Free resource · yours to keep

For childcare centers & preschools

The Staff Onboarding Checklist

Everything a new hire needs in their first 90 days — so nothing slips through the cracks, and they actually walk in feeling ready.

🗂️ 5 phases ✅ 32 steps 🖨️ Print & hand to your buddy-mentor

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How to use it: print this out, assign each new hire a buddy-mentor, and check the boxes together as you go. Work top to bottom — each phase builds on the last so nobody gets overwhelmed on day one.

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Phase 1

Before Day 1 — Get Ready

Before they start

Do the paperwork and prep now so their first day is about people, not forms.

Start background checks & fingerprinting

Verify credentials (CPR/First Aid, CDA, transcripts)

Create their personnel file with every required doc

Send new-hire paperwork (W-4, I-9, direct deposit)

Send the employee handbook to sign & acknowledge

Email a warm welcome + Day 1 details (time, parking, dress, what to bring)

Assign a buddy-mentor for their first weeks

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Phase 2

Day 1 — Welcome & Orient

First day

Make them feel like they belong, and show them how to stay safe and oriented.

Warm welcome + introduce the whole team

Tour: exits, first-aid kits, evacuation spot, allergy postings, diaper/food areas

Walk through the one-page Week 1 schedule

Emergency procedures + mandated-reporter basics

Sign-in/out, ratios, and the daily schedule

Set up logins (attendance & family-communication apps)

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Phase 3

Week 1 — Learn the Essentials

First week

Hands-on practice with the buddy nearby beats reading a binder alone.

Health & safety: handwashing, gloves, diapering, sanitizing

Walk through incident/accident reports & medication paperwork

Shadow the buddy in the classroom

Role-play friendly drop-off & pick-up conversations

Lead a short circle time or snack with buddy nearby

Cover state licensing basics that apply to their room

First check-in: one strength + one next step

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Phase 4

First 30 Days — Build Confidence

Weeks 2–4

Move from shadowing to leading, with steady support and clear expectations.

Curriculum & lesson-planning expectations

Positive guidance & classroom management approach

Family communication rhythm (daily notes, apps)

Finish required Health & Safety / orientation training

Weekly check-ins with director or mentor

Observation & documentation standards

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Phase 5

60–90 Days — Fully Ready

Months 2–3

They're running the room. Now review, realign, and celebrate.

Running the classroom independently

Performance & goals review

Two-way feedback: what's working, what they need

Set an ongoing professional-development plan

Celebrate — they made it. Welcome to the team! 🎉

You're on the calendar 🎉

This checklist is yours to keep — see you on our call.

Print it, hand it to your buddy-mentors, and start using it today. On our call we'll walk through your center's orientation together and show how Onboard Buddy turns your handbook and policies into a first week your new hires actually finish.

Tip: add the call to your calendar now so it doesn't slip. · onboardbuddy.co