm	*
Roering, Angela	07:04:14 pm	*
Frazier, April	06:58:17 pm	*
Peralta, Mirla	07:04:39 pm	*
Ross, Amber	07:04:56 pm	Sorry! My computer decided to update!
Moua, Pa Houa	07:10:36 pm	*
{Hafner, Nancy}	07:06:05 pm	The Appreciative Inquiry model uses questions and dialogue to help participants uncover assets (their own or others), strengths (of self, others, program), advantages, or opportunities to address change. The 5 principles guide that work
{Hafner, Nancy}	07:06:30 pm	Alyson, I made a note and will do my best to get to your question/Comment
{Hafner, Nancy}	07:07:07 pm	A question for you own professional growth - How will the AI approach benefit your leadership development and programming?
Maameri, Ratiba	07:07:07 pm	AI is a model or approach and the principals are its building blocks, right?
Kirchoff, Heather	07:08:02 pm	This is a benefit my leadership and programming because it (hopefully!) promises productivity and sustainability if done correctly - rather than the very cyclical hammer coming down and changes being made for awhile.. Until everyone falls back into old habits.
Maameri, Ratiba	07:08:26 pm	Appreciative Inquiry (AI) will help me shift my focus from problems to strengths, to creating a more positive culture, and a safe space for dialogue and feedback. It will help me be more optimistic, and have a forward-thinking mindset.
{Hafner, Nancy}	07:08:52 pm	Yes, Ratiba, that is correct! The principles can be applied to various situations you as a leader may encounter
Evans, Casey	07:08:47 pm	**Asking questions is the best way to gain information through experience. Using that information will allow me to direct my team on the path that is needed (whether it be training or interactive play of classroom situations,) for our team to be the most successful.
Frazier, April	07:02:58 pm	This way can definitely help and benefit my leadership development and program for a couple reasons. One is that the staff will feel more comfortable coming to you with questions or problems and another is that it makes them think themselves how to turn a negative situation into a positive and possibly problem solve themselves.
Ross, Amber	07:08:57 pm	Shifting my thoughts/comments, ect to positive
Yoswa, Toni	07:09:10 pm	AI approach will help my leadership with providing feedback. Having that model to approach topics with positivity and encouraging growth and development based off their current strengths and inquiring on how to build them up and expand skill sets.
Brank, Nicole	07:09:23 pm	The AI approach will benefit leadership development and training because it will help me find strengths and help me find info about staff to help staff with what they need help by providing feedback.
Ascheman, Rosalie	07:09:47 pm	I like that it gives you specific ways to lead with the 5Ds
Roering, Angela	07:10:10 pm	Using the AI approach can benefit my leadership by focusing on strengths, asking constructive questions, and engaging the team in positive conversations. It can help bring out the best in everyone.
Notch, Kristin	07:10:11 pm	I got confused reading the article, because it made it sound like AI only focuses on the positive. However, I think AI will help me to find strengths and ways to communicate with staff focusing on the positive and building on what we are already doing well, while also working towards our goals.
Quinn, Alyson	07:10:23 pm	Assets based approach to all things. I have re-arranged the staff wrap up week to be more teacher led and collaborative. Finding strengths is key to building morale, too! Seeing each other in a strengths sense helps us all hone in on each other's talents.
Quinn, Alyson	07:10:52 pm	but thanks, Kristin -I was a little confused too.
Evans, Casey	07:11:00 pm	**I like to talk about negatives, in a healthy-positive feeling manner.
{Hafner, Nancy}	07:12:31 pm	I believe so, Kristin. AI takes time to engage in with fidelity and a productive outcome. The principles, however, can be applied to daily leadership interactions. E.g. Principle of Simultaneity - "the moment we ask a question, we begin to create (or instill) change"
Maameri, Ratiba	07:12:34 pm	It awesome to use AI for interviews and staff evaluation, and giving feedback day to day, I feel more professional, more confident, more caring, and with a vision for the future
Moua, Pa Houa	07:17:50 pm	AI approach will help build a stronger team. with great feedback i think it will reduces disagreement, and focusing on building onto others skills and even add onto their personality.
{Hafner, Nancy}	07:13:21 pm	That is all we will discuss tonight on AI, let's move on to teamwork. Here are tonight's learning objectives: *
Brank, Nicole	07:13:18 pm	*
Moua, Pa Houa	07:18:41 pm	*
Roering, Angela	07:13:26 pm	*
Frazier, April	07:07:27 pm	*
Maameri, Ratiba	07:13:31 pm	*
Ascheman, Rosalie	07:13:26 pm	*
Kirchoff, Heather	07:13:30 pm	*
Ross, Amber	07:13:28 pm	*
Yoswa, Toni	07:13:32 pm	*
Notch, Kristin	07:13:35 pm	*
{Hafner, Nancy}	07:13:58 pm	Identify two techniques to build positive morale and enhance employee motivation ● Describe a process for delegating tasks as a means to develop employee competence
{Hafner, Nancy}	07:14:30 pm	Describe 1-2 team building activities you have implemented in your early learning program. What worked well and what needed improvement?
Quinn, Alyson	07:15:35 pm	1. I was thinking about having the staff answer interview questions in a speed-dating kind of format, for each other, to hear each other's meaningful answers. 2. I want to ask more questions more often. A teacher told me to approach from a place of curisosity, which I do with children, but need to more with adults.
Kirchoff, Heather	07:16:03 pm	We have done numerous team outings (like dinner, trivia, bingo) - but the one that seems to be the most beneficial was the implementation of a summer volleyball team that plays in the local league. The skill and ability range is so vast that it really is all about valuing the contrast, learning to laugh at the shortfalls, and seeing how the common goal of fun over victory brings the staff together. When a win does happen, it is THAT much sweeter. No one takes anyone too seriously and actually you see a little of the AI approach happening organically as they pinpoint eachother’s assets and analyze the times they’ve played their best, and how to recreate those set ups. There are a handful of staff that don't participate, and I think I need to improve on finding activities that ALL staff are engaged with and show up to, otherwise I risk some "other"ing of a few teachers and miss an opportunity for the cohesiveness of the WHOLE team.
Ascheman, Rosalie	07:16:12 pm	I give tasks based on what they enjoy doing. It's hard to do something if you don't like it. I set the expectations, and if they are not met, I help to meet them.
Yoswa, Toni	07:16:28 pm	Holding each other accountable . This is something I have emphasized with my team. See something saying something respectfully instead of "tattling" having the accountability among peers takes some of it off management who can't see everything all the time , less "tattling/gossip" and creates that sense of accountability among themselves knowing people are holding you accountable and working together along with building each other to a higher standard.
Ross, Amber	07:16:29 pm	Have staff walk through another classroom, pointing out positives. Team building activities, weather it be at the center or out
Notch, Kristin	07:16:46 pm	Noticing when staff are going above and beyond and thanking them for it, either with your words, a shout out at a meeting or a thank you card. Another technique to build positive morale is to simply listen to your staff and if don't dismiss their concerns or ideas.
Ross, Amber	07:16:59 pm	I try to find out what goals my staff have, connecting them to tasks that will help build them for that position
Notch, Kristin	07:17:24 pm	A way to delegate tasks is to have a set list of tasks that need to be accomplished and staff can sign up for a task that interests them or fits their strength.
Quinn, Alyson	07:17:35 pm	I try to delegate tasks based upon skills and interest and temperament. ie the laundry switcher is a person who gets socially overwhelmed, so leaving the classroom at the end of the day helps her reset. Rotation of tasks helps us to take care of eachother is someone is running late or out.
Ascheman, Rosalie	07:17:33 pm	I haven't really implemented team building activities, but we serve a soup kitchen together during lent in our church. It's a great way to see everyone's strengths. I'd like to implement a more fun thing to do!
Ross, Amber	07:17:52 pm	Kristin-Yes. listening to them! They don't always want an answer or need an answer right away. But just listening!
Roering, Angela	07:18:01 pm	We’ve done a few team-building activities, such as potlucks and staff dress-up days. The activities that went the best were the ones led by teachers rather than administration. When teachers took the lead, there was more enthusiasm and participation, likely because the ideas felt more personal and fun.
Ascheman, Rosalie	07:18:17 pm	I suppose staff dress up days count as well! We do a lot of them!
Evans, Casey	07:18:23 pm	1. One on one "catch-ups", having monthly meetings with each staff member to check in with them, inside and outside of work, make sure they know that I care about their well-being entirely, because a staff member that feels strongly supported- strongly shows up for the team 2. I would like to create more 'if you are available' get togethers with my staff. I recently just had a BBQ at my home, children were welcome, it was just one center based kind of (just worked out that way) but it was fantastic! It really was like a family getting together for a picnic or family day in the park!
Quinn, Alyson	07:18:40 pm	Fun things: Kayak the Mississippi together, scavenger hunt on teams, art/creation stations, meals together, and yoga together.
Frazier, April	07:12:47 pm	The big one I can think of is our monthly staff meetings, we laugh a lot at them and seems to be the time where we are all together. We have done bowling or try to meet up for lunch, but it is optional and not everyone joins in. We do center art for the entryways and the staff all participate in them. I would love to see more team building with our staff.
Brank, Nicole	07:18:51 pm	We have done dinner and game night, (we have not had a great turn out as they are not mandatory). I think if the center paid for it and made it mandatory people would come. If we do simple things like dress up days more people participate.
Brank, Nicole	07:19:18 pm	Alyson, love the idea for Kayaking!
Notch, Kristin	07:19:40 pm	Team building activities we have done are going ax throwing, getting together for a meal and a pontoon ride in the summer. We also work on team building during our monthly team meetings.
Maameri, Ratiba	07:19:55 pm	color basket, Write two things about yourself that you think no one knows about. I select some of the information shared and read for all staff to guess who is the person,..) we go hiking together , picnics, Hanna,...
{Hafner, Nancy}	07:20:08 pm	Your staff, the environment/organizational climate, and communication all contribute to the "morale" of your program. The activties and experiences, expectations you have, how you engage with individuals and groups are all great examples of building your team.
Ross, Amber	07:19:57 pm	So many great ideas!
Quinn, Alyson	07:20:03 pm	Check out Paddle Share! You have to reserve in advance, but there are clear pick up and drop off sites. Plus, the heron rookery is so cool from the water!
{Hafner, Nancy}	07:20:36 pm	This might be a chat you want to re-read!!!
{Hafner, Nancy}	07:21:03 pm	Some of you have addressed this question already, but I am going to post it anyway *
Kirchoff, Heather	07:21:06 pm	*
Ascheman, Rosalie	07:21:02 pm	*
Brank, Nicole	07:21:07 pm	*
Ross, Amber	07:21:05 pm	*
Frazier, April	07:15:07 pm	*
Roering, Angela	07:21:14 pm	*
Quinn, Alyson	07:21:19 pm	oh, and supporting eachother's events - cheering on a runner, visiting a kid's play, going to a husband's rock band concert, etc.
Quinn, Alyson	07:21:20 pm	*
Yoswa, Toni	07:21:21 pm	*
Notch, Kristin	07:21:39 pm	*
{Hafner, Nancy}	07:21:52 pm	How do your team members learn your expectations for teamwork? How do you evaluate and reward teamwork? You can answer one or both of these questions
Moua, Pa Houa	07:27:25 pm	angela, i was thinking thinking so hard, not knowing what i would say. but yess potluck and dress up weeks are like team building activities. I guess it never see it that way. around holidays the staff we take turn making poster for outfit themes.
Moua, Pa Houa	07:27:26 pm	*
Peralta, Mirla	07:22:16 pm	One meaningful experience I remember from my time working in early childhood centers was organizing a Festival of Nations. This event brought together teachers, families, and their loved ones to celebrate cultural diversity by sharing traditional dishes from their native countries or family heritage. It was a beautiful way to foster a sense of community, promote inclusion, and create a deeper connection among all participants. The shared experience not only enriched the children’s learning but also strengthened relationships between families and staff.
Ross, Amber	07:23:15 pm	I set expectations from the beginning and make sure they are all on the same page.
Yoswa, Toni	07:23:28 pm	Interview , onboarding , daily plan/ agendas , staff trainings/ meetings .. teamwork is a forfront of meeting daily expectations
Kirchoff, Heather	07:23:40 pm	From daily happenings - observing it happening amongst peers, seeing us ask others to bend a little and others stepping up, so then when we come to them or they go to each other they have seen collaboration in action and feel comfortable giving extra or asking for help. This question was a bit tough for me to evaluate because I hadn't asked myself this before, and now I think I'll be more purposeful with it.
Ross, Amber	07:23:44 pm	I will also have my leaders reach out to each other for simple questions that I know another one knows the answer to.
Ross, Amber	07:23:51 pm	Help build that connection
{Hafner, Nancy}	07:24:04 pm	Nicole, you bring up a good point about compensation for "extra" activities. Even though they are optional, should staff be rewarded for their attendance? This might be a good AI conversation at a staff meeting! DEFINITION: How does our program value teamwork?
Ascheman, Rosalie	07:23:57 pm	Setting expectations and discussing values! Rewarding this teamwork could be verbal recognition
Brank, Nicole	07:24:10 pm	Our center uses the Motivosity app, where each employee gets $5 to spend each month and you do a shout out when you notice a team make going above and beyond. When I look into rewarding my monthy $5 I look for staff members that went out of there way to do something, help someone.
Quinn, Alyson	07:24:39 pm	I go over expectations early in the year, but also have a working document with links for the expectations and purpose of each part of the day (courtyard time, small groups, reflection, etc). I re-share this document throughout the year, where we add bullet points of new ideas or improvements. It keeps it collaboratiive and grounds us in common goals for each step of the day.
Maameri, Ratiba	07:24:48 pm	We talk about it from the beginning, starting from the interview, 0n-boarding and check-ins, we plan opportunities for them to work with others in a project or simply helping in classrooms.
Roering, Angela	07:24:49 pm	We set expectations for teamwork through individual coaching, team meetings, professional development training days, and one-on-one check-ins. We evaluate by observing daily interactions and try to recognize staff verbally when we see team members going above and beyond.
{Hafner, Nancy}	07:25:02 pm	Mirla, I think your event is a wonderful opportunity to build a sense of community within a program!
Frazier, April	07:19:10 pm	I feel like at our interview, orientation and training process we talk so much about how we are a family and how we are there for each other. Then the tone is set in the classroom and us directors and training staff checking in on them and the rest of the teaching teams daily. We do have our hiccups but as a team we seem to get past them.
Yoswa, Toni	07:25:38 pm	We have a point system where they can redeem points for going above and beyond .. and we have fake cash called "Goddard bucks" with a store in the office to redeem for things like uniforms , gift cards, etc
Notch, Kristin	07:26:16 pm	Our team members learn the expectations for teamwork during our orientation time in August. We then revisit them during our monthly staff meetings, if needed. Teamwork is rewarded and evaluated in March when we do our reviews. Teachers earn a bonus based on their performance throughout the year. Our team goals are based on Communication, Collaboration and Creativity and I have a sign in my office with all three.
Brank, Nicole	07:26:16 pm	Toni, I would love to hear more about the point system?
Ascheman, Rosalie	07:26:14 pm	I would love to set up a system like you, Nicole!
Yoswa, Toni	07:26:30 pm	Nicole ,
Maameri, Ratiba	07:27:06 pm	I like your ides Toni, in the end adults are grown-ups children, we like rewards
Brank, Nicole	07:27:06 pm	Rosalie, the only issue is not all the staff use it
Kirchoff, Heather	07:27:10 pm	I love the idea of the point system / redemption set up!
{Hafner, Nancy}	07:27:25 pm	You are learning so many great approaches to support your teams from each other tonight! Thanks for sharing everyone! Let's shift gears a bit *
Kirchoff, Heather	07:27:23 pm	*
Ross, Amber	07:27:20 pm	Nicole- I will have to look into that app
Ascheman, Rosalie	07:27:20 pm	That's unfortunate!
Ascheman, Rosalie	07:27:22 pm	*
Yoswa, Toni	07:27:28 pm	Absolutely ..it's a multi purpose tool also use it to deduct points for call ins absences , policy violations etc.. but we also reward with above and beyond etc!
Ross, Amber	07:27:25 pm	*
Brank, Nicole	07:27:29 pm	*
Peralta, Mirla	07:27:49 pm	*
Evans, Casey	07:27:51 pm	**I lay out my expectations during the interview and again, I model how we make that happen during orientation and beyond!
Frazier, April	07:21:50 pm	*
Notch, Kristin	07:28:00 pm	*
Moua, Pa Houa	07:33:18 pm	we don't do much at my center. im gonna have to steal some of the ideas from you guys and apply it to the center.
Moua, Pa Houa	07:33:20 pm	*
Roering, Angela	07:28:08 pm	*
Quinn, Alyson	07:28:24 pm	*
Maameri, Ratiba	07:28:35 pm	*
Quinn, Alyson	07:29:00 pm	Pa Houa, I also like to do training with people from other centers to collaborate once and a while and learn from each other. Maybe there is a way to connect.
Brank, Nicole	07:29:23 pm	Alyson that is a great idea!
Evans, Casey	07:29:37 pm	*
{Hafner, Nancy}	07:30:23 pm	Earlier in the chat tonight, there was mention of accountability to each other, connect staff goals to tasks, or learning about what interests your staff. When we talked about leadership styles in Week One, some of you thought of yourselves as Delegators. In what ways might delegation and teamwork be related?
Ross, Amber	07:31:17 pm	Delegating is giving a task to someone which makes a sense of community within the center.
Ascheman, Rosalie	07:31:36 pm	When you delegate tasks based on interest and strengths, you're building trust between you and your employees
Notch, Kristin	07:31:44 pm	Delegation and teamwork are related because one person can't make a great program alone. It takes a whole team of teachers/assistants working together to make a preschool or center a fun, positive, learning environment.
Evans, Casey	07:31:52 pm	**Teams have a captain. That captain models the behavior and expectations, they put their best effort into themselves and their team. Delegating is a way of "supervising" whereas teamwork is more fully involved/maybe sharing the workload.
Yoswa, Toni	07:31:56 pm	Delegation creates a sense of responsibility above and beyond the job expectation .. provides some accountability and ensure leaders are not micromanaging which can lead to ineffective teams.
Ascheman, Rosalie	07:31:55 pm	Exactly Kristin!
Kirchoff, Heather	07:32:00 pm	This is where we struggle a little! At my center, classroom tasks / cleaning lists / end of day duties are usually assigned by your “cut order”. We have run into, continuously, these expectations not being upheld. Sometimes someone who is usually the 3rd cut gets to leave early, or someone will swap times, or there’s a sub in a classroom.. And drama can ensue if its not their usual “team”; if there’s hurt feelings about something else that makes someone feel “its not their job to clean XYZ..”; or there are closing staff who see the person before them flaked on some duties so now they don’t wanna help out the next day, etc. This is an area I need to look at improving. Delegation and teamwork go hand in hand and when there is a shortfall in teamwork, it is reflected in the ability to delegate, ask for help, etc.
Moua, Pa Houa	07:37:44 pm	amber i agree, and it allows leaders to distribute task, giving everyone the chance to feel involved
Kirchoff, Heather	07:32:32 pm	(There is more to my team's delegation.. that is just what is fresh in my head from recent disagreements!)
Brank, Nicole	07:32:58 pm	Delegation is important because we can't do it alone. I think that most people in my center want to be given tasks because it is easier to do something that the director wants you to do.
Frazier, April	07:27:16 pm	You can delegate tasks to certain staff members. For example, if there is a reoccurring problem in a classroom, you can put together a team of staff to brainstorm ideas to combat whatever the issue is.
Roering, Angela	07:33:33 pm	Delegation means having a good understanding of your team’s strengths, what they enjoy, and how reliable they are. When I delegate tasks, it often helps team members feel valued and know that their contributions matter.
Kirchoff, Heather	07:33:35 pm	I sometimes feel like I cannot delegate enough because it is too hard for staff to keep up with their minimum duties - so even if I wanted to give space for creativity, leadership, and delegation.. it doesn't always seem feasible. Hoping to change this
Ross, Amber	07:33:36 pm	Nicole- Yes, sometimes they do not receive it well from their peers
Moua, Pa Houa	07:39:17 pm	it also show trust, cuz in the classroom everything moves so fast, so given a staff a task, they sometime feel like they can be trusted to take on the responsibly. it a great feeling
Quinn, Alyson	07:34:09 pm	I I hear you heather, cleaning and small tasks can build up. Delegation is a low relationship/low support behavior, so I think the first step is to build a strong relationship through supporting and coaching, which maybe can make teachers more receptive to delegation. Time is tricky, and some people don't manage it as well as others.
Maameri, Ratiba	07:34:29 pm	Delegation may help create a productive team by saving time and energy.
Ascheman, Rosalie	07:34:50 pm	That is also true, Ratiba
{Hafner, Nancy}	07:35:21 pm	Casey, in one of the articles for this week, the author used the football team analogy. You cannot create a winning team unless all players know their "position" listen to the QB/coaches, and know how to support one another.
Peralta, Mirla	07:35:27 pm	Delegation, beyond simply making the job more manageable, is one of the most powerful ways to show your team that you trust them and value their contributions. When responsibilities are shared intentionally, it communicates that each team member is a vital part of the program’s success. This not only empowers staff but also builds a stronger sense of ownership, accountability, and connection to the program’s goals. Delegation and teamwork go hand in hand—effective delegation fosters collaboration, allows individuals to bring their strengths to the forefront, and encourages mutual support. It also creates opportunities for professional growth, as staff take on new tasks and develop skills aligned with their interests and goals. In this way, delegation becomes more than just a leadership strategy—it becomes a tool for building a unified, motivated, and purpose-driven team.
Notch, Kristin	07:35:49 pm	Heather, I get that and it's very thoughtful of you to not want to add anything to staffs plates. However, you also can't do it all yourself. You will burn yourself out.
{Hafner, Nancy}	07:36:04 pm	Heather, your comment brings us to our next discussion question *
Brank, Nicole	07:36:00 pm	*
Roering, Angela	07:36:02 pm	*
Kirchoff, Heather	07:36:04 pm	*
Ross, Amber	07:36:07 pm	*
Yoswa, Toni	07:36:11 pm	*
Frazier, April	07:30:10 pm	*
Maameri, Ratiba	07:36:21 pm	*
Moua, Pa Houa	07:41:39 pm	*
Ascheman, Rosalie	07:36:20 pm	*
{Hafner, Nancy}	07:36:44 pm	What ‘director’ tasks are easily delegated? Which tasks should perhaps never be delegated?
{Hafner, Nancy}	07:37:23 pm	Well said, explanation of the connection between delegation and teamwork, Mirla!
Ross, Amber	07:37:15 pm	Anything financial should not be shared.... Unless it's planning for an event with a budget number
Kirchoff, Heather	07:37:28 pm	Effective delegation looks like a day that ends with kids and staff happy, task boxes checked off, and some semblance of sanity left. I will let you know when I figure out how to get there I am still learning all the expected director tasks and those that I have felt could be delegated (like logging illness specific to classrooms, attendance, etc) are not always as easy to let go of and have made their way back to me completed, as I thought.
Yoswa, Toni	07:38:02 pm	Easily delegated supply lists / tours when trained / kitchen responsibilities
Ross, Amber	07:37:59 pm	Newsletters, Dress up days, fun days, wOYC can be delegated
Peralta, Mirla	07:38:17 pm	Some director tasks that are easy to delegate include things like planning events, updating families, restocking supplies, or helping with social media. These tasks give staff ownership and help them feel more connected to the program. On the other hand, things like budgeting, licensing, staff evaluations, and handling confidential issues should really stay with the director. Those require leadership, discretion, and often legal responsibility. Delegation is great—but knowing what not to delegate is just as important!
Brank, Nicole	07:38:32 pm	Financial should never be delegated. I have had staff members do the monthly fun days, WOYC, Secret Santa,
Quinn, Alyson	07:38:40 pm	Oh gosh -so many cannot be delegated! Hard conversations with families and staff, finances, background checks, payroll, Any HR, board of directors reporting... licensing would be possible to share, but I am keeping all staff files confidential, so the YIS is not open to others, great start grants... I can't figure out what to delegate and need to share more!
Yoswa, Toni	07:38:47 pm	Never : coaching/ parent meetings /financial decisions / payroll
{Hafner, Nancy}	07:38:58 pm	Is there a balance between effective delegation and raising expectations in a way that morale is affected?
Quinn, Alyson	07:39:09 pm	Very nice, Mirla.
Roering, Angela	07:39:28 pm	Tasks that can be more easily delegated usually include classroom organization, lesson plans, parent reminders, and newsletters. We keep staffing issues and billing issues confidential.
Brank, Nicole	07:39:51 pm	I think there can be a balance, you want your staff to do the tasks that they need to do in the classroom before we delegate other tasks
Notch, Kristin	07:39:56 pm	A director task that can be easily delegated is giving tours of our program. Teachers know first hand how our program works, schedules, curriculum...etc. Something that shouldn't be delegated is budget, meeting planning, scholarships, handbooks, policies, grant applications, cost of tuition.
Ascheman, Rosalie	07:40:02 pm	There are some director tasks that can be delegated such as peer mentoring, online data in classrooms (check-ins/check-outs, illness, any little notes to send home) Things that should never be delegated is financials, making the final decision, or anything that would break employee confidentiality.
Evans, Casey	07:40:26 pm	**I agree - there is a lot that cannot be delegated, but that is why we are in the seat right?
Frazier, April	07:34:30 pm	Delegating cleaning list and daily/weekly tasks, curriculum expectations are both easy to delegate with your staff. Maybe having a team help with risk reductions is an ok idea, they are the ones in the class and see the risks. However, any personal information with the staff or child (files), anything that has to do with the company finances should not be delegated.
Quinn, Alyson	07:41:02 pm	I appreciate this list so much! Staff doing tours is a goal for next year, and leading the FUN activities!
Moua, Pa Houa	07:46:19 pm	when the center have important message to be send out to parents, the director doesn't sent them out but encourage teachers to follow an outline and have it sent out to the parents. i honestly like doing this task because i am get informed and are able to answer further questions from parents, and i get to connect with parents
Maameri, Ratiba	07:41:11 pm	Tasks that should rarely be delegated include core responsibilities, praise and discipline, team building, Financial matters, others can be delegated like day to day small tasks , events planning,...
{Hafner, Nancy}	07:41:23 pm	We are getting close to the end of our chat time together. Alyson posed a question I would like to open up to the group.Then I will quickly review the final assignment *
Brank, Nicole	07:41:23 pm	*
Moua, Pa Houa	07:46:43 pm	*
Ascheman, Rosalie	07:41:27 pm	There has to be a balance. If a staff member is ready for something more, they can handle more tasks. If they're not, the morale could go down immensely. It's about knowing your staff and what they can handle.
Evans, Casey	07:41:32 pm	**Empowering staff by delegating things that are within the center, to gain them kudos and appreciation from the other staff or families; newsletters, graduation board, planning a team activity or a Muffins with Mom activity for example.
Yoswa, Toni	07:41:32 pm	*
Ascheman, Rosalie	07:41:31 pm	*
Kirchoff, Heather	07:41:36 pm	*
Ross, Amber	07:41:38 pm	*
Quinn, Alyson	07:41:45 pm	*
Roering, Angela	07:41:50 pm	*
Maameri, Ratiba	07:41:56 pm	*
Peralta, Mirla	07:41:56 pm	*
{Hafner, Nancy}	07:42:09 pm	How do we support long term staff that are good teachers, but are horrible at receiving feedback, thus limiting their growth and the program's growth.
Ascheman, Rosalie	07:42:23 pm	That's a really tricky question, Alyson.
Evans, Casey	07:42:36 pm	**My heart said ' you have a happy sandwich conversation'!
Quinn, Alyson	07:42:44 pm	Thanks for asking -and sorry, I could have worded that to say "very sensitive to feedback."
Evans, Casey	07:43:09 pm	I think it can sometimes be a case of "if it isn't their idea, they aren't interested or going to do it" just like kiddos!!
Ross, Amber	07:43:23 pm	Sandwich or a straight honest conversation, with explaining to them that you are trying to help them be a better version of themselves
{Hafner, Nancy}	07:43:46 pm	I encourage you to go back to some of the readings in week four, Alyson, specifically "Four Questions to Guide Teacher's Thinking about Their Practice"
Quinn, Alyson	07:43:56 pm	Exactly. I will ask for their ideas more. And Happy sandwich was requested by them. A better version of themself. I will revisit that, Nancy. Thanks all!
Ascheman, Rosalie	07:44:16 pm	Maybe affirm their strengths before mentioning growth
Evans, Casey	07:44:28 pm	Alyson-, honestly, I have a new employee that is not great attttt allllll about receiving feedback; I had to get straight up black and white honest with them- no happy sandwich, (respectfully of course) but honestly, I saw more gain after that conversation than the 3 I had before that!
Ascheman, Rosalie	07:44:26 pm	Like Casey said, a happy sandwich
Yoswa, Toni	07:44:38 pm	Using AI method :)... explaining to them you se where they are really great in area X .. we need to expand in this area and here is the "why" always providing the why has been a huge benefit when providing this "mature" teachers who are set in their teaching styles . That is method I use when having those conversations .. the "why" is very beneficial !
{Hafner, Nancy}	07:45:17 pm	Casey, I was having a conversation with my daughter-in-law today who does a lot of program managment and leadership mentoring. They indicated that the sandwich can be difficult for some adults, as they cannot differentiate the constructive/negative feedback from the positive feedback.
Brank, Nicole	07:45:11 pm	I agree Toni, the why is very important when you are having the conversation!
Frazier, April	07:39:13 pm	Have you thought about turning it into more of a professional development for them? A goal they can help set, just steer them in the direction you want them to focus on.
Kirchoff, Heather	07:45:25 pm	That is so tough! I often ask my staff to reflect on any critiqued areas / areas with room for growth, and ask if they could wave a magic wand how they would make the environment conducive to helping them make the changes? And then I listed intently, identify with them, but deliver an honest "I see and hear that. Here is where the reality is and some options of what I can do, what I can help with, what others can change... How can we use THESE tools to get closer to that ideal for you, that helps you grow?"
Notch, Kristin	07:45:36 pm	Alyson, you took the words out of my mouth. Ask them their feedback and what ideas they have that could help them improve XYZ
Evans, Casey	07:45:39 pm	**Nancy, I agree completely.
{Hafner, Nancy}	07:46:14 pm	TIME IS UP! A quick recap of the final assignment expectations...
Frazier, April	07:40:19 pm	*
Quinn, Alyson	07:46:22 pm	Oh -I didn't realize that ! Thanks NAncy and Casey. Thanks for the valuable discussion!
Brank, Nicole	07:46:22 pm	*
Kirchoff, Heather	07:46:24 pm	*
Quinn, Alyson	07:46:25 pm	*
Moua, Pa Houa	07:51:47 pm	*
Ross, Amber	07:46:29 pm	*3
{Hafner, Nancy}	07:46:41 pm	Final Assignment: Wednesday, May 21st ● Using the Employee Evaluation Form practice writing supervisor feedback following the Appreciative Inquiry Model that was discussed in class. ● Fill out the Employee Evaluation Form ● To assist in assignment completion, refer to chats, discussions, and readings to guide your leadership development in providing positive and constructive feedback to measure and assess the performance of your staff members. ● Ensure you include what is working well and what they can do to assist in employee success. Supervisor feedback should be detailed and offer insight, coaching, and an asset-based approach.
Roering, Angela	07:46:33 pm	*
Yoswa, Toni	07:46:35 pm	*
Ascheman, Rosalie	07:46:44 pm	*
Notch, Kristin	07:46:58 pm	*
Maameri, Ratiba	07:47:10 pm	*
{Hafner, Nancy}	07:47:26 pm	You can also refer to the Final Assignment Rubric when writing your reflection; you do not need to submit the actual form.
Quinn, Alyson	07:47:18 pm	*
Evans, Casey	07:47:55 pm	*
Frazier, April	07:42:00 pm	*
Ross, Amber	07:48:06 pm	Thank you!
Maameri, Ratiba	07:48:11 pm	Thank you everyone!
Yoswa, Toni	07:48:25 pm	I enjoyed our discussions ! Thank you
Frazier, April	07:42:26 pm	This was a great class! Thank you!!
Kirchoff, Heather	07:48:32 pm	Thank you!
Brank, Nicole	07:48:34 pm	Thank you Nancy!
{Hafner, Nancy}	07:48:45 pm	Thank you everyone for a great course! I will be sending out individualized feedback on your final assignments. AND, I will see you again in July for Mission, Goals & Strategy
Evans, Casey	07:48:46 pm	Thank you, I really enjoyed this class! I love teamwork
Ascheman, Rosalie	07:48:47 pm	Thank you, Nancy!
Peralta, Mirla	07:49:10 pm	See you all! Thank you Nancy!
{Hafner, Nancy}	07:49:29 pm	Final Assignment is DUE by Wednesday night!

Chat Transcripts

Topic

Date

Group ID

Course ID

User List

Contact

customer service