You’re here! You’ve made it through what some might consider the most stressful part of a new job – the application and interviewing process. But now you’re feeling those anxious feelings all over again as you get ready for your first day. You are so excited about this new job - but meeting new coworkers, setting up time with your manager, starting new work schedules, changing your transportation route, training for your role, meeting the children and their families and learning new traditions and company initiatives – it’s a lot! It’s in that Venn Diagram of anxiety and excitement. But, you’re here and leaning into all of it.
Your first 100 days at KinderCare Learning Companies or any organization is more vital than any days after. 100 days is enough time to get acclimated and understand more about the company, how committed you want to be to the company’s success, your perspectives on your new team, what your role expectations are, and where you’d like to see yourself grow.
We’ve come up with our top tips on how to make the best use of your first 100 days at KinderCare Learning Companies, or really with any company.
1: The foundation
Before you can run, you have to understand the mechanics of crawling and walking. As you learn all of that, you need to understand the rules of the road. The first step is to focus on understanding the policies, processes, and procedures. This is a helpful step to make sure you have the proper information you need to get started. This is directly tied to the success you’ll have in long-term. These policies, processes, and procedures provide you with the ground rules to be successful at the company, with your team, and with your students and families.
2: Get the tools
Your employer should provide you with orientation and training for you to be successful in your new role. At KinderCare, you will have videos, in-person training and additional online opportunities to continue your development. The company is investing in you and you need to take advantage of all of these opportunities. Your growth is important to you and to us.
3: Sharpen those pencils
While it may seem like a bit of a boring step, filling out your paperwork can set you back if it is forgotten. So, sharpen those pencils, or adjust your keyboard and get all your information, forms, and requirements filled in and turned in.
4: Remain curious
Like the amazing Ted Lasso says, “Be curious, not judgmental,” and ask questions. Never assume anything and begin your career with an open approach. It’s not possible to know everything in a new situation, so don’t hesitate to ask questions.
5: Connect with your leaders
Building a sound relationship with your leaders and managers will make your days fly by, even the hard ones. So, spend time early on in your journey with KinderCare meeting your manager. Not every manager will have the capacity to help train you but take advantage of the moments you have with your manager to ask questions about expectations, growth opportunities, and ways to connect with your team, the manager, and the leaders in the region. Find out about their goals and the goals for the center. When you have a clear line of sight in those goals, you will see how important your role is in everyone achieving those goals together.
6: Get involved
Just like your school days, you get more out of them when you participate in company activities. Think of these events as an opportunity to learn more about the culture and how you can be more involved. Look for ways to connect with your team, your manager and your leaders.
So, what do you think? You ready to make the best of these 100 days?! Use #firstdaykce and let us know what’s made your first 100 days a success!
