Create a Comprehensive Employee Handbook for Your Childcare Company

A strong childcare employee handbook is a must-have for any Early Childhood Education business. It tells your team exactly what you expect from them and exactly what they can expect from you — and it protects your business legally when things get complicated. In this guide, you will learn what a great handbook covers, section by section, so you can build (or refresh) one that actually pulls its weight.

What Is a Childcare Employee Handbook?

An employee handbook is a manual of your company’s mission, vision, policies, procedures, expectations, and provisions for employees. In short, it captures everything you want every team member to know about working for your childcare company.

A good handbook does three things at once. It tells staff the rules. It tells them what they earn in return. As a result, it also protects your business from legal liability when disputes arise.

Building one is no small task. Beyond your own center’s specifics, you must also reflect federal and state regulations that apply to you. For that reason, we recommend working with a professional HR consultant — and in many cases an employment attorney — to make sure your handbook covers the essentials in the correct legal language. SHRM maintains a solid overview of current best practices.

What to Include in a Childcare Employee Handbook

Below are the sections every childcare handbook should have. Customize the language for your center, but do not skip any category.

1. Company Mission, Vision, and Values

Lead with your “why.” What is the goal of your childcare business? What vision drives your day-to-day decisions? What values does your team champion together?

This section gives staff a sense of purpose and identity. In addition, it sets the tone for every policy that follows.

2. Compensation,