November Message from Kharma

 

With two new lead teachers joining the early learning program next week, I wanted to take a moment to talk about staff changes and how administrators, staff, and families can work together to make the transition as smooth as possible for our little ones.

 

As you'll see, much of the this will apply when there is a new face in any classroom or a child joins a new classroom.

 

When a new teacher joins a classroom, it is important for classroom activities to remain as "normal" as possible. This includes drop-off, pick-up and everything in between.

 

As part of the transition, a familiar face and an extra set of hands can help everyone get settled. As a program coordinator, I will be spending more time in the classroom with teachers and children as everyone gets to know one another.

 

It may take a few days for children to get used to having a new face in the classroom. As a parent or caregiver, it can be helpful to actively introduce your child to this new teacher so that s/he knows that "this is the person who is going to take care of you." Your child can sense when you trust that someone will provide proper care for him/her and feel comforted by that.

 

My role is also to support the teachers as they learn to work as a team. The goal is to keep classroom activities and daily routines as "normal" as possible, and with little interruption. This way we will help the children feel as little change as possible.

 

It does take a little while to get used to change, but with attention and thought to the process, we will soon be enjoying the positive aspects that change can bring to our lives.