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(Unit 6) Topic 8: Mindful Leadership

3 Clock Hour of Early Childhood Education

Team Building for ECE Educators

Topic 8 Page 17

Working in an early childhood program can be a challenge and having a solid team foundation with healthy morale will benefit the entire program in many ways. Some centers focus on this a great deal while others tend to neglect staff team building in favor of more academic pursuits. As each center is quite different, it's important to prioritize based on your program's needs but do not leave out team building entirely.

Some common team building exercises and events for early childhood programs:

Staff Night Out
One night each month there is a staff only get together at a local restaurant, event, or park. Some centers rotate a new person each month to choose the location and others leave the decision up to a "social committee."

Outdoor Recreation
Staff members participate in an outdoor recreation activity of some type. The options are endless for this idea and rely heavily on your area and the interests of your group. Kayaking, hiking, skiing, beach-combing, or even a trip to a local zoo are all viable options.

Potlucks and Barbecues
Many workplaces organize a seasonal company potluck or barbecue event. Usually family members also attend and give staff members opportunities to meet their coworker's families in a low pressure environment.

Holiday Events
Thinking past the annual Christmas party, consider other holiday celebrations that are either inclusive and culturally focused or that revolve around fun and silly calendar dates. National Apple Pie Day may be a great opportunity to get staff members together for a pie baking contest. Likewise, embrace National Purple Day and encourage staff to wear as much purple as they can!

Video: Team Building for Preschool Teachers : Preschool Teacher Tips
Source: EHow Education
Length: 3:03
Click here to view this video on YouTube