I have started working on an online induction package for new coordinators in FDC. This is a package that I have been procrastinating on because we already complete a face to face one and mostly because it is so difficult to completely define a coordinators role – particularly when every service has its own little intricacies. So, I started off thinking about my beginnings in family day care (feels like forever ago) and those little things that gave me some ‘ah-ha!’ moments as well as those things that I wish I had known. It became bigger than Ben Hur so I then had to edit to find out what was me or service specific and what was likely to be experienced across the board for new coordinators. Luckily for me, I have also been involved in mentoring new coordinators so could compare their experiences with mine to narrow it down further.
I have found these common hurdles so far, but I am sure that there are many others:
- Challenging conversations
- Programming and planning
- Balancing support with compliance
- Communicating effectively
- Building relationships
I know that there all of you will have different priorities about what a new coordinator needs so feel free to drop your suggestions into the